Politics · United States · 4 hrs ago
Four US cities selected for nearly $300 million in federal crime funding
The Justice Department selected four cities for a share of nearly $300 million in federal funding: Jacksonville, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and St. Louis, Missouri.
The money comes through the Model Cities Initiative, launched in June to help local authorities and community partners develop public safety plans.
The initiative is meant to address each city’s needs, rather than pay for one standard policing program.
Funding can support hiring public safety staff, technology, equipment, forensic work and services for mental health or substance use.
The awards could add significantly to local law enforcement budgets, but the amount each city will receive has not been disclosed.
The Justice Department says it will work with the cities to put their plans into action, and Attorney General Todd Blanche and other department leaders are expected to visit them to present the awards.
The Justice Department selected Jacksonville, Baton Rouge, Jackson and St. Louis to share nearly $300 million in federal crime funding.
The cities were chosen through the department’s Model Cities Initiative, which seeks to reduce violent crime and improve public safety.
The initiative brings together law enforcement, local government officials and community partners to develop plans tailored to each city.
Funding may support hiring, technology and equipment, forensic capabilities, and services addressing mental health and substance use.
The department has not disclosed how the funding will be divided among the cities.
- Who
- Jacksonville, Baton Rouge, Jackson and St. Louis were selected.
- What
- The cities will share nearly $300 million in federal funding through the Justice Department’s Model Cities Initiative.
- When
- The selection was reported on October 30, 2026. The initiative was announced in June.
- Where
- Jacksonville, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and St. Louis, Missouri.
- Why
- The cities submitted plans to reduce violent crime and improve public safety.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Justice Department announced the Model Cities Initiative and invited cities to submit public safety plans.
Senators Bill Cassidy and Julia Letlow sent a joint letter supporting Baton Rouge’s application.
Reports named Jacksonville, Baton Rouge, Jackson and St. Louis as the four selected cities.
Attorney General Todd Blanche and other Justice Department leaders were expected to visit each city to present the awards.
- Total funding
- Nearly $300 million
- Selected cities
- Jacksonville, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; St. Louis, Missouri
- Initiative
- Justice Department’s Model Cities Initiative
- Selection reported
- October 30, 2026
- Funding split
- Individual award amounts had not been disclosed
3 sources
What people are saying
These cities are setting an example of proactive law enforcement that will strengthen the rule of law and improve public safety in their jurisdictions. As violent crime rates continue to fall to historic lows, the Department of Justice is redoubling our efforts to invest in local communities and keep American families safe.
Anytime a city receives tens of millions to make it a safer, better place to be, that is fantastic news. I look forward to this money helping Baton Rouge, but also as a model to other communities as well. Compliments to the mayor, the district attorney, and others for entering a winning application. I am proud to have supported their effort.
Congratulations to the City of Baton Rouge and Mayor Sid Edwards for successfully securing a sizable share of this $300 million nationwide initiative. I was proud to work with the City and the Trump Administration to help put more officers on our streets, give law enforcement the tools they need to fight violent crime, and make Baton Rouge a safer place for families to live, work, and raise their children,