Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

Daniel Mahoney, Mayor of Jackson, paints a vivid picture of the city’s landscape. He describes Jackson as “a beautiful city to live in,” underscoring its comprehensive array of amenities.With a population slightly north of 30,000, the city manages to offer the richness of a larger metropolis while maintaining the charm and closeness of a smaller community. “We have every amenity that a family or person could want in a community,” he asserts, highlighting the abundance of lakes, golf courses, and trails. His enthusiasm is palpable when he speaks of Jackson as an ideal locale for raising a family or enjoying one’s retirement years. Mayor Mahoney highlights Jackson’s enhanced walkability, with trails linking nearly every city corner, reflecting a decade-long focus on community connectivity. He emphasizes the city’s investment in youth facilities, including a top-notch indoor sports complex and a bustling YMCA, underlining Jackson’s dedication to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for its younger residents. INFRASTRUCTURE: THE FOUNDATION OF GROWTH In Jackson, the conversation about future growth is intrinsically linked to the city’s approach to infrastructure. The city’s leadership understands that a strong foundation in infrastructure is essential for both residential and commercial expansion. The city’s infrastructure projects, therefore, are not just about maintenance and upgrades; they are about setting the stage for the city’s future development. City Manager Jonathan Greene dives into the heart of this topic, emphasizing the city’s commitment to reinvesting in its infrastructure. He highlights the strategic use of funds from the American Rescue Plan, which has enabled Jackson to undertake significant improvements in its critical water and wastewater infrastructure.“We are an aging community... built for about one and a half times our current population,” he explains. This unique situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Jackson. The city’s extensive geographic size and the aging infrastructure require substantial investment, but federal assistance has allowed for these necessary upgrades without burdening the residents financially. 143 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01 JACKSON, MI