In 2006, the youth homicide rate doubled from the year before, to 28. Gangs, including the Bloods and Crips, are strengthening their presence in many city neighborhoods, and they are recruiting young people who are looking for a way to survive, or a sense of belonging, or protection. Amid this surge of violence, only 46 recreation centers are open; 100 have been closed. Amazingly, the recreation center budget for 2006 was the same as in 1976 – about $5 million.

Our “Save Our Youth, Save Our City” agenda targets the lack of opportunity and lack of safe places for our young people. These are specific answers to difficult problems, a downpayment on turning things around for Baltimore. Click here to view the agenda. At our rally in May, candidates for mayor and City Council president pledged to support our agenda. Click here to see the candidate responses.

BUILD has a strong record of holding our leaders accountable for the promises they make. Vote in the city election Tuesday, Sept. 11, and stand with BUILD to make sure our leaders fulfill thir commitments. Click here to learn how you can help us turn out voters.