Two state-funded grant programs totaling $175 million aimed at improving public safety in Tennessee are now accepting applications from local governments and law enforcement agencies, Governor Bill Lee’s office announced.
As of October 2, eligible law enforcement agencies, including drug task forces, can apply for a share of $75 million from the state’s Violent Crime Intervention Fund while the local governments of the state’s four largest cities – Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga – can apply for a share of $100 million from the state’s Downtown Public Safety Grant Fund.
Grants awarded from the Violent Crime Intervention Fund, established in Fiscal Year 2023, are designated for agencies operating in one or more of the 50 Tennessee ZIP codes with the highest homicide rates from 2018 to 2022, based on data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division.
To be eligible to receive funds from the Violent Crime Intervention Fund, sheriff’s departments must have an active 287(g) agreement with the federal government, enabling cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Funds awarded from the newly-created Downtown Public Safety Grant Program are meant to support efforts by local governments and Business Improvement Districts to improve public safety, reduce blight, strengthen economic development infrastructure, and decrease crime in downtown business areas.
Eligible recipients include the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, and the cities of Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. Also eligible are Business Improvement Districts—or entities managing them—that oversee central business districts under Tennessee law and operate in municipalities with populations of at least 181,000, according to the 2020 census.
The grant programs were included in the governor’s FY26 budget passed earlier this year by state lawmakers in the Tennessee General Assembly.
Funds awarded through the programs are subject to the approval of the Tennessee Commissioner of Finance and Administration.
Eligible local jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies have until October 24, 2025, to submit their applications for the Violent Crime Intervention Fund and the Downtown Public Safety Grant Fund.
Lee’s office said $100 million of available funds will be allocated to the Memphis area to support the ongoing Memphis Safe Task Force, established last month 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,” Lee said in a statement.
“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,” the governor added.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Gov. Bill Lee and Woodbury Police Officer” by Gov. Bill Lee.
