Mayor Horn urges state help to restore basic services, curb violence and clear blight in Jackson

Mayor John Horn told the Select Committee to Revitalize Jackson that restoring basic city services and rebuilding trust with residents and government partners must come before large-scale redevelopment. "We have to have a strong focus on delivering basic services," Horn said, listing quality roads and bridges, reliable water and sanitation, effective public safety measures and user-friendly city departments as immediate priorities.

Horn said Jackson is working to repair relationships with Hinds County and state and federal officials and described an interlocal agreement expected before both the county and city councils in September to help coordinate pothole repair and other shared services. He said a market-value analysis by the Reinvestment Fund of Philadelphia is underway to map crime, dilapidation and opportunity and to inform a comprehensive plan.

On public safety, Horn said the city has made measurable progress but remains under strain: "A year ago, we had 75 homicides in Jackson. As of today, we have 37," he said, adding that neighborhood gang activity and youth violence require a multi-jurisdictional approach, including FBI, county and municipal partners. He said former U.S. marshal George White and Colonel Charles Haynes will co-chair the police-chief search team and that Sheriff Tyree Jones is serving temporarily as interim police chief.

Horn requested state assistance for blight elimination and said the city will supply a cost assessment of cleanup work by week'end. He described tax-forfeited property rules and a long redemption/reach-back window that discourages buyers and leaves many parcels off the tax rolls; he asked the legislature to consider legal changes to speed disposition.

The mayor emphasized economic development strategies tailored to Jackson, including consolidating local requests for state funding, establishing enterprise zones and making better use of opportunity zones beyond Fondren. He also proposed targeted projects such as a data center and said a successful Rankenhire flood-control project could unlock recreation, water projects and private investment.

Horn addressed water and wastewater operations: Jackson's treatment plants produce potable water but transmission lines need repair, he said, and noted two EPA funding streams tied to Jackson Water ($450 million for transmission, $150 million for operations/maintenance and debt service). Horn said the $150 million pot has been spent and asked the legislature and Congress for flexibility to move funds if permissible; he warned of upcoming debt payments and collection shortfalls.

On homelessness, Horn described a fragmented shelter system and said the city lacks a uniform intake system and enough wraparound services. "We need mental health assistance, housing, workforce training," he said, and asked that the city inventory existing shelter capacity before requesting state funds.

The committee followed Horn's remarks with questions on jail capacity, the city zoo's future (Horn favored reinvestment using historic/new-market tax credits and opportunity-zone tools), and equitable distribution of resurfacing funds across the city's wards. The mayor said the city expects to use a large portion of modernization funds for streets and infrastructure and requested ongoing collaboration with the legislature.

The hearing concluded with members thanking Horn and scheduling additional follow-up hearings.