DOJ Awards $300 Million Crime-Reduction Grants To Four U.S. Cities
The Justice Department announced Friday that it selected Jacksonville, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and St. Louis, Missouri to share nearly $300 million through its Model Cities Initiative.[1]
The funds will be split among the four cities, with exact award amounts to be revealed during Justice Department visits to each city over the next 10 days.[1] Cities may use the money to hire law-enforcement and public-safety staff, invest in forensics and technology, and expand mental-health, substance-abuse and anti-recidivism programs.
The Justice Department created the Model Cities Initiative in June 2026 as a national competition for city crime-reduction plans. DOJ highlighted Jacksonville's 38 percent drop in murders from 2023 to 2025 and declines in robbery and aggravated assault when explaining its choice of winners.
Officials have not yet announced city-level award totals or specific project approvals. DOJ visits this week are expected to finalize amounts and lay out implementation steps for each winning city.
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📌 Key Facts
- The Justice Department created the Model Cities Initiative in June 2026 as a national competition for crime-reduction plans.
- On or before October 30, 2026, DOJ selected Jacksonville, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and St. Louis, Missouri as the four winners.
- Nearly $300 million in federal funding will be divided among the four cities, with final award amounts to be announced during DOJ visits in the next 10 days.
- Eligible uses include hiring law enforcement and public safety personnel, investing in technology and forensics, and funding mental health, substance abuse and anti-recidivism programs.
- DOJ highlighted Jacksonville's 38% murder drop between 2023 and 2025 and declines in robbery and aggravated assault as part of its rationale.
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