The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
Freddie O'Connell, Mayor
Executive Order 53
Subject: Office of Youth Safety
I, Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me, do hereby find, direct, and order the following:
I. Youth safety and well-being is a priority for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (“Metropolitan Government”), and issues surrounding and impacting youth safety and well-being must be addressed in a comprehensive and collaborative manner. Young people are increasingly susceptible to violent interactions, and a proactive approach to youth safety and well-being can prevent violence and criminal justice interactions and improve educational outcomes and overall well-being.
II. The Metropolitan Government’s budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, includes funding for the Office of Youth Safety. Collaboration between the Metropolitan Government and community partners has led to the development of a framework for the office that will yield the greatest opportunity for youth success.
III. It is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Government to use evidence-based, people-informed approaches to preventing violence, particularly gun violence, while promoting positive youth development and fostering safe and thriving communities.
IV. There is hereby created an Office of Youth Safety within the Office of the Mayor.
V. The Office of Youth Safety has the following functions and duties:
A. Pilot, assess, and promote programming to prevent conflicts from escalating into gun violence and equip youth with conflict resolution skills, with a focus separate from the criminal justice system.
B. Use data and research to inform the Metropolitan Government’s investments in youth violence prevention and restorative programming.
C. Gather and assess how Metropolitan Government departments can continue to build safer communities for youth in ways that reduce the harmful interactions with the criminal justice system.
D. Support the development of evidence-based, people-informed anti-violence initiatives within Metropolitan Government departments as part of a comprehensive effort to promote youth safety and well-being.
E. Develop relationships with leaders of existing restorative justice initiatives within Metropolitan Government departments, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, and independent agencies and incubate a restorative justice program as needed.
VI. In order to direct and facilitate the work of the Office of Youth Safety, the mayor shall select a Director of Youth Safety and other staff as necessary. The director shall have eight years of leadership experience working in youth violence prevention and/or well-being. Duties of the director include:
A. Performing administrative, managerial, and supervisory duties involved in planning, organizing, and directing the Office of Youth Safety programs.
B. Enhancing coordination and cooperation across Metropolitan Government departments and agencies and engaging community stakeholders to promote youth safety and well-being.
Ordered, Effective and Issued: November 27, 2024
Freddie O’Connell
Metropolitan County Mayor