News Flash

Greenwood Avenue and traffic circle now open to traffic!

The year-long construction project to repave Greenwood Avenue from Mason to Morrell and build a traffic circle around Austin Blair Park is finally complete! 

The scope of the project and weather delays caused this $2.3 million project to fall seve...

2019 Water Quality Report being mailed to homes

The 2019 Water Quality Report is now appearing in mailboxes all over the City of Jackson. 

The annual report, which is mandated by the State of Michigan, informs residents of how water is sourced, treated and tested by the City of Jackson Water De...

Learn about the City's fireworks laws ahead of Independence Day

As Jackson residents plan summer holiday celebrations, they will want to be aware of the City’s Fireworks ordinance.

The Jackson City Council changed the City of Jackson’s Fireworks Ordinance in April 2019 to reflect the new state laws....

Reduce the cost of blight violation fines by working with the City

Residents who are facing fines for blight violations have an opportunity to avoid some fees if they work with the City. 

At its June 16 meeting, the Jackson City Council passed a resolution that allows residents to reduce the amount they owe in fi...

Deadline extended for property owners to register housing rentals

The City of Jackson is extending the deadline for property owners to register their housing rentals. At their meeting on Tuesday, May 26, the Jackson City Council approved an extension of the Non-Owner Occupied Residential Property (NOORP) deadline from J...

Outdoor exercise classes planned by Parks and Recreation Dept.

The City of Jackson is in the process of slowly reopening City facilities and restarting recreation programs following COVID-19 shutdowns. Two exercise classes are scheduled to begin in the next two weeks in the open air of Jackson’s public park...

Black Lives Matter mural painted in Downtown Jackson

The Jackson community came together on Friday, June 19 in Downtown Jackson to make an important statement about our city: Black Lives Matter. The City of Jackson worked with residents to paint a mural on the road surface of W. Washington Avenue that says ...

Jackson celebrates Juneteenth 2020 with special video tribute

Every June, thousands of Jackson residents pack Horace Blackman Park in Downtown Jackson to celebrate Juneteenth. This year’s public Juneteenth event, which was organized by Jackson College, had to be canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. Wanting t...

Racism declared a public health crisis in Jackson

At their virtual meeting on Tuesday, June 16, the Jackson City Council unanimously approved a resolution that declares racism a public health crisis, and lays out ways to dismantle systematic racism in Jackson.

The resolution, titled Declaration of Racism ...

Jackson City Council June 16, 2020 meeting

Here are some highlights from the Jackson City Council’s virtual meeting on June 16.

• The council adopted a resolution that declares racism a public health crisis. The resolution recognizes the impacts of institutional racism on the health and wel...

MLK Drive construction project begins Monday, June 15

A $2.4 million construction project that will reconstruct a major road and build a new roundabout at a busy intersection starts Monday, June 15 in Jackson. The work is happening on S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between E. Mason and E. Morrell streets. C...

City of Jackson residents may now apply for COVID-19 relief through Community Action Agency

With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the community, the City of Jackson and Community Action Agency (CAA) are joining forces to keep Jackson residents in their homes with access to water. Residents can now apply for assistance through CAA to ...

Jackson Police Dept. reopening lobby to residents on Monday, June 15

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE JACKSON POLICE DEPARTMENT:                                     ...

REVISED: Parks and Recreation reopening plan

UPDATED: The City of Jackson is announcing plans to reopen park facilities and restart recreation programs! This decision comes after a new Executive Order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that ends the Stay Home, Stay Safe Order and moves Michigan into Stage 4...

City of Jackson celebrates LGBTQ pride month

The City of Jackson is recognizing LGBTQ pride month with a Mayoral Proclamation, video, and flying of the pride flag in Horace Blackman Park.

On Monday, June 8, Mayor Derek Dobies signed a Mayoral Proclamation that designates June 2020 as LGBTQ Pride Mont...

W. Franklin St. reconstruction project starts Monday, June 8

The first major road construction project of the summer 2020 season starts in Jackson on Monday, June 8 with a full-scale reconstruction of W. Franklin Street between S. Brown Street and S. West Avenue. The $1.9 million project will fully reconstruct the ...

City's MLK Community Center getting new weight room thanks to donation from Alro Steel

When the City of Jackson’s newly renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center reopens later this year, residents can enjoy new exercise equipment donated by Alro Steel, a local metal distribution company. The refurbished exercise area, name...

City reacts to lifting of Stay Home order with partial City Hall reopening & business help

City changes blight enforcement to give residents more time to respond to violations

The City of Jackson has modified its Code of Ordinances so residents can avoid fees if they quickly respond to blight violations. The Jackson City Council approved a resolution on May 26 that alters sections of the Code of Ordinances that prohibits the tr...

