(Portland, OR) -- Violent crime in Portland is down 17 percent compared to the first six months of last year. The Major Cities Chiefs Association reports Portland had the steepest drop in violent crime among all 68 participating U.S. agencies. Homicides fell from 35 to 17, a decline of 51 percent. Aggravated assaults were down 18 percent, robberies were down 10 percent, and sexual assaults were down 12 percent. City leaders say the declines are due to proactive city strategies and community partnerships.