On September 29, 2025, the results of a revealing new survey sent ripples through city halls across the United States. Conducted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the survey polled leaders from 60 cities, aiming to take the pulse of American mayors on the pressing issue of violent crime and the role of federal support. The findings were clear: while the vast majority of mayors urgently want more funding and assistance from the federal government to address violent crime, they strongly oppose the idea of deploying the National Guard in their communities.
According to WBUR, the survey’s timing couldn’t be more critical. Many cities have grappled with an uptick in violent incidents over the past year, prompting local officials to seek new solutions and partnerships. Mayors are on the front lines, often facing public pressure to ensure safety while respecting the delicate balance between public order and civil liberties.
One voice that stood out in the survey was that of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who brings a unique perspective to the table as the city’s former chief of police. Castor’s experience in law enforcement shapes her nuanced understanding of what cities truly need to tackle crime effectively. She emphasized, "While federal support is needed, deployment of the National Guard is not desired." Her words echo a sentiment widely shared among her peers: cities need resources, not troops.
The survey, as reported by WBUR, underscores a growing consensus among mayors that the federal government must play a more active role in funding and supporting local crime-fighting efforts. However, there’s a line many are unwilling to cross. The idea of the National Guard patrolling city streets conjures up images of martial law and, for many, raises concerns about the potential escalation of tensions between law enforcement and residents.
Why the resistance to deploying the National Guard? For mayors like Castor, it’s about maintaining trust and legitimacy within their communities. As she explained, cities thrive when police are seen as part of the community, not as an occupying force. The National Guard, while highly trained, is designed for different missions—disaster response, national defense, and, in rare cases, quelling civil unrest. Using them as a stopgap for local policing risks undermining the very fabric of community policing that many cities have worked hard to build.
It’s not that mayors are downplaying the seriousness of violent crime. On the contrary, the survey reflects a sense of urgency and frustration. Local budgets are stretched thin, and many police departments are struggling to recruit and retain officers. Federal grants and technical assistance can make a real difference, providing much-needed resources for everything from hiring officers to investing in modern technology and community programs.
But the call for federal help comes with a caveat. According to the survey, what mayors want most is flexibility—funds that can be tailored to the unique needs of each city, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Some cities may prioritize mental health services and violence prevention programs, while others may need upgraded equipment or enhanced investigative capacity. The key, mayors say, is local control and accountability.
Mayor Castor’s perspective, as shared with WBUR, reflects the delicate balancing act that city leaders must perform. "We understand our communities best," she noted, stressing that local leaders are in the best position to decide how resources should be allocated. Her insistence that the National Guard not be deployed is rooted in a belief that long-term solutions to violent crime require trust, collaboration, and a deep understanding of local dynamics.
The survey’s findings come at a time when the debate over public safety is as heated as ever. Across the political spectrum, there are sharp disagreements about the best path forward. Some advocates argue for more aggressive policing, while others call for investments in social services and alternatives to incarceration. The mayors’ message, however, is striking in its unity: they want help, but on their own terms.
Federal officials have taken note. In recent years, Congress has increased funding for programs aimed at reducing violent crime, such as the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. But many mayors say these efforts, while welcome, are not enough to keep pace with the challenges they face. The hope is that the survey will spur a new round of dialogue and, perhaps, more robust federal action.
What’s at stake is more than just crime statistics. For many cities, public safety is tied to broader issues of economic development, education, and quality of life. High crime rates can drive away businesses and residents, while safe neighborhoods attract investment and foster a sense of community. Mayors like Castor see federal support as a vital ingredient in this equation, but they’re wary of solutions that might do more harm than good.
There’s also a historical dimension to the debate. The use of the National Guard in American cities has a fraught legacy, often associated with moments of crisis or unrest. While the Guard has played a crucial role in responding to natural disasters and emergencies, its deployment for law enforcement purposes is rare and controversial. Many city leaders fear that even the suggestion of military involvement could erode public trust and inflame tensions.
At the same time, the survey highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of America’s mayors. Faced with daunting challenges, they’re not waiting for Washington to solve their problems. Instead, they’re advocating for targeted support that empowers local solutions. Whether it’s investing in youth programs, expanding mental health services, or leveraging new technologies, mayors are eager to innovate—but they need the tools to do so.
As the conversation continues, the voices of mayors like Jane Castor will be crucial. Their experience, both on the streets and in city hall, offers valuable insights into what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to making cities safer. The survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors is a reminder that, in the fight against violent crime, partnership and trust matter just as much as funding.
For now, the message from America’s mayors is clear: give us the support we need, but let us lead the way. It’s a call for collaboration, not control—and one that Washington would do well to heed.