Jackson has most energy-efficient buildings for a small city in the nation

TAKEN FROM CONSUMERS ENERGY PRESS RELEASE: 

JACKSON, Mich., June 3, 2020 – Consumers Energy’s hometown of Jackson is now Michigan’s clean energy capital, after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it has...

City of Jackson statement on planned protests in Jackson

The City of Jackson and Jackson Police Department are aware of peaceful protests planned for the afternoon of Monday, June 1 in Downtown Jackson near the Jackson County Courthouse and at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and High Street. Ci...

Street & lane closures in Downtown Jackson start June 1 for railroad bridge replacement project

A long-waited construction project to replace two aging railroad bridges in Downtown Jackson will begin on Monday, June 1. In order to replace the railroad bridges that go over N. Jackson and N. Mechanic streets, Consumers Energy must first upgrade electr...

Jackson City Council appoints new member to fill vacant Fifth Ward City Council seat

The Jackson City Council has selected a new council representative for the City’s Fifth Ward. At a special meeting on Wednesday, May 27, the council voted four to two to appoint Karen Bunnell to the vacant seat. Bunnell will fill out the rest of...

City creates new public park on S. MLK Drive named "Workers Memorial Park"

A new public park has been created in the City of Jackson. At their Tuesday, May 26 meeting, the Jackson City Council voted to create a new park in a neighborhood south of Downtown Jackson. 

The new park, which is located on S. Martin Luther King ...

Jackson City Council May 26, 2020 Meeting

The Jackson City Council held a virtual meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. 

Here are some highlights of what was approved: 

• The 2020-2021 City Budget was approved by the City Council. With losses from tax revenue expected over the next year...

All recreation programs cancelled and Nixon Park pool closed for summer 2020 season

The City of Jackson is announcing the cancellation of all recreation programs and closure of its Nixon Park recreation facility for the summer 2020 season. This difficult decision was made because of COVID-19 public health concerns and budgetary restricti...

Memorial Day message from Mayor Derek Dobies

While we are recognizing Memorial Day differently this year, the message is still the same. Thank you to the brave men and women who have died serving our country. Mayor Derek Dobies honors Memorial Day with this video message, and shares a way residents ...

City proposes using federal funds to prevent foreclosures, evictions and water shutoffs

With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the Jackson community, City of Jackson leaders are taking steps to help residents stay safe in their homes. City leaders are announcing a proposal that calls for using $385,000 in federal funds to administ...

Louis Glick Highway closing to traffic on Monday, May 18

A major road through Downtown Jackson will close for construction starting Monday, May 18. Louis Glick Highway is closing to both directions of traffic so a sewer service can be installed for the new Comerica Bank building that’s under construct...

Public Hearing planned for directing federal funds to COVID-19 response

The City of Jackson continues to respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A public hearing is planned for Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. during the Jackson City Council meeting. The hearing is needed for a proposed substantial amendment to the 2019-...

Special COVID-19 newsletter available online

A special COVID-19 edition of the City of Jackson newsletter has been produced to inform residents of the City’s response to COVID-19. Due to mailing delays with the U.S. Postal Service, the newsletter’s delivery to residents has been ...

Jackson City Council May 12, 2020 Meeting

The Jackson City Council held its fifth virtual meeting of the COVID-19 pandemic on May 12, 2020. Here are some highlights of what was decided. 

• A special tax assessment proposal for property owners on W. Franklin Street to replace the water main ...

View the proposed 2020-21 City Budget

The proposed City of Jackson 2020-21 City Budget is posted online and ready to view. 

It’s posted in the Finance Department section of the City website. 

A PDF version of the proposed budget is also ready to view. 

The Ci...

Jackson County law enforcement agencies record video memorial to honor fallen officers

Jackson County law enforcement comes together every May for a memorial service that honors local officers who have died in the line of duty. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s public memorial planned for Wednesday, May 6 was cance...

COVID-19 response efforts making impact in Jackson

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis continues to affect the community, Jackson is rising to the challenge and stepping up to help those in need. This important work of responding to basic needs is taking place through the leadership of the Jackson COVID-...

Virtual board and commission meetings continue

In-person meetings of the City of Jackson’s boards and commission have been suspended for nearly two months. 

Some boards and commissions are starting to continue their work by conducting virtual meetings online. 

Three virtual m...

Mayor's 2020 Book of the Year Announcement

The City of Jackson and Jackson District Library are joining forces for the annual Mayor’s Book of the Year. For his 2020 book, Mayor Derek Dobies has selected “What the Eyes Don’t See” by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. Wi...

