FILE - A sign reading Department of Justice is displayed at the FBI field office, in Portland, Ore., Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)
- When the initiative was announced in June, Attorney General Blanche said the Trump administration is leveraging every authority to ensure the safety of all Americans. Mississippi’s full congressional delegation supported Jackson in its application for the funding.
The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded Jackson $100 million to support public safety improvements in Mississippi’s capital city.
The state’s full congressional delegation welcomed the news Friday, saying, “Mississippi is at its best when its capital city reflects the strength of our entire state. Jackson has been making strides in public safety, and this funding will help community leaders do even more to reduce crime and support victims.”
Mississippi’s delegation, which includes U.S. Senator’s Roger Wicker (R) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R) along with Congressmen Trent Kelly (R-MS 1), Bennie Thompson (D-MD 2), Michael Guest (R-MS 3) and Mike Ezell (R-MS 4), sent letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche advocating for Jackson to receive this funding.
The City of Jackson applied for the funding through the DOJ’s Model Cities Initiative. The program was established through the summer 2025 reconciliation law to direct federal resources to cities working to enhance public safety measures.
“The City of Jackson has launched a coordinated effort to raise quality of life by combining public health and public safety initiatives. This Model Cities funding will advance that vision. The grant will strengthen mental health services, improve crisis response, and empower law enforcement,” a joint statement from the delegation read. “We applaud Mayor Horhn for successfully pursuing this award and for investing in Jackson’s future. Safer neighborhoods help families thrive, attract new residents, and fuel economic growth in Jackson and beyond.”
Jackson Mayor John Horhn (D) welcomed the news.
“Reducing violent crime requires a unified effort across every sector of our city,” the mayor said. “The Model Cities Initiative provides an opportunity to bring our departments, public safety partners, and community organizations together around a common goal: making our neighborhoods safer and improving the quality of life for all residents.”
Horhn said the city is committed to ensuring that the collective efforts are coordinated, focused, and responsive to the needs of the community.
When the initiative was announced in June, Attorney General Blanche said the Trump administration is leveraging every authority to ensure the safety of all Americans.
“The Model Cities Initiative will supercharge our law enforcement partners and restore the rule of law to America’s neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Our message is clear: We will help those who help us Make America Safe Again,” Blanche said.
Other cities receiving funds from the DOJ as announced Friday are Baton Rouge, Jacksonville, and St. Louis.
