City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MARCH 19, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: TARRICK MCGUIRE, POLICE CHIEF, POLICE DEPARTMENT
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of a Grant Application to the FY2027 Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS)
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ISSUE: Consideration of a Grant Application to the FY 2027 Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS).
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Retroactively approve the grant application to the DCJS Grant Program (applied on March 17, 2026) for up to $150,000; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: DCJS accepts applications annually from localities across the Commonwealth that have established partnerships with institutions and nonprofit organizations that have been or are at risk of being targets of hate crimes. Eligible localities must have an established relationship with the institution and/or nonprofit organization.
The Alexandria Police Department (APD) has developed partnerships with several faith-based institutions in the City and continues to meet with institutional leadership to collaboratively pursue this funding opportunity. City Council has reviewed and approved prior year's submissions for the last four fiscal years.
The primary objective of this program is to reduce bias-motivated incidents by providing financial assistance to institutions and nonprofit organizations that may be vulnerable based on factors such as race, religious beliefs, ethnicity, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or nationality.
DISCUSSION: The City has observed growing interest in this funding opportunity, including from new and emerging organizations that h...
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