What You Need to Know: Jackson City Council Meeting 7/14/2026

Council agenda packet is available here.

The Jackson City Council met Tuesday, July 14, for its regular meeting.

By the Numbers:

• 60 properties declared a menace to public health, safety and welfare

  $300 million U.S. Department of Justice grant program authorized for application (approximately $100 million expected for each selected city)

• $1.62 million FEMA grant application approved for new firefighter radios

• 39 surplus city vehicles approved for auction through GovDeals

• 2 corporate donations accepted to support community events

New Council Leadership Selected

During the first regular meeting of July, the Council elects its officers for the coming year. Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley was elected President of the Jackson City Council, while Ward 7 Councilman Kevin Parkinson was elected Vice President.

The annual leadership transition sets the agenda for committee assignments and Council operations over the next year.

Data Center Moratorium Approved

One of the evening’s most discussed topics was a proposed six-month moratorium on hyperscale data centers.

The Council approved the measure after adopting an amendment exempting city-owned property adjacent to the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, preserving future economic development opportunities in that area.

Council members indicated the pause will provide time to develop clearer regulations governing future data center projects before additional proposals are considered.

Two Major Ordinances Introduced

The Council introduced two ordinances that will return for future votes. Municipal Court Restructuring he first proposal would reorganize Municipal Cour administration by creating a

Presiding Judge responsible for overseeing court operations, scheduling and administration while maintaining judicial independence.

Planning and Development Proposal

A second ordinance would significantly reorganize city government by eliminating the Planning and Development. Department and transferring many responsibilities to other departments.

Because these ordinances were only introduced during the city council meeting, no final action was taken, and they will be brought back to the city council at a future meeting.

Public Safety Investments Continue

Several agenda items focused on strengthening public safety.

The Council authorized the Jackson Police Department to apply for a highly competitive Department of Justice Public Safety Transformation Grant, a nationwide initiative expected to award approximately $100 million each to only a handful of cities.

Council members also approved an agreement with the Law Enforcement Strategy & Leadership Institute (LESLI) to create a standardized promotional assessment process for officers seeking promotion to Sergeant. The new system is intended to improve fairness, consistency and transparency.

The Jackson Fire Department received authorization to apply for a $1.62 million FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant that would fund new portable radios and modernize emergency communications.

Emergency Upgrades Approved for City Detention Facility

The Council ratified an emergency contract to modernize critical security systems at the City’s detention facility.

The project includes replacement or upgrades to:

• Electronic security systems

• Surveillance cameras

• Communications equipment

• Electronic door access controls

City officials said the work addresses immediate operational and safety concerns.

Neighborhood and Community Support

The Council accepted two private donations supporting community events.

Southern Poverty Law Center and Nissan contributed funding toward the City’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration.

Atmos Energy donated funding for the City’s annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Because Mississippi law requires Council approval before gifts can be accepted, both donations required formal votes.

Historic Preservation Receives Outside Support

The Council accepted a Certified Local Government Grant through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to update design guidelines for the Belhaven and Belhaven Heights Historic Districts.

The required local match will be provided by the Greater Belhaven Foundation, meaning no additional City funding is required.

The project will also support updated preservation policies and development of a historic district newsletter.

Homelessness Partnership Advances

The Council approved two actions moving forward its partnership with Clutch, an organization specializing in coordinated homelessness response.

The initiative aims to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with housing resources while reducing unsafe encampments through coordinated outreach and services.

Infrastructure and Public Facilities

Several maintenance and infrastructure projects moved forward, including:

Emergency roof repair design for the Smith Robertson Museum

HVAC improvements at the Mississippi Museum of Art

Continued Jackson Planetarium renovations without increasing project costs

Final improvements to the Thalia Mara Hall chiller replacement project

Council members also approved engineering and inspection agreements for additional 1% Sales Tax-funded street resurfacing projects.

Additional bond-funded road, bridge and drainage projects were discussed but delayed for future consideration.

Stormwater Compliance Efforts Continue

The Council authorized a consulting agreement to help Jackson return to compliance with its MS4 stormwater permit, which regulates how municipalities manage stormwater runoff.

City officials said the assistance will help prepare for future environmental requirements while addressing longstanding compliance issues.

Surplus Vehicles Head to Auction

The Council approved selling 39 surplus city vehicles through GovDeals, an online government auction platform.

The action is part of the City’s ongoing effort to dispose of unused assets while generating additional revenue.

Blight Elimination Continues

The Council declared 60 additional properties to be a menace to public health, safety and welfare, allowing future enforcement action when funding and staffing become available.

Before You Go, You Should Know

The Council welcomed Dr. Erica Quinn Thompson of the Magnolia Medical Foundation, who highlighted the organization’s expanding healthcare services in Midtown and South Jackson.

Next Meeting

The next regular Jackson City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to attend in person or watch online.