Jackson City Council members are setting their sights on a range of priorities for 2026, reflecting both shared concerns and distinct ward-specific challenges. As the new mayor takes office and the legislative calendar fills up, the council’s focus areas could significantly shape the city’s development, particularly in the water, sanitation, and drainage sectors.
Public safety and blight management remain consistent themes across the wards. Councilman Ashby Foote (Ward 1) emphasizes reversing population loss and tackling blight, highlighting the city’s Abandoned Property Task Force. This initiative, if effectively implemented, could free up resources for infrastructure improvements, including drainage systems and waste management facilities. Foote’s focus on protecting homes and commercial buildings from squatters also underscores the need for robust property maintenance and enforcement mechanisms.
Councilwoman Tina Clay (Ward 2) brings a unique perspective, emphasizing the importance of generating steady revenue and ensuring neighborhoods benefit from it. Her push for commercial and industrial development could lead to increased tax revenues, which could be reinvested in infrastructure projects. Clay’s call for neighborhood engagement also highlights the importance of community involvement in shaping and maintaining local infrastructure.
Councilman Kenneth Stokes (Ward 3), known for his outspoken nature, has been vocal about public safety and departmental accountability. His push for the city to regain control of its water system from JXN Water could have significant implications for water management and infrastructure development. Stokes’ warnings about abandoned homes fueling neighborhood decline also underscore the need for effective blight management and property maintenance.
Council President Brian Grizzell (Ward 4) is thinking critically about city systems and operations. His focus on expanding policing technology and redirecting resources to basics like public safety and infrastructure could lead to more efficient and effective service delivery. Grizzell’s emphasis on blight enforcement and code enforcement also highlights the need for comprehensive property maintenance and management strategies.
Councilman Vernon Hartley (Ward 5) is focusing on fundamentals, with a particular emphasis on blighted properties and infrastructure. His role as chairman of the Public Works Committee positions him to advocate for the equipment and personnel needed to manage these challenges effectively. Hartley’s focus on roads, drainage systems, and waste facilities also underscores the importance of these infrastructure components in supporting the city’s growth and development.
Councilwoman Lashia Brown-Thomas (Ward 6) ties nearly every issue back to safety, highlighting the interconnected nature of public safety and infrastructure development. Her focus on safety could lead to increased investment in infrastructure projects that enhance public safety, such as well-lit streets, secure waste management facilities, and effective drainage systems.
The council’s priorities for 2026 suggest a growing recognition of the importance of infrastructure development and maintenance in supporting the city’s growth and development. As the council members advocate for their respective wards, they are also shaping the broader conversation about the city’s future. The focus on public safety, blight management, and infrastructure development could lead to significant improvements in the water, sanitation, and drainage sectors, supporting the city’s efforts to attract and retain residents and businesses. However, the council’s ability to translate these priorities into concrete actions and outcomes will be critical in determining the city’s success in these areas.