The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the Model Cities Initiative (MCI), a whole-of-city program to “transform public safety” across the U.S. by providing $300 million in grants to select cities.
According to the DOJ’s announcement, the initiative will provide grant funds to 2 to 4 cities with populations of 100 thousand or more that are seeking to reduce violent crime, restore law and order, and modernize their public safety infrastructure.
AG Blanche affirms that “the strongest applications will not come from one office of one representative acting alone,” instead insisting that they “will come from jurisdictions that offer true partnership; Where the mayor, the prosecutors, the sheriff, police leadership, and other key officials are aligned behind one public safety plan.”
The whole-of-government application must propose a “persuasive vision” of how the fund can be awarded “strategically throughout their city to improve law enforcement engagement, victim services, detention and reentry services, and preventive programs.”
“This administration is leveraging every authority to ensure the safety of all Americans,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “The Model Cities Initiative will supercharge our law enforcement partners and restore the rule of law to America’s neighborhoods, towns, and cities.”
“Our message is clear: We will help those who help us Make America Safe Again,” Blanche asserted.
In a separate announcement, President Donald Trump confirmed that the awards will be used to “hire police officers, modernize equipment, provide training, and improve law enforcement.”
“This historic funding will go to confronting substance abuse, preventing youth crime, and combating repeat offenders,” President Trump added.
“President Trump, this Department of Justice, and this initiative is focused on results,” AG Blanche assured.
Constituents can inform their local representatives to apply by going to www.justice.gov/grants.
Submissions are due Sept. 1 2026.
