The Kingman City Council convened a special work session, designated as a town hall, on October 8, 2024, at the Mojave County Board of Supervisors Auditorium. The meeting, which began at 5:30 PM, was aimed at fostering in-depth discussions on pressing community issues, with a particular focus on crime and homelessness in the Kingman area.

Mayor Ken Watkins opened the session by expressing gratitude to the county for the use of the auditorium and emphasizing the importance of community participation. He noted that while public comments were not formally scheduled, the council would welcome input from attendees as the discussion progressed.

City Manager Tim Walsh highlighted the significance of the meeting, revealing that a recent survey conducted by the council had garnered 212 responses, with crime and homelessness emerging as the top concerns among residents. Walsh introduced a panel of community experts, including law enforcement and social service representatives, who would provide insights and potential solutions to these issues.

The panel included Kingman Police Chief Rusty Cooper, who has served in law enforcement for over three decades, and various leaders from local organizations focused on community services and mental health. The format of the meeting allowed for informal dialogue, encouraging attendees to submit questions and comments to facilitate a productive discussion.

This town hall marks the beginning of a series of community engagement efforts by the Kingman City Council, aimed at addressing the concerns of residents and fostering collaborative solutions to enhance public safety and support for vulnerable populations.