A Toolkit for Cities: Building a Multi-Actor Local Prevention Framework

Last updated:

28/10/2025

Publication Date:

27/10/2025

Content Type:

Chapter 9: Principles and Lessons from Strong Cities Pilots

Developing and implementing an LPF is not only a technical process but also an opportunity to strengthen trust, build civic infrastructure and foster collaboration between local government and communities. The following principles and good practices — many of which emerged through Strong Cities’ pilot projects in small and mid-sized US cities — can help ensure that local efforts are effective, sustainable and community-supported.

Human-Centred, Trauma-Informed Approach
Prevention strategies should recognise the human potential for change and understand that trauma, marginalisation and historical harm are often at the root of violence. Pilot cities found that trauma-informed approaches helped build trust and reduce defensiveness, particularly in historically over-policed communities. Cities should prioritise supportive, restorative strategies over punitive ones and respect the dignity of all individuals and communities.

Protecting Civil Rights and Liberties
Pilot partners emphasised the importance of maintaining public trust by ensuring that LPFs are consistent with constitutional rights and freedoms. Prevention strategies must avoid surveillance or enforcement-driven approaches that may undermine civil liberties. Transparent policies and strong safeguards help ensure that public safety efforts remain fair, proportionate and rights-respecting.

Inclusive, Multi-Sector Collaboration
The Strong Cities model emphasises whole-of-city collaboration — and pilot experience reinforced this value. Success was most evident in cities that built broad coalitions including local government, schools, mental and behavioural health providers, community-based organisations, faith leaders and trusted neighbourhood figures. When partners understood their unique roles and saw themselves as co-owners of the work, implementation improved.

Addressing Underlying Drivers, not Just Manifestations of Hate
Pilot cities recognised that prevention efforts must address deeper systemic issues, including racism, economic inequality, disconnection and historical trauma. Many cities used their LPF as a catalyst to reframe violence prevention as a broader effort to improve equity, opportunity and belonging. A robust LPF should align with wider city priorities, such as youth engagement, mental health access, or inclusive civic participation.

Flexibility and Local Adaptation
Every city is different. Pilot cities varied widely in their size, structure, political context and available resources. The strongest frameworks were those that adapted the model to fit local realities. Cities should design LPFs that are realistic, achievable and flexible enough to evolve. They should also be honest about limits and leverage existing strengths wherever possible.

Shared Ownership and Sustainability
Preventing hate and targeted violence is not the job of any one department or organisation — it requires shared responsibility. Pilot cities found that co-designing the LPF with trusted partners helped ensure sustained commitment beyond initial funding or leadership changes. Cities should embed prevention into existing infrastructure and services, pursue ongoing training and capacity-building and identify opportunities for long-term resourcing.