The City Council meeting in Knoxville on May 17, 2025, focused on the implementation of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) training program aimed at addressing youth violence in the community. The discussion highlighted Knoxville's unique position as one of the few organizations in the United States with an integrated CBT program.

A representative from the organization emphasized the importance of their training model, which has been adopted in Knoxville. They confirmed that staff members in the city have received training, specifically targeting youth violence interrupters. This initiative aims to equip local personnel with the skills necessary to mitigate youth violence effectively.

The conversation also touched on the potential for collaboration with another organization, "Turn Up Knox." The representative expressed willingness to train individuals from Turn Up Knox, contingent upon their acceptance of the program. They noted that facilitating this training would require a simple phone call, indicating a readiness to expand their outreach and support.

Funding disparities were also mentioned, with the representative pointing out that while their organization operates with limited resources, other programs in cities like Cleveland receive significantly more financial support. This disparity raises concerns about the capacity to implement comprehensive training and intervention strategies in Knoxville.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing youth violence through innovative training programs, while also highlighting the challenges posed by funding limitations. The next steps involve potential collaboration with Turn Up Knox and continued efforts to enhance training capabilities within the community.