What You Need to Know: Jackson City Council Meeting 5/5/26
Photo by Imani Khayyman
The Jackson City Council met for its regular session, addressing neighborhood development, public safety, city operations and community investment initiatives impacting residents across Jackson.
By the Numbers
6 blighted properties approved for cleanup and remediation contracts
$250,000 to $500,000 in projected annual savings through Parks and Recreation restructuring
Nearly $4 million in federal transit funding has been accepted by the city
61-day lease extension approved for the Margaret Walker Alexander Library property
Motion passed for city to pursue legal action to recoup more than $250,000 previously spent by the city to remediate conditions at Hotel O.
Blight Reduction and Property Redevelopment
The Council approved contracts addressing blight on six separate properties throughout the city. Council members also approved the sale of a blighted property for $500 to a resident who plans to rehabilitate the site.
The Council approved contracts addressing blight on six separate properties throughout the city to demolish, clear, and perform other work to remedy the condition of state-owned properties as well as private properties that are considered to be a menace to public health, safety and welfare, including:
Ward 3 - 1355 Marks Avenue
Ward 5 - 2749 Terry Road
Ward 6 - 111 Treehaven Drive
Ward 6 - 1219 McCluer Road
Ward 6 - 744 Monterey Street
Ward 7 - 2816 Kingswood Avenue
Council members also approved the sale of a blighted property located at 0 Dewitt Avenue for $500 to a private resident who plans to rehabilitate the site.
City leaders continue to emphasize that returning abandoned and neglected properties to productive use remains an important part of neighborhood stabilization efforts
New Community Center Planned for South Jackson
The Council unanimously approved the purchase of a former daycare facility at the corner of Terry Road and Elton in South Jackson’s Ward 6 that will be converted into a community center.
Leaders noted the space could support neighborhood meetings, programming and additional community activities for surrounding residents.
Parks and Recreation Department Consolidated
The Council formally approved the consolidation of the Parks and Recreation Department. Under the restructuring plan, park maintenance responsibilities will shift to the Department of Public Works, while programming responsibilities will move under Human and Cultural Services.
City officials estimate the move could save between $250,000 and $500,000 annually through administrative restructuring while maintaining current services.
Chief Administrative Officer Pieter Teeuwissen reiterated for the record that, “it’s important for the public to know we are still committed to our parks and recreation here in the city, and that no positions that either mow grass, maintain parks or provide recreational activities to our youth… none of those positions are being cut.”
Special Sales Tax Commission Appointments Approved
Council members confirmed Mayor John Horhn and Chief Administrative Officer Pieter Teeuwissen to serve on the city’s Special Sales Tax Commission, commonly known as the 1% Sales Tax Commission.
The commission oversees revenue generated from the additional 1% local option sales tax approved by Jackson voters in 2014. Funds are commonly directed toward infrastructure and capital improvement projects throughout the city.
Police Recruit Testing Invoices Addressed
The Council approved payment for outstanding police recruit testing services provided since May 2023. The testing supports the onboarding process for new officers entering the Jackson Police Department.
Officials noted that earlier invoices could not legally be paid due to state statute limitations requirements.
Photo by Imani Khayyman
Jackson Police Department Chief RaShell Brackney was also questioned by the city council about recruitment efforts. She shared that, “There’s a strategy that you can put in place. We typically have only just done basic announcements and put them on the city’s websites and said that we’re hiring. We’ve not been intentional about where we’ve been to have conversation with people interested.”
Fire Training and Fire Protection Rating Discussed
The Council authorized the Mississippi State Fire Academy to provide additional training support to the Jackson Fire Department.
The discussion follows recent news that Jackson’s fire protection classification moved from a Class 3 rating to a Class 4 rating through the Mississippi State Rating Bureau. Councilman Kevin Parkinson had this to say, “I'm told that class 3 is currently the best classification achieved in Mississippi. Even those are pretty rare. Many municipalities are at class 4 or 5, many are in the 6-9 range, and some areas are at class 10. So level 4 is not catastrophic, and I think that - by and large - Jacksonians should feel safe and assured that the Jackson Fire Department stands ready to respond.” Fire ratings can impact insurance costs and are tied to staffing, equipment, training and infrastructure readiness.
