A bit of clarification: the following statement is not accurate: "The mayor's office put $50,000 into funding 5.5 outreach workers with Robertson's group after gang violence broke out last winter. But the effort, like others Robertson has worked on over the past 20 years, is temporary—it's set to expire in August."
First, the funding for Outreach comes from the Office of Youth Violence Prevention, of which I am the director. That office is under the portfolio of Commissioner Dan Saltzman and has been since January 1st, not under the Mayor's office. Second, none of grants have equalled $50,000. The current funding offered to Emanuel Community Service is almost $90,000 to cover the four months from May until August. Third, the money has not and will not run out in August, or anytime soon. The monies are in the Commissioner's ongoing budget and therefore (barring any unforeseen circumstances) will be renewed annually as part of the city's budget process. We are currently in negotiations with both of our grantee organizations (Emanuel Community Services and Brothers and Sisters Keepers).

In closing, this weekend's efforts are simply a matter of public safety, and therefore are designed to stop the violence NOW. We have been and continue to work on effective strategies to prevent future violent activities, as well as the lure and involvement in gang/ criminal/ violent activity from a long-term perspective.

Rob Ingram, Director
Office of Youth Violence Prevention
(503) 823-3584
rob.ingram@ci.portland.or.us