The Justice Department announced more than $73 million in Model Cities Initiative funding for Jacksonville, Florida, to expand investigative resources, law enforcement staffing and crime-fighting technology.
Jacksonville was selected from nearly 50 applicants. Federal officials cited a reported 38% decline in murders, a 25% reduction in robberies and a 21% drop in aggravated assaults between 2023 and 2025. Sheriff T.K. Waters called the funding a generational investment in public safety.
The city was selected from nearly 50 applicants for what federal officials described as its strong coordination among police, prosecutors and other agencies, together with recent reductions in violent crime. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office will lead the local program.
According to the Justice Department, murders declined by 38% between 2023 and 2025, robberies by 25%, and aggravated assaults by 21%. Non-domestic shootings fell from 1,340 to 1,029 during the same period.
The award will support hiring sworn and civilian personnel, expanded forensic capabilities and modernized technology. Federal officials also described opportunities to strengthen investigative resources and the ability to identify and apprehend violent offenders.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Model Cities Initiative reflects the administration's emphasis on reducing crime and strengthening the rule of law. He said the participating cities had developed plans that could help other jurisdictions.
Sheriff T.K. Waters characterized the grant as a generational investment in the community's safety. He said new investigative tools and personnel would help his office build on its recent progress.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Rep. John Rutherford, a former sheriff, welcomed the award. Rutherford emphasized cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
The program also permits spending on mental health and substance-use services intended to reduce repeat offending, as well as equipment and support for prosecution. The Justice Department said local communities would tailor their strategies to their particular needs.
Announced in June 2026, the initiative directs nearly $300 million toward four jurisdictions: Jacksonville, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and St. Louis, Missouri. Federal officials will work with each community to finalize implementation plans and evaluate results.
The Model Cities Initiative directs nearly $300 million to four jurisdictions, including Jacksonville, Baton Rouge, Jackson and St. Louis. Grants may support personnel, forensic technology, equipment and services aimed at reducing repeat offenses. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the department intends to expand coordinated federal and local crime-reduction efforts.
