Rickenmann’s proposal asked for $802,800 for three years of funding for the office. If voted into existence as pitched, the office would include a director overseeing a team of “violence interrupters” and partnership coordinators. “We’ve got to do something different, and we’ve got to have somebody who’s a lead coordinator. Right now there’s not a lead coordinator anywhere,” he said.

The Revs. Jackie Utley and Eric Fink with faith-based group MORE Justice said they were cautiously optimistic based on the mayor’s proposal. “We’re excited that at least something positive may be happening,” Fink said.

Conversations about the affordable housing crisis here in Columbia. A podcast with two organizers from MORE Justice Columbia, Co-President Reverend Jackie Utley and Lead Organizer Lizzy Van Harn.