City Council Workshop | February 26, 2026

The City Council Workshop of Savannah on February 26, 2026, focused extensively on public safety initiatives, particularly youth violence prevention through community engagement and recreation programs. The city introduced Ashley Marshall as the new Chief of Community Services, emphasizing her experience in social equity and community partnerships. Presentations highlighted the collaborative efforts between Recreation and Leisure Services and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, detailing programs aimed at youth engagement, mentorship, and violence reduction. Council members discussed challenges such as staffing, infrastructure needs, and the importance of expanding program visibility and community partnerships. Additionally, the meeting addressed the concept of community benefits agreements (CBAs) as a policy tool to ensure developers contribute to neighborhood improvements, affordable housing, and workforce protections. Various models and examples from other cities were presented to guide Savannah's approach, with council members expressing interest in formalizing and diversifying these agreements to enhance community impact. The workshop concluded with a call for continued dialogue and strategic planning to align development projects with community benefits and public safety goals.