Department heads joined Mayor Carolin Harvey to deliver Carbondale's State of the City address to members of the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.
Dianah McGreehan -- director of the City's Violence Prevention Program -- says her goals to reduce gun violence is modeled after the City of Champaign's blueprint, launched in 2022.
She says the first goal is targeted towards active firearms offenders and those at higher risk of re-offending.
"Targeted strategies of this goal include street outreach programs, community reentry programs and formerly re-incarcerated persons and trauma-informed services to victims and people affected by gun violence."
Other goals include addressing neighborhood problems, program evaluation and a public awareness program in the upcoming year.
Tourism and Special Events coordinator Dena Haun says there are some exciting projects getting underway thanks to a $2 million Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant through its Rebuild Downtown and Main Streets program.
She says the grant funds will cover 80 percent of the cost of an Events Plaza downtown, which will break ground this spring.
"This, along with the Southern Illinois Multi-Modal Station (SIMMS) will be pivotal in the success of revitalizing and enhancing guest experiences in Carbondale. The City's tourism office will be located within the SIMMS building, positioned strategically to guide guests and welcome anyone visiting our beautiful city."
Haun says there are also plenty of plans in the works to celebrate the total solar eclipse in Carbondale on April 8, 2024.
You can view the State of the City address here.
