Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj says no-one deserves to feel unsafe in the CBD.
It follows vision showing a boy being dragged into an alleyway and assaulted off James Street last week.
The young offenders ran off when people came to help the victim.
Business owners have also raised the issue of homelessness in parts of the CBD.
Cr Kontelj said he had been vocal and active in practical solutions to address antisocial behaviour and violence in the city.
He said part of the solution to bring the city centre back to life is having more people living in the CBD.
“Those very spaces that are featured with antisocial behaviour – when you put family friendly activities in place and have everyday people walking with their pets and families, that tends to discourage that kind of behaviour,” Cr Kontelj said.
“We need more residential development and people living in the CBD.”
Cr Kontelj also called on both sides of politics to support the creation of a Special Economic Zone for the city centre in the lead up to the state election.
He has spoken to Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition leader Jess Wilson on the matter, saying it would help facilitate unlocking 17 building permits that are sitting idle.
