KINGMAN – In response to the top concerns identified in the Kingman Citizens Survey, the Kingman City Council, in partnership with Mohave County officials and local charities, held a town hall work session to address the pressing issues of crime and homelessness. The survey revealed these as the top issues facing Kingman residents.
Kingman Chief of Police, Rusty Cooper, presented a five-year comparison of the city’s crime statistics. While most statistics have remained steady, there has been a notable increase in drug-related offenses and DUIs. Chief Cooper attributes this rise to the proactive efforts of law enforcement officers in the community. Chief Cooper did state that within the relatively steady crime trends, his department has experienced an increase in violent acts by the perpetrators of crime, including youth crime.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on those who are incarcerated with mental health or substance abuse issues. Mohave County’s re-entry program provides resources for incarcerated individuals to access mental health and substance abuse support, helping them reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism.
Mohave County Community Services Director, Michael Smith, highlighted the county’s efforts to address homelessness. According to the most recent point-in-time survey, there were 921 first-time homeless individuals across Mohave County. Director Smith noted that many of these individuals are seeking to transition into stable housing. The town hall addressed available resources aimed at helping individuals transition into housing. Through partnerships with local charities and organizations, 44% of these first-time homeless individuals have successfully been housed.
Affordable housing was another key topic of discussion. Participants emphasized that reducing homelessness requires a collaborative effort from developers, citizens, and the city. Developers are encouraged to take advantage of state and federal tax incentives to build affordable housing, which in turn, can help lower crime rates and homelessness in the community.
To further support residents, the City of Kingman is developing a dedicated webpage on its government website. This resource hub will provide information on mental health services, substance abuse support, and housing resources for those in need. That website can be found at: https://www.cityofkingman.gov/residents/community-resources
This town hall work session represents a significant step in addressing the issues of crime and homelessness in Kingman. The City Council, in collaboration with Mohave County and local organizations, is committed to working together to find long-term solutions for the community.
