Safe Neighborhoods: Real Progress
We have acted to preserve neighborhoods and improve public safety. First we hired five new police officers. The total crime rate went down 25% between 2004 and 2008.
We recognize that crime is more than a police problem. Urbana uses every tool available to us to prevent neighborhood deterioration which breeds crime. We know that urban blight creeps in when landlords neglect their property. We passed a rental registration ordinance and the small fee covers the cost of additional code inspector.
We make every attempt to work with landlords to ensure code compliance for the safety of renters and the protection of surrounding properties. Slum landlords who do not shape up are taken to court. We have encouraged new ownership of troubled properties and have cleaned up several former trouble spots with new management.