INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): There is no quick fix for violent crime in the country, but local leaders are looking into long-term solutions.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard returned from Washington, D.C. Monday after meeting with President Obama and other mayors to discuss crime solutions.

President Obama announced the expansion of 'My Brother‘s Keeper' during the meeting. The initiative is part of a growing plan to help young men of color reach their full potential by reducing dropout rates, improving academic achievements and giving alternatives to crime.

Indy leaders launched a program called 'Your Life Matters' earlier this summer. The program hires youth from high-crime, low-income communities for organizations like 'Clean for Green.'

Ballard said his time with other leaders reaffirmed that it will take similar opportunities and programs to keep a sector of the city’s youth from turning to crime.