Jackson is the fastest-shrinking city over 100,000 people in the U.S. Mississippi’s capital city has lost more than 30% of its population since 1980. Blighted and vacant properties rank among the top concerns of residents. They are visible scars that deter development, threaten public safety, and contribute to further outmigration. Lacking a coordinated, data-driven strategy, Jackson’s government and powerful stakeholders have failed to slow the abandonment of large swaths of the city.

Not waiting for others to solve problems

In the absence of public or private sector leadership, WTJ’s institutional leaders decided to spearhead the rebuilding of the city. WTJ recruited the Reinvestment Fund and Dr. Ira Goldstein to conduct a real estate Market Value Analysis (MVA) in Jackson. The MVA identified eight distinct neighborhood types that each require tailored support and intervention. WTJ has convened a steering committee of public officials, business leaders, foundation and CDFI executives, and clergy to translate the MVA into a coordinated policy and investment strategy. Jackson’s newly-elected mayor, John Horhn, has thrown his full support behind the MVA, while WTJ’s institutional members are working in their neighborhoods to ensure that the final recommendations reflect the input of their constituents and neighbors.

"We need that plan so that we can maximize the resources we have, figure out where our options are and use that plan to prioritize what we will need to do first, second and third," Horhn said to the Clarion Ledger, Jackson's daily newspaper.