CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: August 5, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Darren Goodman, Chief of Police
Department: Police
Subject: Notice of Intent to Apply for the U.S. Department of Justice Fiscal Year 2026 Model Cities Initiative Grant (All Wards) Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt the attached Resolution No. 2026-130:
1. Acknowledging the submission of an application for the U.S. Department of Justice Fiscal Year 2026 Model Cities Initiative Grant; and
2. Authorizing the City Manager or their designee to conduct all negotiations, signings, submittals, and execution of documents necessary to apply for said grant.
City Manager's Comments
This item is a notice of intent to apply. If the US Department of Justice awards the grant to the City of San Bernardino then we will bring the grant award back to the City Council for approval.
Executive Summary
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the Fiscal Year 2026 Model Cities Initiative (MCI), a competitive funding opportunity intended to support comprehensive and innovative strategies to reduce violent crime, improve public safety, strengthen law enforcement capacity, support victims of crime, reduce recidivism, and expand youth intervention and prevention services.
The MCI program is expected to award approximately $300 million nationwide to a limited number of jurisdictions that demonstrate a comprehensive vision for public safety and a commitment to implementing evidence-based and innovative crime reduction strategies. A single award will range from $75 million to $150 million.
Applicants are required to demonstrate partnerships with specific organizations including support from the Mayor and City Council.
Staff seeks a resolution indicating support from the Mayor and City Council, and authorizing staff to apply on behalf of the City of San Bernardino and to coordinate with required governmental and community partners during the application process.
Background
The U.S. Department of Justice established the Model Cities Initiative to identify and support jurisdictions implementing comprehensive approaches to crime reduction, public safety enhancement, and community stabilization. The initiative encourages collaboration among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, behavioral health providers, victim service organizations, community-based organizations, and other governmental partners to address the underlying causes of crime while enhancing enforcement and public safety efforts.
The City of San Bernardino has consistently pursued external funding opportunities to enhance public safety services and improve quality of life for residents. Through prior state and federal grants, the City has implemented violence prevention initiatives, youth intervention programs, community engagement efforts, and specialized law enforcement operations that support public safety objectives throughout the community.
The Fiscal Year 2026 Model Cities Initiative requires participating jurisdictions to demonstrate broad stakeholder support and coordination among multiple governmental entities. As a result, staff is seeking Council authorization prior to application submission to facilitate development of a comprehensive and competitive application.
Discussion
The Model Cities Initiative presents a significant opportunity for the City to pursue federal funding that may support strategic investments in law enforcement, crime prevention, intelligence-led policing, technology modernization, youth intervention services, victim services, behavioral health partnerships, and recidivism reduction programs. The grant provides up to $300 million in competitive funding to support comprehensive, data-driven public safety strategies in eligible jurisdictions. If awarded, the grant does not require a local funding match, allowing the City to fully implement approved grant activities without committing General Fund resources as a condition of the award.
If awarded, the grant could support enhanced coordination among public safety partners and provide resources necessary to implement innovative crime reduction strategies that align with the City's public safety priorities. Potential activities may include improvements to crime analysis capabilities, technology enhancements, community-based prevention efforts, officer training, behavioral health interventions, and other evidence-based public safety initiatives consistent with program requirements.
Staff is requesting authorization only to apply for the grant. No grant funds are being accepted, and no financial commitments are being made by the City through this action. Should the City be selected for funding, staff will return to the Mayor and City Council with a future item seeking authorization to accept the award, execute grant agreements, appropriate funding, and implement grant-funded activities.
The application will be led by the City of San Bernardino Police Department in coordination with the City's Grants Team and will include collaboration with other City departments, governmental agencies, and community stakeholders as required by the grant solicitation. Allowable costs include Hiring and Retaining Personnel, Equipment and Technology, Training and Professional Development, Facility Costs, Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Reentry, Transitional Support, and Recidivism Reduction Services, Victim Services, and Youth Crime Prevention and Intervention Services. More information can be found in Attachment 2.
Because the application deadline is September 6, 2026, staff is requesting Council consideration currently to ensure sufficient opportunity to coordinate with required governmental and community partners, complete all required application materials, and submit a timely application to the U.S. Department of Justice. 2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
Submission of an application for the Fiscal Year 2026 Model Cities Initiative Grant aligns with Mayor and City Council Strategic Goal No. 3 – Improved Quality of Life by supporting efforts to reduce violent crime, enhance public safety, strengthen community partnerships, and improve outcomes for residents throughout the City of San Bernardino.
Fiscal Impact
There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with submission of the grant application. No matching funds are required as part of the application process. Should the City be awarded grant funding, staff will return to the Mayor and City Council with a future request for acceptance of grant funds, execution of grant agreements, and any necessary budget appropriations.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt the attached Resolution No. 2026-130:
1. Acknowledging the submission of an application for the U.S. Department of Justice Fiscal Year 2026 Model Cities Initiative Grant; and
2. Authorizing the City Manager or their designee to conduct all negotiations, signings, submittals, and execution of documents necessary to apply for said grant.
Attachments
Attachment 1 – Resolution No. 2026-130 Notice of Intent to Apply for the U.S.
Department of Justice Fiscal Year 2026 Model Cities Initiative Grant (All Wards) Attachment 2 – DOJ FY2026 Model Cities Initiative_MCI-508 Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
No previous council action.
CC
Eric Levitt, City Manager