Jackson City Council April 28, 2020 meeting

The Jackson City Council held their fourth virtual meeting of the COVID-19 pandemic on April 28, 2020. 

Here are highlights from the meeting: 

-The council approved Hearings of Necessity for five infrastructure improvement projects. The sp...

Ella Sharp Park Golf Course reopening Monday, April 27

Due to changes made to the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order, the City of Jackson has decided to re-open the Ella Sharp Park Golf Course to golfers on Monday, April 27.

No golf carts will be available to prevent the spread of COVID-19, so go...

COVID-19 testing site opening at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center

The Center for Family Health is partnering with the City of Jackson to open its second COVID-19 testing site at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center on Monday, April 27.

CFH opened its first testing site two weeks ago at 505 N. Jackson Street as part of a sta...

Jackson 2020 Census "Be Counted" Digital Town Hall

Watch a recording of the Jackson 2020 Census "Be Counted" Digital Town Hall. 

View plans for improving parks and trails in Jackson

The Region 2 Planning Commission has been working with the City of Jackson, Jackson County, and community stakeholders to develop the Jackson City + County Non-Motorized plan. 

The plan is the result of a year’s work and reflects the inp...

April 22 is Administrative Professionals Day in the City of Jackson

Administrative professionals help their organizations function smoothly. 

Mayor Derek Dobies has signed a proclamation declaring April 22, 2020 as Administrative Professionals Day in the City of Jackson to honor Sharon Hasen, who’s retir...

Mayors of Jackson & Lansing join forces for "Stay Home, Stay Safe" PSA

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacts lives across mid-Michigan, two mayors are teaming up for a united message to keep people safe. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies have recorded a joint public service announcement (PSA) t...

Jackson area public safety honors hospital workers with first responder parade

Hospitals across the country have been ground zero in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19). In Jackson, that fight is taking place at Henry Ford Allegiance Health, where frontline workers are there around the clock to care for those battling COVID-19....

Spring Hydrant Flushing Program taking place April 13 to April 28

Jackson City Council April 14, 2020 meeting

The Jackson City Council held its third virtual meeting during the COVID-19 crisis. Here are a few highlights from their meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

-The council formally accepted the resignation of Fifth Ward Councilmember Kelsey Heck. The City Charter ...

Jackson Law Enforcement Memorial event canceled due to COVID-19 concerns

An annual event that honors police officers from Jackson County killed in the line of duty has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. The Jackson Police Department’s Law Enforcement Memorial was set to take place at Horace Blackman Park in down...

City leaders react to extension of "Stay Home" order, urge residents to follow order

Rental housing inspections suspended in City of Jackson

Rental housing inspections in the City of Jackson have been suspended due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

On Friday, April 3, the City of Jackson Neighborhood and Economic Operations Department announced this change to their operations.  

Due to t...

City of Jackson receiving $700,000 from federal government for COVID-19 response

The City of Jackson’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic just got a big boost from the federal government. $756,020 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) is on its way to help fund Jackson’s emergency response.

Cities in Michigan ...

Jackson unites to meet community needs during COVID-19 pandemic

The Jackson community is coming together to respond to the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).   Following the Local State of Emergency declaration from Mayor Derek Dobies on March 17, a section of Jackson County’s emergency response was...

View the 2019 City of Jackson Annual Report

The 2019 City of Jackson Annual Report has been accepted and placed on file by the Jackson City Council. 

The Annual Report documents the functions and accomplishments of City government over the previous year. 

The 2019 Annual Report is a...

Be Counted in the 2020 U.S. Census!

The City if Jackson is inviting its residents to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the important work of the 2020 U.S. Census continues. Thankfully, this is something you and your family can do from the safety of your hom...

Jackson City Council March 31, 2020 Meeting

Regularly scheduled City Council meetings continue amid COVID-19 emergency

The Jackson City Council is continuing its regular meeting schedule during the COVID-19 pandemic using an altered format. 

The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m.  Only the Mayor and a small number of employ...

City of Jackson and Summit Township firefighters join forces to fight Coronavirus

Local firefighters are now fighting a different common enemy: Coronavirus. On March 25, the Summit/Jackson Professional Firefighters Union entered into a special operating agreement with the City of Jackson to respond to the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-1...

City responds to Governor's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order

The City of Jackson continues to respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impacts on the community. Following Gov. Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order on Monday, March 23, City leaders have been taking leadership and making decisions...

City Council votes to extend Local State of Emergency

All playgrounds closed in City of Jackson due to combat spread of Coronavirus

The City of Jackson’s Parks and Recreation Department is closing all of its 16 playgrounds in the City of Jackson until further notice. This decision was made Monday, March 23 to help limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Play structures, s...

