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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is directing nearly $300 million in federal funding through the FY2026 Model Cities Initiative (MCI) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to strengthen public safety in America’s cities. Through this initiative, two to four cities will receive substantial, targeted support to implement innovative strategies that reduce crime, restore law and order, and enhance community safety.
MCI promotes proactive, deterrence‑focused policing, increased law enforcement presence in high‑crime areas, and the adoption of modern technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence, and enhanced intelligence‑gathering tools. Eligible applicants include local government entities serving populations of at least 100,000. Applications must reflect a whole‑of‑city approach that engages leaders such as the mayor, sheriff, county prosecutor, and other key public safety partners.
MCI Goals and Objectives
MCI funding is designed to help cities build capacity, strengthen accountability, support law enforcement, assist victims, and deliver measurable reductions in violent crime. Applicants should present a clear, comprehensive vision for public safety and describe how current investments—and requested MCI funding—advance these priorities.
This initiative supports efforts to:
- Expand crime‑fighting, investigative, and prosecutorial capacity.
- Improve and modernize crime data collection, intelligence gathering, incident response, and analytics capabilities to drive evidence-based policing.
- Develop innovative approaches to policing and violent crime reduction.
- Enhance law enforcement readiness and support for frontline officers.
- Expand services for American victims of crime.
- Reduce recidivism and support community reintegration.
- Expand behavioral health treatment and recovery services that improve public safety outcomes.
Applicants are not required to address every objective in the NOFO, but should demonstrate how their proposed approach advances the goals most relevant to their jurisdiction.
Who Should Apply
Local government entities serving 100,000 or more residents are eligible to apply.
Application Process Overview
The FY2026 MCI application process includes two phases. Applicants should consult the full NOFO for detailed instructions, templates, eligibility criteria, and allowable costs.
Phase 1: Written Application Narrative
Applicants have 90 days from the NOFO posting date to submit a narrative (up to 20 pages) describing their need for MCI funding, their readiness to serve as a Model City, and planned strategies to strengthen public safety. Required appendices—such as mayoral certification, jurisdiction‑wide support documentation, commitment to collaborate with DOJ, an estimated budget, timelines, and vetted partner information—must be included.
Submit Phase 1 applications to MCIapplications@usdoj.gov by 11:59 p.m. EST on September 1, 2026.
Phase 2: Finalist Presentations
DOJ will review Phase 1 submissions and announce finalists. Finalists will be invited to present their plans to DOJ leadership. Selections will be based on application materials, presentations, and alignment with MCI goals. Selected jurisdictions will then work with DOJ to finalize implementation plans, budgets, and key milestones necessary for the release of funds.
For full eligibility requirements, detailed instructions, and appendices, please refer to the FY2026 MCI NOFO.
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