Trump Administration Launches $300 Million “Model Cities” Policing Initiative

The Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) will award up to four finalist cities up to $300 million over three years under the Model Cities Initiative (MCI). The program, funded by Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” targets municipalities with more than 100,000 residents and requires “buy-in and support” from mayors, sheriffs, city councils and county commissions.

The Guardian

Grant money can be used for hiring additional officers, substance-abuse recovery, prisoner re-entry, facilities, training and related public-safety projects. However, the grant document also imposes several unprecedented conditions: municipalities must comply with federal immigration-enforcement requests, enforce prohibitions on open drug use, urban camping, loitering, squatting, and adopt treatment-linked housing requirements for people with serious mental illness or substance-use disorders. In the event of a surge in violent crime or public disorder, cities could be required to reimburse the federal government for any law-enforcement assistance provided.

The Guardian

The Justice Department has previously disbursed more than $20 billion through COPS grants since 1994 and offered roughly $700 million this fiscal year for hiring, training and equipment.

The Guardian

Cities with Democratic majorities have largely rejected the offer. Montgomery, Alabama’s mayor declined to apply, citing the grant’s ideological strings. Billings, Montana’s city council voted 9-1 against forwarding an application, and San Bernardino, California withdrew a pending vote after public outcry. The grant’s requirement for Republican-controlled local governments and potential National Guard activation further limits eligible applicants.

The Guardian

A Justice Department spokesperson said jurisdictions have “expressed intense interest” and that senior leaders are available to help cities submit competitive applications. The department declined to comment on the repayment provision or whether applications had been received.

The Guardian

• “That’s not a model I’d be looking for,” — Steven Reed, the mayor of Montgomery, Alabama

The Guardian

• “To my knowledge, this funding condition is unprecedented,” — Amy Solomon

The Guardian

• “In other cities, they have killed American citizens for reasons that turned out to be lies. Do we really need this in Billings?” — Karen Jarussi, speaking to the city council of Billings, Montana, this week

The Guardian