What You Need to Know: Jackson City Council Meeting 6/23/2026
Council agenda packet is available here.
The Jackson City Council met Tuesday, June 23, for its regular meeting, following a special public hearing held June 22 regarding proposed regulations for future data center development within the city.
By the Numbers
Nearly $1 million in additional airport grant funding accepted
$1 million cybersecurity grant application advanced to the next round
2 bridge improvement projects moved forward through 1% Sales Tax Commission funding
Approximately $300,000 saved on the city’s annual property insurance premium
Special Session Focuses on Data Center Regulations
On June 22, the City Council hosted a public hearing regarding the development of regulations governing future data centers within Jackson.
City leaders emphasized that no data center projects will be approved until the regulatory framework is completed. The purpose of the hearing was to gather public input and identify concerns related to infrastructure, environmental impacts, energy usage, water consumption and neighborhood compatibility.
Council members indicated they are continuing to review proposed amendments and public feedback before presenting a draft ordinance. Once a draft is completed, an additional public hearing is expected before any final vote takes place.
Officials stressed that the process remains ongoing and encouraged residents to continue participating as regulations are developed.
Volunteer Code Enforcement Pilot Approved
The Council approved a one-year Community Code Enforcement Volunteer Pilot Program.
The initiative is designed to test whether trained volunteers can assist with portions of the code enforcement process that do not require city employees. Supporters hope the program will help improve efficiency while allowing residents to play a more active role in neighborhood beautification and blight reduction efforts.
The pilot program was first introduced following conversations between city leaders and neighborhood representatives seeking new approaches to addressing blight.
Ward 7 City Councilman, Kevin Parkison said, “There's many, many neighborhood associations who want to be part of blight elimination and want to be part of the solution. And this measure simply creates a mechanism for which that can occur.”
Improvement District Assessments Approved
The Council approved the annual assessments for the Belhaven Community Improvement District and the Downtown and Fondren Business Improvement Districts, allowing each organization to continue funding neighborhood-specific improvements.
Unlike traditional city taxes, these are self-imposed assessments approved by property owners within each district and are used exclusively to benefit that district. Funds typically support enhanced security, beautification projects, landscaping, marketing, maintenance and other quality-of-life initiatives beyond the city’s basic level of service.
Each district uses a different funding model:
Belhaven Community Improvement District, overseen by the Greater Belhaven Foundation, assesses an additional 6 mills on real property. For example, a home appraised at $125,000 pays approximately $75 annually toward neighborhood improvements.
Downtown Business Improvement District, managed by Downtown Jackson Partners, assesses commercial and taxable property owners 10 cents per square foot of buildings and unimproved property.
Fondren Business Improvement District, overseen by the Fondren Renaissance Foundation, assesses commercial property owners 8 cents per square foot to fund beautification, security and economic development efforts.
Because the revenue stays within each district, these organizations have been able to fund projects ranging from enhanced public safety patrols and streetscape improvements to neighborhood branding, special events and business recruitment. Community Improvement Districts and Business Improvement Districts have become important tools for neighborhoods seeking additional investment while maintaining local control over how assessment dollars are spent.
Property owners can verify whether a property is located within an improvement district and review annual assessments through the Hinds County Landroll or the City of Jackson Development Assistance Division.
Senior Services Program Continued
The Council approved continuing a partnership with the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District to provide services for older residents.
The program supports congregate meals, home-delivered meals, transportation assistance and outreach services for seniors throughout Jackson.
Seniors or elderly residents looking to sign up or learn more about these city-sponsored programs are encouraged to contact the City of Jackson Senior Services Division directly or reach out to the regional Area Agency on Aging Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD).
Cybersecurity Grant Advances
Jackson moved one step closer to securing a $1 million cybersecurity grant after advancing to the next phase of the application process.
This funding opportunity is part of the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), a $1 billion federal initiative established by Congress to strengthen cybersecurity for state, local, tribal and territorial governments. The program is jointly administered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In Mississippi, the federal funds are administered through the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, with program guidelines requiring that at least 80 percent of available funding be directed to local governments.
If awarded, the grant would help Jackson strengthen its technology infrastructure and protect critical city systems from growing cybersecurity threats.
Homelessness Partnership Moves Forward
The Council approved plans to partner with Clutch, a consulting and organizing organization focused on addressing homelessness.
The model emphasizes rapidly connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with housing solutions while coordinating services and enforcement efforts aimed at reducing long-term encampments.
City officials cited successful outcomes in other communities as a reason for moving forward with the partnership.
City Facilities Receive Maintenance Upgrades
Council members approved HVAC repairs at multiple fire stations and at the Medgar Evers Library.
The improvements are part of ongoing efforts to address deferred maintenance in city-owned facilities and improve conditions for employees and residents who use those spaces.
Partnership Supports Food Security and Urban Agriculture
The Council approved a partnership with T.I.M.E. Inc. (To Improve Mississippi Economics, Inc.), led by Dr. Cindy Ayers-Elliott of Foot Print Farms.
The partnership will focus on food security, urban agriculture and economic development opportunities. The agreement does not require direct financial contributions from the city.
For many neighborhoods, particularly those in south and west Jackson where residents have historically faced limited access to fresh groceries, the partnership could lead to new community gardens, expanded access to locally grown produce and educational opportunities that teach residents how to grow food in their own backyards.
This partnership also creates opportunities to rethink how vacant properties and underutilized parks can become neighborhood assets that improve quality of life, strengthen local economies and increase access to healthy food.
Bridge Projects Advance
The Council approved construction engineering and inspection costs for repairs to the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge and the Smallwood Street Bridge.
Both projects are funded through the 1% Sales Tax Commission and represent long-awaited infrastructure improvements.
Utility and Water Infrastructure Actions Approved
Council members approved an easement allowing Entergy to complete electrical upgrades at the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant.
The action grants access for necessary utility work while maintaining city ownership of the property.
Airport Receives Additional Grant Funding
The Council approved acceptance of nearly $1 million in additional airport grant funding. This grant is a part of a larger federal revitalization package funded and awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The funds will support safety-related improvements at Jackson’s airport facilities and continue a recent series of successful grant awards secured by airport leadership.
Insurance Costs Decrease
The Council approved the city’s annual property insurance package.
Officials reported that premiums decreased by approximately $300,000 while maintaining coverage levels. The updated policy also includes cybersecurity protections and workplace violence coverage.
Before You Go, You Should Know
The Council approved a resolution recognizing Father’s Day and passed a resolution celebrating Pride Month, recognizing the contributions of LGBTQ+ residents to Jackson’s civic, cultural, educational and economic life.
Council members also continued discussions related to tree maintenance, infrastructure improvements and quality-of-life issues affecting neighborhoods throughout the city.
Next Meeting
The next regular Jackson City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14 at 10 a.m.
Residents should note that the previously scheduled July 1 meeting has been canceled due to a municipal conference. A future public hearing regarding proposed data center regulations is expected in early July, with an additional work session anticipated before the next regular Council meeting.