Baltimore City’s Community Action Lab Initiative, a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Baltimore City Innovation Team, is expanding to the Southeastern District. The initiative focuses on hands-on leadership and community development, aiming to revitalize neighborhoods and improve public safety.

Community Development and Public Safety

The second cohort of the Community Action Lab will include residents, community partners, and small business owners in the Southeastern District. Participants will learn practical skills in community development, violence prevention, environmental design, and neighborhood improvement through a paid, twelve-week leadership program. Sessions will take place from August 31 to November 20.

According to Mayor Brandon M. Scott, the Community Action Lab helps build on the city’s progress in reducing homicides and nonfatal shootings by empowering residents to enact positive change and improve public safety. Police Commissioner Richard Worley added that the initiative brings residents, businesses, and police together, giving communities a stronger voice in shaping their future.

The first cohort, which launched in April in the Northern District, included 17 participants who learned about S.M.A.R.T. goals, storytelling, and community engagement. Representatives from local universities, community planners, and BPD officers helped conduct the sessions and support the participants throughout the program.

Residents in the Southeast District interested in participating in the Community Action Lab can apply online until August 2 at 11:59 p.m. Information sessions will be held to help those interested in applying.

Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.