Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the City Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mayor Mahoney outlines public safety, jobs, housing pipeline and equity goals in State of the City
Summary
Mayor Daniel J. Mahoney emphasized reductions in violent crime, a summit to reduce violence, a youth employment program with Michigan Works, housing and economic development projects including the Hayes Hotel and Blackstone Apartments, and the city's stance on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Mayor Daniel J. Mahoney used the State of the City address to present a broad agenda emphasizing public safety, youth employment, housing production and maintaining a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
On public safety, the mayor credited the Group Violence Intervention strategy, a violence-reduction summit and partnerships among the police department, sheriff's office, Blackman Township and the state police for recent declines. "In 2024, we had one of the lowest violent crime rates in almost a decade," Mahoney said. He encouraged residents to attend the 2025 Summit to Reduce Violence scheduled for April 23 at the American 1 Event Center.
Mahoney announced a forthcoming youth employment program to be run by Michigan Works with the city as a partner; he said the program will begin before the summer season to address youth unemployment.
On housing and development, the mayor reiterated details about the 100 Homes project and said the city created a pipeline of new housing. He named major developments underway: Blackstone Apartments, described as a roughly $13,000,000 project with more than 40 affordable units and retail space; the Greenwood Apartments nearing completion; and the Hayes Hotel downtown redevelopment, which Mahoney characterized as a $30,000,000 investment whose developer changed during the process but the building has been sold and work will continue.
On economic development, the mayor referenced small-business support, the fixed 36 program to streamline permitting, an extended downtown social district schedule and new community kitchens in the city center to support food entrepreneurs.
Regarding infrastructure and road repair, the mayor said the city will form a committee to develop a road-fixing plan and discussed alternative funding options. He suggested dedicating incremental marijuana tax revenue to pothole repairs (he said roughly $300,000 was generated last year) as an example of an additional revenue source to add to—not replace—existing road funding.
Mahoney addressed values and federal policy, urging the city to uphold diversity, equity and inclusion amid changing federal and state decisions. "Jackson, we must stand firm in our commitment to growth, fairness, and a future that works for everyone," he said.
The mayor closed by reiterating the city's stated goals for safe neighborhoods, a stronger economy and a government that serves residents, and he recognized community members with keys to the city and other awards.
