Working Together for a Safer, Cleaner Community

By Janelle Goodrich

On November 7th, University City Partners will host the UCity Public Safety Collaborative Forum at the Hilton University City, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to making our community a safer and more vibrant place to live, work, and play. This event is not just a meeting; it’s a call to action. 

By uniting businesses, residents, faith leaders, city and county representatives, and the police, the Forum will foster collaborative discussions on essential public safety challenges, including homelessness, trash, and crime prevention.

While these issues are complex and not unique to University City, they are increasingly affecting communities around the world. This Forum aims to shed light on these global challenges while emphasizing that localized action, accountability, and community engagement can lead to impactful change.

Addressing Trash and Cleanliness: A Shared Responsibility

The University City area has been proactive in seeking innovative solutions to its challenges. Through initiatives like the Clean Streets project and collaborations with CMPD and Code Enforcement, efforts are already underway to beautify the community and address trash accumulation. However, keeping our streets clean isn’t solely a municipal responsibility—it requires each of us to be involved and aware.

One of the most effective tools at our disposal is the Charlotte 311 app. This app empowers everyone to quickly and easily report issues like overflowing trash bins, illegal dumping, and broken streetlights. By taking a moment to report what we see, each resident becomes part of the solution, contributing to the upkeep and safety of their surroundings.

Homelessness: A Holistic Approach

The Forum will also delve into the growing issue of homelessness, not from a place of blame but from a place of compassion and understanding. Addressing homelessness requires a multi-layered approach involving outreach, support services, and effective resource allocation. The event will include experts in public safety and homelessness programs who will discuss ongoing efforts and share ways the community can be part of long-term solutions.

Collective Action for Public Safety

Recent collaborative efforts like our Clean Streets project, which involves the dedicated work of Phoenix landscape contractors and strategic partners, have shown the power of collective action. These projects serve as reminders that when local stakeholders unite around a common goal, visible improvements follow.

Through open discussions and interactive breakout sessions, the Forum will provide a platform for attendees to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for making University City cleaner, safer, and more inclusive.

A Positive Vision Forward

University City’s residents, business owners, and community leaders all have a role to play in ensuring a bright future. By participating in initiatives like this Public Safety Collaborative Forum, we acknowledge that no one person or organization can solve these challenges alone—but together, we can make a real difference. From reporting issues via the Charlotte 311 app to actively engaging in strategic discussions, each of us holds the key to a safer and cleaner community.

Join us on November 7th and be part of the solution. Let’s build a stronger, more connected University City—one that’s ready to face its challenges with unity, compassion, and innovation.