Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

The Mayor outlines the second project, a pioneering homeownership project in Jackson, offering up to $50,000 in down payment assistance per household. This initiative, in partnership with private developers, aims to build 100 new houses targeted at individuals earning 60 to 80% of the median income, complete with essential appliances. He highlights the initiative’s broader impact, spurring additional private investment with 20 more units under construction and new apartment complexes for workforce and low-to-moderate-income housing. These efforts demonstrate Jackson’s commitment to creating an accessible, affordable community, emphasizing the city’s resolve to make homeownership attainable for a broader demographic. COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION: JACKSON’S VISION FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH In Jackson, the focus on commercial development is integral to the city’s broader vision of economic growth and community revitalization. Mayor Mahoney’s insights reveal a strategic approach to commercial prospects, particularly in the MLK corridor,which is poised to become a hub of economic activity and community enhancement. He underscores the city’s commitment to both attracting new businesses and bolstering existing ones, particularly in the historically underinvested South Side.“We are making an intentional investment in Jackson’s South Side,” the mayor notes, using the metaphor of a rising tide lifting all boats to describe the anticipated economic uplift. This area’s development focuses on providing fundamental community needs: access to medical care, financial services, and groceries. The goal is not only to bring these services into the corridor but also to create a vibrant, self-sustaining community hub. The Mayor elaborates on the various initiatives underway to achieve this vision. Business resource fairs are being organized to support existing businesses and attract new ones. An inventory of commercial spaces is being conducted to understand how the city can aid further investments. Significantly, an entrepreneur and real estate development fund has been established, supported by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) dollars. This fund, offering grants rather than loans, is a game-changer for local 145 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01 JACKSON, MI