City leaders emphasized ongoing efforts to improve fire station conditions, training opportunities and recruitment initiatives ahead of future reevaluations.
According to Jackson Fire Department Chief, RaSean O. Thomas, “We need approximately 60 more firefighters. We don’t have the positions. That’s something we have to address in the next budget year to actually fill what we need.”
Arts and Community Grants Approved
The Council approved an order authorizing matching grants for local arts and community organizations after previous discussions delayed final action on the item.
The grants support organizations providing cultural programming and community engagement efforts throughout Jackson neighborhoods.
Federal Transit Funding Accepted
Council members authorized the city to submit an application for nearly $4 million in federal transit funding, paired with a required local match of approximately $2.66 million.
The funding, if received by the city, will be used to support public transportation operations and infrastructure within Jackson. Specific details regarding the distribution of funds were not discussed during this meeting.
Neighborhood improvement initiatives continue to be a recurring focus during council discussions surrounding long-term city growth and stability.
Neighborhood Development Grant Application Approved
The Council authorized the administration to apply for matching grants through the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University focused on neighborhood development and revitalization efforts. Winning cities will receive $70,000 in funding for program implementation and volunteer-led mini-grant programs in neighborhoods. Cities will also receive an additional $200,000 to fund up to two Love Your Block fellowships to work with the city on community engagement strategies.
Neighborhood improvement initiatives remain a recurring focus in council discussions on long-term city growth and stability.
Summer Golf Programming for Youth Approved
The Council approved an agreement supporting youth golf programming during the summer months.
The initiative is designed to provide recreational opportunities and outdoor engagement for young residents during summer break.
Patty Patterson, Executive Director for the Grove Park Junior Golf Clinic shared that she is “thankful to the city of Jackson for the utilization of the Pete Brown facility on Woodrow Wilson. The program will run for 6-weeks: June 1-July 10th. We have some great golfers. We’ve partnered with First Tee who has been an affiliate with the PGA for years and are excited for this summer and being able to serve golfers ages 7-17. People can learn more by visiting www.groveparkjrgolf.org.”
Temporary Library Lease Extension Approved
Council members approved a 61-day extension for property located on Robinson Road currently housing the Margaret Walker Alexander Library and the city’s records management storage operations.
The temporary extension allows negotiations to continue on a longer-term lease agreement.
City Pursues Collection Efforts Related to Hotel O
During the closed session, the Council authorized additional legal collection efforts tied to remediation work previously completed by the city at Hotel O.
City officials stated that Jackson spent nearly a quarter of a million dollars addressing unsafe conditions at the property after the owners failed to correct ongoing issues. The Council approved converting those costs into civil debt collection efforts.
Property Tax Rate Adjustment Approved
The Council voted to reduce the PERS millage rate from 3.07 to 2.76. Officials stated the adjustment still meets the city’s required retirement obligations while slightly reducing the property tax burden associated with the assessment.
Photo by Imani Khayyman
Before You Go, You Should Know
The Council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week and honoring educators throughout Jackson for their continued service to students and families.
Council members also passed a resolution recognizing Mother’s Day.
Additionally, municipal clerks across the city were recognized for their work supporting city operations, maintaining records and coordinating public meetings.
A proposed measure that would have prohibited individuals who had consumed alcohol or illegal drugs from attending City Council meetings failed during discussion.
Wrongful Death Settlement Approved
The Council also approved a settlement of the wrongful death case involving Francis Fortner, a high school senior from Fondren who died in 2018 after her vehicle struck a loose manhole cover while traveling to graduation practice.
Next Meeting
The next Jackson City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th at 6:00 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed, review meeting recordings, and continue engaging with city leadership on issues impacting their neighborhoods.