Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

Greene detai ls Jackson’s inf rast ructural enhancements, focusing on upgraded water treatment and wastewater facilities to ensure the provision of clean, affordable water. He emphasizes the city’s commitment to widespread, affordable high-speed internet, vital for attracting remote workers and integrating Jackson into the global workforce. Additionally, he highlights collaborative road infrastructure projects, including a significant Federal Highway Administration grant for revamping Martin Luther King Street, viewed as a catalyst for area development and economic growth. These efforts illustrate Jackson’s proactive strategy in establishing a strong infrastructure foundation for its future. ADDRESSING THE HOUSING SHORTAGE: JACKSON’S INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES The nationwide housing shortage is a challenge that Jackson faces head-on, with Mayor Mahoney at the forefront of addressing this critical issue. The city’s approach to this problem is not only proactive but also innovative, reflecting a deep understanding of the community’s needs and a strong commitment to finding effective solutions. The Mayor acknowledges the impact of the housing shortage in Jackson, emphasizing the city’s direct approach in tackling this issue. “Housing shortages have had a significant impact here, affecting affordability,” he explains. The city’s response to this crisis is multifaceted, involving both acknowledgement of past actions and strategic future planning. He notes a past demolition program that removed around 500 houses, a move that, in retrospect, contributed to the current housing crunch. This realization led to a decisive shift in strategy. Central to Jackson’s response is the establishment of an affordable housing commission, equipped with a substantial budget of $2.5 million. This commission is tasked with crafting a comprehensive plan to replenish the city’s housing stock. Mayor Mahoney details two major projects that epitomize this plan. The first involves a private developer who has acquired 137 vacant lots for the construction of three-bedroom, two-bathroom rental homes, targeting individuals with incomes ranging from 80 to 120% of the average median income. 144 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01