Photo Credit: Imani Khayyam
If you missed the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods’ October board meeting, here are a few highlights.
Visit Jackson hosted JAN at its office and provided refreshments for board members, neighborhood leaders and visitors. We heard from Visit Jackson President and CEO Rickey L. Thigpen, Ph.D., who shared more about the organization’s role in tourism and economic development.
Photo Credit: Imani Khayyam
Thigpen explained that tourism brings new money into Jackson. Visitors spend money on hotel stays, restaurants, gas, groceries, personal services and other local purchases. Those dollars support local businesses and contribute to Jackson’s economy.
He also discussed the importance of recognizing the assets Jacksonians sometimes take for granted. Our hospitality, culture, attractions and welcoming spirit are part of what makes Jackson distinctive. Thigpen encouraged residents to consider how the way we talk about Jackson can influence how others perceive and experience the city.
Photo Credit: Imani Khayyam
During the conversation, I emphasized that Jackson’s first visitors are Jacksonians. Before we can successfully invite others to experience our city, residents should be able to experience and enjoy it, too. Our parks, neighborhoods, restaurants, cultural institutions, public spaces, events and infrastructure are important to tourism. They are also essential to our quality of life. Creating a better destination should also mean creating a better city for the people who already call Jackson home.
Thigpen also provided information about the Nov. 3 tourism funding referendum. JAN is sharing this information for educational purposes and is not endorsing a position on the referendum. Visit Jackson says its foundational tourism tax rate has remained at 1% since the organization was created in 1983. The proposal would add 0.5% to covered restaurant purchases and 1% to hotel and motel room rentals. That would amount to an additional 10 cents on a $20 covered restaurant purchase and $1 on a $100 hotel room. Residents can learn more about the tourism tax and proposed increases through Visit Jackson.
Photo Credit: Imani Khayyam
The conversation reinforced why neighborhoods should be part of discussions about tourism and economic development. Visitors experience Jackson through more than major attractions. They also experience our streets, businesses, public spaces, historic places, events, people and neighborhoods. The condition and character of our neighborhoods help shape how residents and visitors experience the city.
Visit Jackson also recently announced a strategic tourism plan covering the next five years. The plan addresses the visitor economy, quality of life, resident engagement, local businesses, workforce development and Jackson’s sense of place. The plan was not part of Thigpen’s presentation to JAN, but residents interested in learning more can review Visit Jackson’s strategic tourism plan.
What Else You Missed
We also began planning several upcoming JAN activities. Watch for more information about JAN Office Hours at JRA’s Coworking Wednesday, a wardwide streetlight reporting effort, National Folk Festival volunteer recruitment and a Tax Forfeited Property Workshop.
Although our monthly board meetings are usually open to neighborhood leaders and the general public, our November and December meetings will include additional time for board planning as we prepare for 2027. The board will focus on upcoming events, leadership changes, organizational priorities and goals for the new year.
There is plenty ahead for JAN. We look forward to continuing to create opportunities for neighborhood leaders and residents to stay informed, get involved and help strengthen Jackson’s neighborhoods.
Interested in strengthening your neighborhood? Join the Jackson Association of Neighborhoods and become part of a citywide network working to build stronger communities across Jackson. Membership is open to residents, neighborhood associations, businesses and community partners who want to support stronger, more connected neighborhoods. JAN members receive access to leadership training, resources and toolkits, funding opportunities, networking, collaborative initiatives, community information and other opportunities to connect, learn and get involved.
