WASHINGTON – Mayor Jim Kenney has been recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors for the City’s leadership in reforming its criminal justice system. Today, the Mayor was named as Vice Chair of the Conference’s Criminal and Social Justice Committee. He is currently attending this year’s U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C.

The Kenney Administration has been focused on supporting diversion and treatment over incarceration, as well as emphasizing not just jobs, but finding viable career pathways for those involved with the justice system. Working with partners across Philadelphia’s criminal justice system, the City has reduced its local jail population by 20% since 2015, with an emphasis towards increasing public safety and reducing racial, ethnic, and economic based disparities in the justice system. More information about these efforts, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, can be found here.

Last year, the City created the Office of Violence Prevention to unify multiple strategies and integrate a holistic, community-based approach to meaningfully address gun violence. More information about this newly created office and its work can be found here.

The Criminal and Social Justice Committee is one of 11 standing committees in the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The Committee advises the Conference on matters including criminal justice reform, public safety, emergency management, LGBTQ issues and immigration. Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson of Gary, IN currently serves as the Committee’s Chair.

During the Annual Winter Meeting, Mayor Kenney will participate in the Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination Forum with Mayor Jenny Durkan of Seattle as well as the launch of the Mayors & CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment among other discussions and events throughout the course of the week.

Mayor Kenney will return to Philadelphia on Friday, January 26.