The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a new initiative that could provide nearly $300 million in federal funding to cities working to reduce crime and restore public safety across America.
The newly announced Model Cities Initiative, also known as MCI, will select between 2 and 4 cities nationwide to receive funding for comprehensive public safety strategies designed to reduce violent crime and strengthen law enforcement operations.
According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the initiative is part of the administration’s “Make America Safe Again” mission focused on restoring law and order in communities across the country.
Eligible cities must have populations of at least 100,000 residents and submit proposals by September 1, 2026.
The program allows funding for law enforcement hiring and retention, real-time crime centers, forensic technology, body cameras, artificial intelligence systems, mental health services, victim assistance programs, juvenile crime prevention, and reentry services aimed at reducing repeat offenders.
Cities applying for funding must use a “whole-of-city” approach involving cooperation between mayors, sheriffs, prosecutors, and other local leaders to create a unified public safety strategy.
The Justice Department expects initial award decisions to be announced later in 2026.
Additional information is available through the U.S. Department of Justice grants division.
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