Jackson 2026: A Fresh Look at City Council Goals

Jackson's city council members are setting their sights on big changes for 2026. They're zeroing in on three main areas: keeping people safe, tackling neglected properties, and fixing up the city's roads and buildings. But each council member has their own take on what's most urgent, depending on the area they represent. In Ward 1, Councilman Ashby Foote is worried about people leaving Jackson. He wants to stop the city from losing residents and is focusing on protecting homes and businesses from squatters. He's also part of a new task force aimed at cleaning up abandoned properties, though it's unclear if they've met yet. Ward 2's Councilwoman Tina Clay is all about bringing in steady money and making sure neighborhoods benefit from it. She sees potential in commercial growth along key roads and wants to attract more shops and businesses. Clay also emphasizes the importance of involving all residents, including renters and the unhoused, in neighborhood improvements. She believes Jackson needs to focus on its strengths and market itself better to attract investment. Councilman Kenneth Stokes from Ward 3 has been vocal about public safety and holding city departments accountable. He's pushed for tougher enforcement and has warned about the impact of abandoned homes on neighborhood decline. Stokes has also been outspoken about addressing drug dealers operating in the city.Ward 4's Council President Brian Grizzell is thinking big about how the city operates. He wants to improve public safety with better technology and redirect resources to basics like infrastructure and cleaning up blight. Grizzell is also concerned about the condition of roads and bridges in his ward and the spread of neglect in certain neighborhoods. In Ward 5, Councilman Vernon Hartley is focusing on the basics, like blighted properties and fixing up roads and drainage systems. He's part of the Abandoned Property Task Force and acknowledges that his ward has some of the most persistent blight challenges. Ward 6's Councilwoman Lashia Brown-Thomas ties nearly every issue back to safety. She wants to reduce crime, address abandoned properties, and help South Jackson "flourish" again after years of decline. Councilman Kevin Parkinson from Ward 7 is pushing for functional city services and transparency. He's expecting big decisions in 2026, like hiring a new police chief and addressing the lack of grocery stores in the city. The big question for Jackson in 2026 is whether leaders can turn their priorities into real action. The city's problems are well-known, and residents are waiting to see if this year brings real progress or just more talk.