Report on Gun Violence in Lansing and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

This report analyzes the recent surge in gun violence in Lansing, Michigan, and examines its profound implications for the city’s progress toward key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The incidents recorded between July 17 and 21, 2025, underscore an urgent public safety and community development crisis.

1. Incident Analysis: July 17-21, 2025

A series of violent acts occurred over a five-day period, resulting in significant harm to the community and directly contravening the principles of sustainable development.

• Total Individuals Shot: Five
• Fatalities: One
• Hospitalizations: One individual remains hospitalized
• Specific Cases of Note: A 15-year-old girl sustained multiple gunshot wounds, highlighting the vulnerability of youth and the long-term trauma inflicted upon victims, families, and first responders.

2. Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Gun violence is a critical barrier to achieving a sustainable and equitable future. Its effects permeate various aspects of community well-being, directly undermining several SDGs.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The primary goal to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies” is fundamentally threatened by gun violence. The recent shootings, along with historical data such as the 21 homicides in 2020, erode public safety and trust in institutions. Efforts to reduce violence are central to achieving SDG 16.1 (Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere).

• Violence breeds fear and instability, weakening the social fabric necessary for a peaceful society.
• The need for effective, accountable institutions is paramount, as demonstrated by the work of the Lansing Police Commission and the city’s strategic hiring of a violence prevention coordinator.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Gun violence constitutes a severe public health crisis, with consequences far beyond immediate physical harm.

1. Mortality and Injury: The incidents resulted in one death and multiple injuries, directly impacting targets related to reducing premature mortality.
2. Mental Health and Trauma: Survivors, witnesses, and family members face lasting psychological trauma, affecting community well-being. The emotional toll on first responders also represents a significant public health concern.
3. Access to Care: A critical need exists for enhanced victim services and support systems, aligning with the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities & SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The goal to make cities “inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” is unattainable amidst pervasive violence. The economic vitality of the community is also directly linked to its safety.

• Community Safety: Gun violence makes neighborhoods unsafe, hindering the development of inclusive community spaces.
• Economic Impact: The climate of fear created by violence negatively affects the local economy by lowering property values and making it difficult to attract new businesses and residents, thereby impeding progress toward SDG 8.

3. Multi-Sectoral Response and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Addressing this complex issue requires a collaborative approach, embodying the principles of SDG 17. The response in Lansing involves multiple stakeholders working in partnership.

Government and Institutional Initiatives

• The City of Lansing has established a violence prevention coordinator role within the Department of Neighborhoods, Arts, and Community Engagement to build a citywide network for safety.
• The Lansing Police Commission actively reviews crime statistics and departmental strategies to inform violence reduction efforts.

Community-Led Interventions

Grassroots organizations are crucial partners in creating a safer community. Their work exemplifies the power of local partnerships in achieving sustainable development.

• Mikey 23 Foundation: Works with at-risk youth to prevent future violence.
• Lansing Empowerment Network: Engages in community-building and support.
• Advance Peace: Implements strategies to interrupt cycles of violence.

4. Conclusion and Recommendations

Gun violence in Lansing is a multi-faceted challenge that severely impedes progress on SDGs 3, 8, 11, and 16. A sustained, collaborative, and urgent response is required from all sectors of the community.

1. Strengthen Partnerships (SDG 17): Enhance collaboration between government, law enforcement, community organizations, and residents to create a unified front against violence.
2. Prioritize Victim Services (SDG 3 & 16): Advocate for state and local budget allocations to ensure comprehensive care and support for survivors and their families, recognizing them as essential to community healing and justice.
3. Invest in Prevention (SDG 11 & 16): Continue to support and expand the work of community-led organizations and city-level prevention coordinators to address the root causes of violence and build a more resilient and peaceful society.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire piece focuses on the issue of gun violence, crime, public safety, and the response from government, law enforcement, and community organizations. It discusses the need to reduce violence and build safer communities through collaborative efforts.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The article directly connects to SDG 3 by detailing the health consequences of gun violence. It mentions deaths, physical injuries requiring hospitalization, and the long-term psychological trauma affecting victims, families, and first responders.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The article links gun violence to the overall health and sustainability of the city of Lansing. It highlights how violence creates fear, makes neighborhoods unsafe, and negatively impacts the community’s ability to thrive.

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   The economic dimension of gun violence is explicitly mentioned. The article states that violence is an “economic and community issue” because it “makes it harder to attract businesses and new residents,” thereby hindering local economic growth.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article’s central theme is the need to reduce gun violence in Lansing. It cites specific statistics like “five people were shot” and “21 people were killed” as the problem that needs to be addressed. The efforts of the police, the city’s violence prevention coordinator, and community groups like Advance Peace are all aimed at achieving this target.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  • Target 3.4: Reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. Gun violence leads to premature mortality (death). The article also emphasizes the need to “support survivors and families coping with the trauma of violence” and notes the “emotional impact will likely last a lifetime,” which directly relates to promoting mental health and well-being.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services. The article highlights how gun violence undermines the “safe” component of this target. The author notes, “Gun violence has reached my own street. I’ve heard the shots, seen the lights,” illustrating how violence makes residential areas unsafe.
  • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces. The fear that violence “breeds” makes public spaces feel unsafe and inaccessible for residents, directly contradicting the goal of this target.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • The article implies a connection to targets related to local economic development. It states that gun violence “lowers property values and makes it harder to attract businesses and new residents.” This directly impacts the city’s ability to foster a healthy local economy.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress.

• Number of deaths from violence: The article provides specific numbers, stating “One person died” in a recent week and “21 people were killed” in 2020. A reduction in this number would be a direct indicator of progress towards Target 16.1.
• Number of injuries from violence: The article mentions “five people were shot,” with one hospitalized and others treated and released. Tracking the number of non-fatal shootings and related injuries serves as an indicator for Target 16.1 and Target 3.4.
• Violent crime statistics: The author notes that “our violent crime numbers have decreased” since 2020 and that she regularly reviews “crime statistics” as a police commissioner. These statistics are a key indicator.
• Economic Indicators: The article implies that property values and the rate of new business formation could be used as indicators. It states that violence “lowers property values and makes it harder to attract businesses.” Therefore, an increase in property values and new business registrations could indicate a safer, more sustainable community.
• Access to Victim Services: The call to “prioritize victim services in the next budget” implies that the availability and funding for support services for survivors and families is a measurable indicator of progress in supporting well-being (Target 3.4).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: lansingstatejournal.com