Recent shootings in Utica have added to the concern for public safety.

"This is beyond just one district or one sector of the community, but it really is a citywide public safety concern," said Utica Common Councilman Delvin Moody.

To help stop gun violence, Utica's Access and Inclusion Committee is hosting the first-ever Solutions Summit later this month. It'll give community members a chance to come up with ideas to make the city safer.

"Solutions have been there, and I think it's resonating with the fact that you've got to continue to work on these things. You have to build the bridges. It's not going to come from one side. It's not going to come from law enforcement; it's going to come from the community working together," said Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri.

One potential solution could be to change the residency requirement for police officers. The Utica Police Chief said several officers are resigning because they don't want to live in the city.

"We can prepare for retirements, what's the unexpected thing is someone after three or five years on the job just decides they're going to resign. When you hear it's because of residency, it's the number one reason, it's concerning to me, and makes me say to the public, 'Something has to change here'," said Chief Mark Williams.

Williams said changing the residency requirement is up to the Utica Common Council.

Right now there are 12 vacancies, but that number is expected to grow in the coming months. The Solutions Summit will be at the Parkway Recreation Center in Utica on February 22 at 10:00 a.m.

You can also contact Utica City Hall with ideas.