Jackson, Mich. — The Jackson City Council voted to move forward with a few projects during their meeting Tuesday evening. Here are the highlights:
Affordable housing for homeless
The City Council approved the use of $3.3 million in American Rescue Plan funds to construct up to 100 new homes on vacant City lots and to strengthen the City’s current home rehabilitation program for residents. 10 vacant City-owned homes were sold by the council at the meeting to increase Jackson’s housing stock. The council also approved a plan to purchase the vacant T.A. Wilson Academy from Jackson Public Schools for the use of a homeless shelter and temporary housing.
Election year changes
The City of Jackson is moving from odd-numbered years to even-year elections starting in 2026. Elections for Mayor and City Council seats are currently decided in odd-numbered years. The City of Jackson says that having multiple elections to administer every year has been increasingly costly for the City, and voter turnout has been consistently low in these elections. Transitioning to years when federal and state elections are already held will hopefully save the City money and increase voter participation in City elections.
New City Center project
Initial construction work is starting on the new City Center project following approval from the City Council. Formerly the home of the Jackson Masonic Temple, the City-owned property on W. Cortland Street is being converted into a food service training center and incubator kitchen.
