Weekly City Update: January 6, 2025
Inclement Weather for the Week of January 6
Jackson will experience inclement weather this week. It is not expected to rise above 40° F. There is also a possibility of a wintry mix on Thursday and Friday.
As a result, the City of Jackson has partnered with Shower Power, Inc. to provide shelter for those in need. Sheppard’s Gym will open on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. The address is 1355 Hattiesburg Street.
City of Jackson Offering Economic Mobility Classes
The City of Jackson via the Economic Mobility Leadership Institute (EMLI) is offering a series of classes surrounding topics such as financial literacy/wealth building, homeownership, student loans, and wills & trusts. Experts in these four areas will provide meaningful information pivotal to Jackson's communities' economic growth and financial sustainability. Classes are FREE and all are welcome to participate. All classes start at 6 p.m., whether in-person or virtual. Neighborhood associations and other community-based organizations are encouraged to register their groups for these classes.
January 7, 2025: Homeownership | Down Payment Assistance Programs (In-Person and Virtual)
January 14, 2025: Financial Literacy | Trustmark National Bank (In-Person)
January 21, 2025: Wealth Management | Cadence Bank | Citizen’s Bank (In-Person)
January 28, 2025: Wills & Trusts | Mississippi Center for Justice: Attorney Andrea Barnes (In-Person & Virtual)
February 4, 2025: Student Loans | Targeting High School & College Students
March 1, 2025: EMLI Summit | TBA
More information, such as locations and time changes, will be provided in the coming days and posted on the City’s website at www.jacksonms.gov. For more information, please contact Neighborhood Services Manager Dr. Robbie Sparkman Smith at (601) 767-9428, cell: (601) 540-7726, or via email at robbies@jacksonms.gov.
About EMLI: The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) launched the 2024 Economic Mobility Leadership Institute (EMLI), a premiere 12-month program for a select group of outstanding AAMA member-mayors to convene life-changing financial literacy forums and develop strategies that increase long-term economic mobility for their respective communities.
Congressman Bennie Thompson Awarded President’s Citizen Medal
Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is one of twenty recipients to receive the President’s Citizen Medal, the second-highest civilian medal. He received this achievement for his work as chairman of the House January 6th Committee.
Update on JSU Celebration Bowl Victory Parade
Planning is underway for Jackson State University’s Celebration Bowl Victory Parade on Friday, January 17, 2025. To ensure all residents have an opportunity to attend, the time has been changed to 6 p.m. The parade route is similar to Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade. It will start near Pascagoula and State Street before turning onto Capitol Street. If you are interested in participating in the parade, email communications@jsums.edu. More details will be available in the coming week.
Thalia Mara Hall Expected to Re-open on January 17
Thalia Mara Hall is slated to re-open to the public and for events on Friday, January 17, 2025. The HVAC cleaning and encapsulation process is at 90% completion, the lead abatement is at 70% completion, the theatre mitigation is at 80% completion, and the lobby is at 99% completion.
Parks and Recreation Opens Disc Golf Course at Livingston Park
Jackson’s first 18-hole disc golf course is open at Livingston Park at the Jackson Zoo. It will be certified as an international disc golf course with the ability to host tournaments. The City will host an official ribbon-cutting ceremony next week.
Jackson Zoo Seeking Three Zookeepers
The Jackson Zoo is seeking three zookeepers. The City will cover expenses for CPR and AED certifications for those hired and offer a better pay incentive. The interview process will begin next week. Visit the City of Jackson’s website to apply.
Grove Park Restoration Approved by City Administration and Council
Grove Park will undergo a complete restoration. The park will close after the MLK holiday around January 22 so it is operational for the spring and summer months. The City is planning a public presentation of the park’s current state and future renderings. The park is expected to have amenities for all ages. Upgrades will be made to the pool, baseball fields, and tennis courts.
Update on the Demolition of Hotel O
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has requested an asbestos test for the roof. Once completed and depending on results, the next steps can be taken towards demolition.
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