Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., and Mayor Sheng Thao of Oakland are both standing firm in defense of their cities amidst a recent surge in crime that has sparked concerns among business owners and residents.
Bowser, in an interview with Axios, acknowledged the challenges faced by Washington in the past year but urged observers not to be overly critical of the city. Despite a 36% increase in homicides and nearly doubling carjackings in the previous year, Bowser highlighted that compared to other major cities, Washington had seen declines in violent crime. She cited recent crime data indicating a positive trend, with total violent crime down by 17% and overall crime down by 12% so far this year.
In response to the rising crime rates, lawmakers in Washington, D.C., swiftly passed the Secure D.C. Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024 in early March. The comprehensive anti-crime bill, approved by the D.C. Council in a 12-1 vote, includes over 100 measures aimed at combating crime, such as increasing penalties for gun violence and organized retail theft.
Meanwhile, in Oakland, Mayor Thao and local officials have expressed optimism about the city's progress, particularly in the Hegenberger corridor leading to Oakland International Airport. Thao highlighted recent reductions in auto burglaries, theft, and robberies in the area as signs of improvement.
Council Member Treva Reid emphasized the positive impact of community investment, stating that real change is evident when resources are allocated to support the community. Thao echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the ongoing work ahead to further enhance public safety.
One notable initiative in Oakland is the deployment of 15 'safety ambassadors' in the Hegenberger corridor. These ambassadors, part of a partnership between the city and the Black Cultural Zone coalition, connect business owners with resources and community-led programs to address non-emergency and non-violent issues.
California Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to dispatch 120 California Highway Patrol officers to assist in crime reduction efforts in Oakland reflects the collaborative approach to enhancing public safety. Additionally, a group of Oakland businesses recently announced their decision to withhold tax payments until the city takes more substantial action to safeguard them against criminal activities.
