An innovative approach to violence prevention in Philly

Innovation and positive change—these were reoccurring themes of Mayor Nutter’s keynote address at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Mayoral Luncheon on Monday. With talk of green technology, pop-up gardens, the Reading Viaduct, and redevelopment initiatives targeting Market East and North Broad, Nutter depicted a city on the rise filled with citizens and government leaders who aren’t afraid to think outside the box. When it came to the topic of doing something about endemic violence that plagues our city’s streets, however, the mayor’s speech took an unexpected turn toward stagnation and the status quo.