STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC4
2/25/25
TN
Date: February 25, 2025
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Sonya Patterson, Director - Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services Department
Subject: ACCEPTANCE OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ), EDWARD BYRNE
MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) AWARD
Recommendation:
A. Accept $103,241.00 in Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds to JAGSEESAY.FEDOTHER (GL Account 300.60000.4998).
B. Appropriate Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds in the amount of $$103,241.00 to JAGSEESAY.MISCGRANT.PARCS (GL Account 30060000.5656).
C. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all grant documents subject to City Attorney approval.
G.C. Section 84308: No
Fiscal Impact:
No impact on general fund. The Project will be funded by Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds.
Background:
On December 12, 2023, City Council authorized the Public Safety Department to apply for the U.S.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG). The grant provides funding for a wide range of activities aimed at preventing and controlling crime, as well as improving the criminal justice system. This program allows states and local governments to implement projects that may also have environmental impacts, highlighting the comprehensive approach to justice reform.
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The City of Lancaster has been awarded a of $103,241.00 to support crime prevention initiatives.
This funding facilities a three-year Public Service Announcements (PSA) campaign, “If It’s Sketch, Send a Text,” aimed at empowering youth to report suspicious activities via text.
The contest invites teens to create impactful PSA in various formats, including video, posters, social media campaigns, and written scripts. Submissions will be evaluated based on creativity, clarity, relevance, and potential impact, with awards distributed across multiple tiers.
Grant funds will enhance resources for participants and ensure the effective promotion of the campaign within the community. All entrants will receive recognition, and winning PSAs will be integrated into ongoing community safety efforts. This initiative fosters youth engagement and advances Lancaster’s commitment to a safer and more equitable justice system.
SP:NH
Attachment:
Award Package