What You Need to Know: Jackson City Council Meeting 5/19/26
Council agenda packet is available here
The Jackson City Council met Tuesday, May 19, for its regular meeting, addressing public safety, blight, infrastructure, youth programming, neighborhood development and city operations.
By the Numbers
More than $2 million in potential grant funding identified by the Jackson Police Department
Six public safety grant applications approved
$10,000 donation accepted for a Juneteenth fireworks exhibition
More than 100 properties declared a menace to public health, safety and welfare
$68,300 in penalties tied to blighted property enforcement
More than $80,000 in violence prevention sub-grants approved
$50,000 to $100,000 expected to be raised by Jackson Rising to support JPD
$500,000 walking and biking trail project advanced along Peachtree Street
Data Center Moratorium Tabled
The Council considered a temporary moratorium and regulatory framework for the development or expansion of data centers in Jackson.
The public hearing section of the meeting included residents as far away as Southaven who raised concerns about potential impacts on infrastructure, public health and long-term land use. Others questioned whether a moratorium could unintentionally prevent beneficial projects, challenge city zoning ordinances and whether the item required additional legal steps before a vote.
The item was tabled, meaning no final action was taken.
Public Safety Grants Approved
The Council approved the Jackson Police Department’s request to apply for six separate grants totaling more than $2 million. Each grant focuses on a different public safety priority. Grant submissions noted on the agenda for this council meeting included:
The Bureau of Justice Assistance Fiscal Year 2025 Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crime Award for $300,000
The Bureau of Justice Assistance Fiscal Year 2025 Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative Grant for $300,000
The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security Competitive Funding Opportunity for the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program for $125,680.85
The Fiscal Year Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance for $223,638 [From the US Department of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Assistance]
If awarded, the funding could support JPD’s broader efforts to strengthen safety across the city.
Farish Street Business Compliance Discussed
Council members discussed concerns involving The Living Room, a Farish Street business approved to operate as a restaurant but reportedly functioning as a nightclub.
The discussion emphasized the importance of business development while also requiring businesses to follow proper permitting and operating procedures.
Juneteenth Fireworks Donation Accepted
The Council approved a proposed $10,000 donation from Downtown Jackson Partners to support a fireworks exhibition connected to upcoming downtown summer programming.
The fireworks presentation will be part of the Levitt AMP Downtown Jackson Music Series and will take place at the Entergy Plaza at the Two Mississippi Museums in partnership with the Mississippi Humanities Council and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. Organizers say the free community event will feature live music, family-friendly activities, food vendors and a fireworks finale.
Residents can learn more about the event through Visit Jackson’s event page: https://www.visitjackson.com/events/stars-stripes-symphony/
More Than 100 Blighted Properties Declared a Menace
Council members voted to declare more than 100 properties a menace to public health, safety and welfare.
The scope of work varies by property and may include demolition, securing structures, cutting grass, removing trash and debris, and clearing hazardous conditions.
This vote is an important legal step in the city’s code enforcement process. However, it does not mean all properties will be addressed immediately. Many of these cases now enter an already strained backlog, and the city may still need funding, equipment, contractors or legal follow-up before work can be completed.
The list of properties can be found in the above agenda packet link.
Violence Prevention Sub-Grants Approved
The Council approved more than $80,000 in sub-grants to organizations working on violence prevention efforts throughout Jackson.
The funding is part of a broader strategy to support community-based approaches to public safety.
The list of grants include the following:
Metro Booming, IncJob Development and Readiness — $15,000
USDR Behavioral Specialists, LLCBehavioral Health Training and Technical Assistance — $15,000
JT & Friends FoundationYouth Development and Mentorship — $10,000
Genesis Girls Group HomeHigh Risk Intervention and Leadership Development through Behavioral Analysis and SEL — $15,000
Briarwood Arts Center, LLCPrevention and Leadership Through Arts and Engagement — $12,561
Public Health & Safety TeamSystems & Infrastructure to Scale the Public Safety Eco-System — $15,000
Street Resurfacing Engineering Contract Approved
Council members approved an engineering contract with EJES, Inc. tied to phase two of a street resurfacing project covering approximately 45 miles of roadways across 338 streets funded through the 1% Sales Tax Commission.
While some questions remain regarding funding alignment and prior engineering work, the approval allows the project to move forward.
Chief Administrative Officer Pieter Teeuwissen said, “If the 1% does not fund some or all of [the project] I suspect we will be back here discussing this.”
Jackson Rising Agreement Approved
The Council authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with Jackson Rising, a group planning to raise between $50,000 and $100,000 to support the Jackson Police Department.
Funds may are restricted, but may be used for the following:
Recruitment and retention of public safety officers
Training and professional development
Recognition of police officers
Community engagement and public safety activities
Public safety technology
Administrative discretionary spending
Any future donation to the city would still require Council approval.
Trails and Pedestrian Safety Projects Move Forward
The Council approved an easement advancing construction of a new multi-use walking and biking trail along Peachtree Street, a project led by the Greater Belhaven Foundation in partnership with Jackson Public Schools, the City of Jackson and the Mississippi Department of Transportation.
The project follows a recent $440,000 grant awarded through MDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity in one of Jackson’s busiest corridors.
According to project leaders, hundreds of students, medical workers and residents currently walk portions of Peachtree Street without adequate sidewalk infrastructure, creating ongoing safety concerns. The new 12-foot multi-use trail will connect Riverside Drive to Woodrow Wilson Avenue and include a pedestrian bridge over Belhaven Creek.
The trail is expected to improve connectivity between the UMMC campus, Belhaven University, Jackson Public Schools campuses, the Museum Trail system, Laurel Street Park, Belhaven Heights Park and additional trail networks throughout the area.
Council members also approved a separate easement supporting a future pedestrian bridge over Lakeland Drive at Jamie Fowler Boyll Park, helping expand connections between existing trail systems north and south of Lakeland Drive.
TIF Projects Advanced
The Council took several actions to close out previously approved Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects including Helm Place Development Project and East Village Estates Development Project.
These actions are not new TIF projects. Instead, they help finalize prior development agreements and allow the city to follow through on earlier commitments.
Before You Go, You Should Know
The Council recognized historic preservation work in Jackson, National Public Works Week, National Police Week and Emergency Medical Services Week.
Council members also honored AMR emergency medical personnel and recognized JPS students who performed well in a statewide art contest.
Next Meeting
The next regular Jackson City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at 10 a.m.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed, review meeting recordings, and continue engaging with city leadership on issues impacting their neighborhoods.