Tennessee opens $175M in public safety funds for cities

Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and other cities in Tennessee could soon receive a share of the $175 million state funding to create safer cities through the Downtown Public Safety Grant (DPSG) and the Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF).  

Applications for both grants opened Oct. 2 for eligible municipalities and law enforcement agencies. Eligibility is restricted to cities or Business Improvement Districts with populations over 181,000. 

The DPSG includes $100 million for proven violent crime intervention programs, new public safety technology and equipment and comprehensive place-based safety strategies. It may also be leveraged for property development, redevelopment or rehabilitation. 

The VCIF will award $75 million in support of local efforts to reduce violent crime through data-driven strategies, specialized police units, community partnerships and public safety technology. 

The Tennessee General Assembly capped funding for some major cities, which is as follows: 

Memphis: $74 million. 

Nashville: $15 million. 

Knoxville: $4.9 million. 

Chattanooga: $4.5 million. 

Eligible entities may subcontract with licensed nonprofit or for-profit organizations to carry out approved programs. Submissions are due Oct. 24, and must meet state compliance, reporting, and coordination requirements. 

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