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The number of Chicago Public School students gunned down this year tops three dozen. Thirty-one died two years ago. Daily students skirt street organization borders to avoid threats to personal safety as they travel from home to school. Adults wring their hands in dismay, some criticizing school authorities, others seeking ore law enforcement. But a recent survey of Chicago high school students reveals some more basic remedies focused on building healthier communities an families through economic and emotional supports, reducing the availability of handguns and providing early intervention programs. Mikva Challenge, a civic leadership program working with over 4500 youths each year conducted the survey about the causes and solutions of violence in the city. On this episode of Community Media & You, we’ll talk with three high school students about the realities of violence in their communities and what should be done about it.

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How has the economic slowdown affected city planning and affordable housing development? How can public officials best target limited resources to produce the maximum impact when budgets are crunched? What are neighborhood housing advocates doing to cope with the growing foreclosure crisis? How are private landlords coping with rising vacancy rates and operating costs? Read the rest of this entry »