New Orleans Passes on Model Cities Grant | New Orleans News

New Orleans is turning down a major federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Model Cities program — not because they don’t need the money, but because the conditions attached — including immigration enforcement and public sleeping policies — clashed with their values and legal concerns. With the deadline fast approaching and too many unanswered questions, the city chose responsibility over risk. Joining cities like Charlotte and Billings, New Orleans walked away — but not without gains: the process sparked collaboration and revealed critical needs. Now, with eyes on $135 million in alternative funding, the city is doubling down on modernizing crime labs, solving cold cases, and tackling homelessness, addiction, youth violence, and reentry programs — using the Model Cities evaluation as a roadmap to secure the future. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/2282d5199aadf593