Grant Will Build on Jackson Success
Mississippi is seeing momentum up and down the state—in job creation, interstate migration, education, tourism, and healthcare investments. Now, thanks to a significant grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), we can expect to see continued progress in another key area: public safety. The City of Jackson has secured a $100 million award from the DOJ’s Model Cities Initiative, which will help accelerate efforts to reduce crime and promote public safety in our capital city.
Building on Jackson’s Progress
Jackson won the Model Cities funding because it is just that—a city already making exemplary strides in public safety. Last year, total offenses fell by 16 percent, and the city saw its lowest number of homicides in years.
The entire Mississippi federal delegation supported Jackson’s bid for this grant, but much of the credit goes to Mayor Horhn and his team. Jackson was the only Mississippi city eligible for the program, which was open to municipalities of 100,000 or greater. The city made the most of the opportunity, submitting a strong application to the DOJ. The proposal explained the efforts Jackson has been making to combat crime, protect citizens, and care for victims, and it outlined the ways the city could use these funds to build on its successes.
Starting with Prevention
The DOJ grant can be spent on a variety of public safety initiatives, giving Jackson a range of tools to use. The $100 million can be used to hire officers and implement policies that boost retention. It can go toward training programs that help law enforcement serve effectively.
The Model Cities initiative promotes a holistic approach to public safety, not only supporting front-line officers but also the programs that prevent crime in the first place. Funds can go toward substance abuse and mental health treatment, interventions with at-risk youth, and efforts to reduce repeat offending. The grant can also be used to care for victims by providing legal counsel, emergency housing, and other crisis services.
A National Model
Jackson is one of only four American cities participating in the Model Cities Initiative, but the program was built to impact communities across the country. As our capital city puts these dollars to work, we will have proven methods that other municipalities can adopt. As these efforts spread, they could cement positive national trends we have seen in the past few years.
In October, the DOJ released a survey of 2025 crime rates, indicating that the administration’s approach to law enforcement is benefiting communities across the United States. The report showed a 25 percent drop in serious violent crime, or nearly 700,000 fewer incidents. Aggravated assault fell 31 percent. Robbery was down 27 percent, and there were nearly 3.5 million fewer property crimes. Americans experienced a 25 percent decrease in burglaries and trespassing. There were 349,000 fewer motor vehicle thefts—a 29 percent drop.
As crime drops, quality of life rises. Families feel safer, neighborhoods draw more residents, and cities attract new businesses. With this Model Cities grant, Jackson is poised to see results like these, adding to the momentum rippling through our state.
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