What You Need to Know: Jackson City Council Meeting 8/11/26
Council agenda packet is available here.
The Jackson City Council met Tuesday, July 14, for its regular meeting.
The Jackson City Council met Tuesday, August 11th accepting more than $90,000 in opioid settlement funds, moved forward with efforts to identify appropriate locations for future data center development and recognized Jackson comedian, journalist and community advocate Rita Brent.
By the Numbers
More than $90,000 in additional opioid settlement funds accepted
More than $4.5 million in federal housing and community development grants authorized for application
Approximately $900,000 spent this year addressing blighted properties
Approximately $12,000 recovered from property owners for that work
More than $2 million in previously purchased hybrid electric buses included on the claims docket
3 blighted properties approved for additional work
8 appointments and reappointments approved for the Capital City Convention Center Commission
Blight Enforcement Highlights Collection Challenges
The Council approved contracts for work on three properties previously declared a menace to public health, safety and welfare. Properties include:
820 Primos Avenue (Ward 4)
2631 Key Street (Ward 6)
237 Kimbrough Drive (Ward 7)
As a quick refresher, the City’s process allows officials to take action when property owners fail to correct certain code violations after being ordered to do so. In some cases, the City hires contractors to complete necessary work and then bills the property owner for the cost, along with an additional fine. Liens can be placed on properties when those costs remain unpaid.
However, the meeting highlighted a significant challenge with that system.
Jackson has spent approximately $900,000 this year addressing qualifying properties but has recovered only about $12,000 from property owners.
The collection gap limits the City’s ability to reinvest those funds into additional blight removal efforts. For neighborhoods dealing with abandoned, overgrown or unsafe properties, improving the City’s ability to recover those costs could significantly expand the number of properties addressed each year.
Jackson Accepts Additional Opioid Settlement Funds
The Council accepted more than $90,000 in opioid settlement funds, part of nationwide settlements with companies involved in the opioid industry. While funds did not come directly from these companies, the companies involved in the broader settlements include Johnson & Johnson, Purdue Pharma, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, McKesson, Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, Teva and Allergan.
Mississippi has received settlement funding as a result of litigation related to the opioid crisis. While the majority of the state’s settlement proceeds are allocated at the state level, a portion is distributed to municipalities and counties, including Jackson.
Council discussion also raised questions about how Jackson should use its remaining and future settlement dollars. City officials noted that some previous opioid settlement funds were spent on items including cabling and shelving.
Additional discussions are expected regarding how remaining funds can more directly support opioid prevention, treatment, recovery and families affected by addiction.
Claims Docket Sparks Debate Over JTRAN Buses
What is typically a routine claims docket generated considerable discussion Tuesday.
A claims docket generally authorizes payment for goods and services the City has already received. This week’s docket included two payments of more than $1 million each for hybrid electric buses.
Some Council members questioned whether Jackson needs large buses and whether hybrid vehicles were the appropriate investment.
However, because the City had already committed to purchasing and had received the buses, the question before the Council was whether to pay the outstanding obligations rather than whether the buses should have been purchased.
The claims docket ultimately passed.
JTRAN Contract Remains in Place Amid Labor Dispute
The Council also considered a motion to cancel the City’s contract with MV Transportation, the company contracted to operate JTRAN services.
The motion did not receive a second and therefore failed.
The discussion comes amid an ongoing labor dispute involving MV Transportation and unionized workers. Union members have gone on strike, while MV Transportation has brought employees from other markets to Jackson to continue operating transit service.
Council discussion focused on whether MV Transportation continues to meet its contractual obligations to the City and whether residents are receiving reliable transit service during the labor dispute.
For residents who depend on JTRAN to reach work, school, medical appointments and other destinations, continued transit availability remains the central concern.
The Council separately approved renewals for software and technology services connected to cameras aboard JTRAN buses.
More Than $4.5 Million in Federal Housing Grants Sought
The Council authorized applications for more than $4.5 million in federal funding through several U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs.
The applications include funding through:
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)
Collectively, the programs can support affordable housing, homelessness response, neighborhood improvements and services for vulnerable residents.
If awarded, the funding could provide significant resources for housing and neighborhood initiatives throughout Jackson.
Riverfront Park Partnership Moves Forward
The Council approved a partnership with the Jackson River District Partnership to advance plans for a proposed Riverfront Park along the Pearl River.
