NASHVILLE — On Thursday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced that applications are now open for two grant funds, totaling $175 million, to strengthen downtown public safety and support local law enforcement’s work to reduce violent crime in communities. On Oct. 2, local jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies may begin applying for the $75 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund and the new $100 million Downtown Public Safety Grant Fund. Both grant funds were included in the governor’s FY26 budget proposal and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly.
Based on criteria for the grant programs, $100 million of available funds will be allocated to the Memphis area and will support the ongoing Memphis Safe Task Force, established by President Donald Trump to create strong coordination and shared resources between law enforcement agencies at all levels of government to fight crime in Memphis.
“Since I first ran for office, I’ve said that every Tennessean deserves to live in a safe neighborhood, and my administration is committed to helping our communities access the resources needed to deliver that quality of life,” said Lee. “Tennessee is equipping law enforcement with the tools needed to protect their communities, and I look forward to thoughtfully investing these dollars in proven methods that will reduce violent crime and enhance public safety in every neighborhood, including downtown areas.”…