SALT LAKE COUNTY—The United States Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs has awarded the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives a $2 million community violence intervention grant in partnership with the Magna United Communities That Care Coalition.

The grant will provide funding to the Magna United Communities That Care Coalition to devise, implement, and evaluate a three-year plan to reduce youth violence in Magna, including two significant sub-awards to Unified Police Department’s Choose Gang Free and a culturally relevant nonprofit organization.

“We are committed to providing better opportunities for our youth and safer communities for all our residents. This funding is a game changer to help us empower families, improve safety, and improve outcomes for youth,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Salt Lake County is excited to bring additional support to the robust coalition in Magna striving to improve our local communities.”

In support of the Magna United Communities That Care Coalition’s efforts, the Utah Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services committed funding to this project. Salt Lake County committed staffing from the Health Department and Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives. The combined grant award, state funding, county support, and local community efforts will work together to reduce community violence among youth and young adults.

An increase in youth detention rates has occurred in Magna Township since 2020. Youth community violence has been increasing and the coalition recognized the need to protect public safety.

“This project will help prevent violence and strengthen community bonds. It’s important to work with schools, families, and all kinds of community partners to intervene early and provide safety and opportunity for our young people,” said Magna Township Council Member Trish Hull. “Magna United is very excited to have this support.”

“This is a huge achievement on behalf of the county. Salt Lake County is leading by example for youth and finding on-the-ground solutions to some very complex issues,” said Brett Peterson, Director of Utah Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services.