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OUR PLAN

MAKING IT HAPPEN IN SOUTHSIDE JACKSON

Our Strategic Plan includes preparing the MLK Corridor for future development and revitalization by:

Supporting business growth in the MLK Corridor Improvement Authority with targeted programs and resources

Continuing to raise awareness about investment, residential

and commercial development, and infrastructure enhancement opportunities in the

Development Area

Expanding our engagement

with local residents and

business owners

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Current projects we are launching in 2024 include:

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RAISE Grant for S. MLK Drive:

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant will provide over $6M in federal funding for improvements to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from South Street to Morrell Street. Planned enhancements include pedestrian safety measures, stormwater infrastructure, street lights, and other street and traffic flow improvements. 

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The MLK CIA and Jackson City Council invite residents and business owners to provide input and feedback on the MLK Redesign on January 16th, 2024 at a hearing during the City Council meeting. The City’s Engineering Division will also conduct a presentation about the redesign. 

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Learn more about the upcoming hearing and proposed enhancements in departmental reports here and here. 

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MLK Center Improvements Grant:

The Jackson Parks and Recreation Department is seeking $1M in grant funding to construct a new playground and pavilion at the MLK Recreation Center. The department held a public meeting in November to receive community input and is now working with the Jackson Community Foundation to finalize plans and grant applications. 

 

The Parks and Recreation Department is also pursuing grant funding to build an addition onto the MLK Center to facilitate additional programming. The demand for recreation programs and community events exceeds the capacity of the Center’s existing space. Plans and grant applications are in the beginning stages. 

Projects in the Works

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The MLKCIA has made progress toward our collective success by:

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  • Creating a Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan that was adopted by the Jackson City Council in 2022 and allocated $4.5 million in public funds to support MLK Corridor Improvement Authority activities.
     

  • Identifying funding sources, adding community board members, and beginning to coordinate development, outreach, and introductions to facilitate this project.
     

  • Improving public awareness of and engagement with the MLK CIA by hiring a marketing and communications firm in March 2023.
     

  • Beginning to advance housing, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects in the development area and to market this area to potential investors and supporters. Pursuing landscaping improvements for the Morrell/MLK Dr. intersection and a community art installation established in July 2023.
     

  • Conducting a community-wide survey to gather perspectives and identify the priorities of MLK Corridor residents and business owners.
    See survey results here.

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  • Developing and executing a Marketing Strategy and Communications Plan, MLK Corridor Improvement Authority website, community member survey, and social media pages.
     

  • Launching Neighborhood Clean-Up Initiatives to enhance the environment of the MLK Corridor.
     

  • Establishing business support programs and assistance, including an Entrepreneurial Fund, Workforce Development Hub, and informational and networking events.

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Accomplishments

Document Center

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Documents pertaining to MLK Corridor Improvement Authority operations are posted here for public review.

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