Title
Retroactive Authorization to Apply for Arizona Department of Public Safety Local Border Support Fund Grant (Ordinance S-52233) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to allow the Police Department to retroactively apply for, accept, and enter into an agreement with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) for the Local Border Support Fund Grant. The grant amount will not exceed $1,250,000. No matching funds are required. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and for the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The purpose of this grant is to support law enforcement initiatives aimed at combating criminal activity such as drug trafficking, human smuggling and other public safety threats. The funding will directly support the City of Phoenix’s Community Safety Plans, which focus on improving safety and quality of life in areas most affected by these issues, specifically along the 19th and 27th Avenue corridors near the I-17. These corridors have experienced a high concentration of illegal drug activity and human trafficking. The Police Department will use the funding to implement targeted strategies that include enhanced enforcement and community-based resources to reduce crime and restore a sense of safety in these neighborhoods.
The requested resources will be used for officer overtime, equipment, and specialized training to strengthen the Drug Enforcement Bureau’s ability to address fentanyl distribution and drug-related violence. These efforts will include focused enforcement operations, undercover investigations, technology improvements, and expanded intelligence gathering. The Drug Enforcement Bureau will work closely with the Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit, Community Action Officers, and Neighborhood Enforcement Teams to ensure these strategies align with the City’s broader community safety initiatives. This coordinated approach is designed to improve public safety outcomes and increase community engagement in areas with the greatest need.
The grant application was due on August 22, 2025. If authorization is denied, the grant application will be rescinded.
Contract Term
The contract term will be for three years from the date of the approved award.
Financial Impact
No matching funds are required.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.