The Seattle City Council on Monday lifted a hold it put on $1.2 million in 2009 funding for the Seattle Youth Violence Initiative, a plan proposed by Mayor Greg Nickels to steer middle-schoolers away from gang activity.
Nickels had originally called for $9 million in funding over two years for the initiative, which targets three areas -- the Central District, Rainier Valley and southwest Seattle -- and funds programs to help troubled kids stay in class, mentor those coming out of detention and work with victims of violence to prevent retaliation.
In a companion resolution, council members also called on the mayor to report to them quarterly on the Youth Violence Initiative's progress.