Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed a new executive order known as the “Peacebook Executive Order,” launching the city’s first permanent, year-round peacekeeping initiative aimed at strengthening community safety and youth engagement, according to CBS Chicago.
The new program will create a structured Peacekeeping workforce by hiring 50 Youth Peacekeepers along with four Youth Safety Advisors, marking a significant expansion in the city’s approach to violence prevention and community-based safety strategies.
City officials say the initiative is designed to provide young people with paid roles focused on de-escalation, outreach, and neighborhood support. Rather than relying solely on traditional enforcement methods, the program emphasizes early intervention, conflict resolution, and building trust in communities most affected by violence.
According to the administration, Youth Peacekeepers will be deployed in areas identified as higher-risk zones, particularly during peak hours when tensions and incidents are more likely to occur. Their responsibilities will include engaging with residents, helping mediate conflicts before they escalate, and connecting community members with local resources.
The four Youth Safety Advisors will serve in leadership and oversight roles, helping guide strategy, training, and coordination between city departments and community organizations. Officials say these positions are intended to ensure the program remains consistent, effective, and rooted in real community needs.
Mayor Johnson has framed the Peacebook initiative as part of a broader effort to reimagine public safety in Chicago, focusing on prevention and investment in youth employment opportunities. Supporters of the program say it not only addresses safety concerns but also creates meaningful job pathways for young residents.
As the program rolls out, the city plans to begin recruitment and training in the coming months, with the first group of Youth Peacekeepers expected to be deployed shortly after. Officials say additional details about locations and partnerships will be announced as implementation begins.
