Urban Peace

The Urban Peace Institute (UPI) is a recognized leader in the field of community safety, just policing, and systems reform to end violence and mass incarceration. For over 20 years, UPI has worked to develop and implement innovative solutions to address community violence and engage in system reform. This work began as a program of the nonprofit organization, Advancement Project, and beginning in 2015, and expanded to become an independent organization fiscally sponsored by Community Partners. The organization continued to grow its impact in reducing violence and creating safety. In December 2021, the Urban Peace Institute separated from fiscal sponsorship and now acts as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. UPI was founded by civil rights leader Connie Rice in response to Los Angeles’ failed and costly 30-year war on gangs that resulted in 450,000 youth arrests and persistent conflict between law enforcement and communities of color. Since its establishment, UPI has worked tirelessly to reform community safety practices. In 2007, UPI pioneered a groundbreaking A Call to Action report and worked in partnership with the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Police Department to effectively change the way Los Angeles deals with gangs and violence. UPI’s advocacy for a comprehensive violence reduction strategy resulted in the adoption of programs such as the Mayor’s Gang Reduction & Youth Development Office, Community Safety Partnership and Summer Night Lights programs. Five years later, the homicide rate in Los Angeles was at its lowest since the 1960’s, gang related crime decreased by more than 15%, and gang related homicides plummeted by 35%.