CMPD wants "Make America Safe Again" grant. Council pushes back
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Chief Estella Patterson. Screenshot: City of Charlotte
The Democratic-majority Charlotte City Council is pushing back on applying for a massive "Make America Safe Again" federal grant to fund more police drones, license plate cameras and a range of other safety initiatives.
Why it matters: Charlotte has drawn national scrutiny following several high-profile crimes, including the recent Dilworth attack. The grant could bring Charlotte up to $150 million in federal funding for public safety, but council members worry money from the Trump administration will come with strings attached.
- "Respectfully, it feels like we are opening Pandora's box," council member Victoria Watlington said.
The latest: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Estella Patterson, who took her oath in December, asked City Council Monday night to support seeking funding through the Department of Justice's Model Cities Initiative.
- Funded with nearly $300 million from the One Big Beautiful Bill, the three-year grants will be awarded to only two to four cities.
- CMPD said the money could go toward courts, the sheriff's office, mental health services, programs to reduce recidivism, technology upgrades, and positions in the gang, juvenile and crime gun units.
The fine print: The award would be a "cooperative agreement" rather than a traditional grant, meaning the federal government would have "substantial involvement" in overseeing the spending, according to CMPD's presentation.
What they're saying: Council member LaWana Mayfield suggested the initiative could become a "federal accelerator for local surveillance infrastructure."
- A clause in the application states that Charlotte could be forced to pay the government back for deploying federal forces if the city experiences a "surge in violence," said Assistant City Attorney Jessica Battle. The potential cost is unknown.
- Some council members also raised concerns about the impact on the immigrant and refugee communities, particularly after Operation Charlotte's Web last November.
- "Charlotte has already experienced what happens when a federal surge enters our community," said council member JD Mazuera Arias.
What's next: City Council, the sheriff and other local officials would need to sign a letter of support to apply for the grant. But several members have already made clear they don't want the chief to proceed.
- In fact, council nearly moved to halt further use of staff time to investigate the grant. But the city manager discouraged a formal vote.
- The first phase of the application is due Sept. 1.
- "I would not put our city in jeopardy," Chief Patterson told council.