The geography of crime in four U.S. cities: Perceptions and reality (2023)

The recent mayoral primary in Chicago, where a "tough-on-crime" candidate won, reflects a broader trend of crime dominating local politics in U.S. cities like Denver, Philadelphia, and Akron. Amidst the pandemic, concerns about crime are reshaping urban landscapes, impacting behaviors and political decisions. While actual crime rates in central business districts may not be rising, the fear of crime, fueled by media coverage, is widespread. This fear is hindering downtown recovery efforts, affecting areas like office closures, public transit, and economic vitality. Urban leaders are challenged to address rising safety concerns while tackling the social and economic repercussions of the past years. The Brookings Metro's research project on the Future of Downtowns delves into perceptions of crime in cities like New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Philadelphia, offering insights and policy solutions to create safe and vibrant urban environments. Stakeholders in these cities highlighted rising crime rates, safety issues on public transit, property crime affecting businesses, and safety concerns in Chinatown neighborhoods, influenced by anti-Asian racism. The research aims to guide leaders in shaping policies that prioritize safety without letting crime perceptions dictate urban development.