Blanche: Jacksonville joins DOJ Model Cities Initiative — nearly $300 million for four cities

Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Friday that Jacksonville will be part of the Justice Department's Model Cities Initiative, backed by nearly $300 million in planned federal investments across four selected jurisdictions to combat violent crime.

Jacksonville, East Baton Rouge Parish, Jackson, Mississippi, and St. Louis were selected for the flagship effort. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is among the departments funded. Blanche said the initiative reflects the Trump administration's commitment to reducing crime and investing in local law enforcement partners.

Funding is intended to support hiring, technology, forensic capacity, equipment and related public-safety work as DOJ works with each city to finalize and implement its plan.