The site has limitations on certain types of development because portions of the property were historically used for waste disposal. The proposed project would instead transform the underused land into recreational green space.
Plans envision the park providing greater public access to the Pearl River while eventually serving as a central connection for a trail network linking portions of North, South and West Jackson.
The long-term vision, which looks toward 2030, could also support downtown revitalization efforts by creating another recreational and tourism destination near the city’s core.
Data Center Site Exploration Approved
The Council approved a resolution to begin exploring locations that could potentially accommodate future data center development within Jackson.
The action does not approve a data center.
Instead, it allows the City to examine possible locations while the recently approved six-month moratorium remains in effect and officials continue developing regulations governing future data center projects.
The approach could allow Jackson to identify sites that may be appropriate for economic development while continuing to consider concerns involving infrastructure, utilities, environmental impacts and nearby neighborhoods.
Elton Road Engineering Moves Forward
The Council approved engineering work related to improvements along Elton Road in Ward 7.
The project addresses longstanding infrastructure needs in the area, although current plans anticipate the overall project may not be completed until the end of 2027.
Thalia Mara Hall Could Become a Mississippi Landmark
The Council voted to support efforts to designate Thalia Mara Hall as a Mississippi Landmark.
The designation could provide additional historic preservation opportunities for the city-owned performing arts venue, which recently reopened following extensive repairs.
City Facilities Receive Maintenance Support
Council members approved HVAC-related work at both the Medgar Evers Library and Mississippi Museum of Art.
Both facilities are city-owned, making Jackson responsible for maintaining the physical properties even when programming or operations involve outside partners.
The Council also renewed software that allows golfers to reserve tee times at the Pete Brown Golf Facility. City officials reported that the course recently completed its first-ever week generating approximately $13,000 in revenue.
Planetarium Prepares for Laser Shows
As preparations continue for the reopening of the McNair-Davis Planetarium, the Council authorized an application for federal approval to operate laser light shows inside the renovated facility.
Federal authorization is required for certain laser entertainment systems.
The seemingly small action represents another step toward returning the Planetarium to operation after years of renovations.
JPS Swim Teams Gain Access to City Pool
The Council approved an agreement allowing Jackson Public Schools to use the City-owned Vine Street Pool for swim team practices. The partnership gives JPS student-athletes access to a City recreational facility while supporting athletic opportunities for students.
The partnership expands access to a City recreational facility while supporting athletic opportunities for JPS students.
Convention, Tourism and Airport Boards Receive New Members
The Council confirmed several appointments and reappointments to boards overseeing some of Jackson’s most important tourism and economic development assets.
Three reappointments and five new appointments were approved for the Capital City Convention Center Commission, including Mende Malouf Alford, Allen Boykin and Jeff Rent.
The Council also approved three reappointments and three new appointments to the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau. The full list of board members include:
Carol J. Burger — Business Community; Board Chair
Mende Malouf Alford — Hotel Community
Patrick House — Hotel Community
Monique Davis, CPA — Education Community
Susan Garrard — Attractions Community
Pamela DC Junior — Arts Community
Cherre Miller — Convention Complex
John Miller — At-Large
Enrika Williams — Restaurant Community
The Council confirmed Bishop Ronnie C. Crudup to serve on the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, filling the seat previously held by Rickey D. Jones.
With Crudup’s confirmation, the five-member board overseeing the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority now includes:
● Warren T. Herring — Chairman
● Sharon F. Bridges, Esq. — Vice Chairwoman
● Rica Lewis-Payton — Commissioner
● Jean C. Frazier — Commissioner
● Bishop Ronnie C. Crudup — Commissioner
Before You Go, You Should Know
The Council recognized Jackson native Rita Brent for her contributions to the city.
Brent is nationally known for her work as a comedian. Brent has also worked as a journalist, as a spokesperson for the Patty Peck Honda dealership, and remains active in charitable and community initiatives. Her Late Night with Rita Brent show recently won a southwest regional EMMY Award for Talk Program - Long Form Content. The new season of her show will be held at the Jackson Convention Complex Theater in Downtown Jackson.
The recognition celebrated both her professional accomplishments and continued connection to Jackson.
Next Meeting
The next regular Jackson City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25th at 6 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to attend in person or watch online.