Overview

• U.S. Conference of Mayors surveyed 60 cities in 28 states from Sept. 4–15, with results released Sept. 25.
• Fifty-nine percent say juvenile crime is a serious or very serious issue, and 44% rank juvenile offenses as their city’s biggest crime problem.
• Mayors most often cite juvenile involvement in car thefts (54%), firearms offenses (51%), retail theft (42%) and disturbing the peace (35%).
• Eighty-six percent report violent crime is down so far in 2025, yet 97% say they need federal funding for police technology, prevention programs and mental-health services.
• Conference leaders call for a renewed federal–local partnership as national polling shows Republicans leading on crime policy and President Trump touts federal crime initiatives, including National Guard deployments and FBI support.