City of Jackson launches Coronavirus section of City website

With a flurry of information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) going around the community, it’s important for City government to connect residents to accurate information. On March 19, the City of Jackson launched a special Coronavirus section of cit...

Hand washing and sanitizing stations placed all over Jackson

The City of Jackson has placed 10 hand washing and hand sanitizing stations in various locations across the community. This effort is to stop the spread of coronavirus and provide hand washing opportunities to everyone in the community. 

A list of...

Mayor Derek Dobies declares Local State of Emergency due to coronavirus

Mayor Derek Dobies has declared a Local State of Emergency in the City of Jackson due to threats to public health caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Under this state of emergency, the City will make choices to protect the health of all residents...

City Council meeting cancelled, City Hall & Police Dept. closed to public due to coronavirus crisis

CITY HALL CLOSURE 

The City of Jackson is announcing further steps to stop the potential spread of coronavirus in the Jackson area. The following steps have been decided by City leaders:

• The Jackson City Council meeting planned for Tuesday, March 1...

City of Jackson taking action to stop spread of coronavirus

The City of Jackson is responding to the serious threat of COVID-19 coronavirus and how it could impact the community. City leaders have been coming together to plan emergency response plans and precautionary measures. To stop the spread of the illness, C...

Loose leaf collection update

UPDATE: 

Crews from the Department of Public Works have completed leaf collection in Sections 1 through 10. Another full scale leaf collection in the City of Jackson is planned for spring 2020. No official start date has been selected. The City wi...

Watch the 2020 State of the City Address

The 2020 State of the City Address was held Feb. 26, 2020 at the Michigan Theatre of Jackson. A full recording of the event is available to watch if you missed the event. 

MLK Center closing for construction Saturday, Feb. 29

A long-awaited project that will invest nearly two million dollars into a Jackson neighborhood is about to get started. The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center will close to the public on Saturday, Feb. 29 so staff can prepare the facility for a full ...

Jackson City Council Feb. 25, 2020 meeting

Here are some highlights from the Feb. 25, 2020 meeting of the Jackson City Council:

-The council voted unanimously to appoint Jonathan Greene as the Interim City Manager. He was previously made Acting City Manager by outgoing manager Patrick Burtch. The c...

What you should know about lead service line replacements in Jackson

The City of Jackson has put together a presentation with the latest information about the efforts to replace lead service lines in Jackson.  Please go through the slides on this page to learn the latest information available. This slideshow is al...

New sculptures installed in Ella Sharp Park roundabout

A family of giant steel sandhill cranes have found a new home in the Ella Sharp Park roundabout. The sculptures, which are a work of local artist Rusty Rochefort, were installed in the center of the roundabout the morning of Friday, Feb. 7.

Sandhill cranes...

Jackson City Council Feb. 11, 2020 meeting

Here are some highlights from the Feb. 11, 2020 meeting of the Jackson City Council:

-Increased water rates to pay for lead service line replacements dominated the meeting. A presentation was given during the meeting by the City Manager about the latest co...

City of Jackson refutes claims made by corporate group about water rates

The City of Jackson takes issue with claims about proposed water rate increases that are being propagated by a group of corporations lead by Consumers Energy. It’s a group that was recently formed after Consumers filed a lawsuit against the City...

City of Jackson warns of email scam

The City of Jackson is warning residents and contractors about an email scam. A contractor that works with the City recently reported an email they received from someone claiming to be from the “City of Jackson Business License Management Divisi...

City of Jackson celebrating Black History Month by recognizing important places

February is Black History Month! The City of Jackson is recognizing this annual celebration by sharing the history of places important to the African American experience in Jackson.

In 2019, the City honored the month by sharing stories of local African Am...

Jackson City Council Jan. 28, 2020 meeting

Preparing for wicked winter weather: How to help DPW crews keep roads safe this winter season

When harsh snow and ice strike, crews from the City of Jackson Department of Public Works (DPW) are out in salt and plow trucks helping to make sure streets are safe to use. 

Bob Stolarz is a DPW worker who’s been battling winter weather...

Message from the Mayor: Residents needed to make an impact on City boards and commissions

Happy New Year to everyone in the City of Jackson! 

With 2020 here, many of us are making plans for the year ahead and looking for ways to make an impact in the community. 

Now that a new city council is seated, I look forward to working w...

New Softball League Coordinator comes to City

Welcome to the City of Jackson! 

James Wagner is the Parks & Recreation Department’s new Softball League Coordinator.

He’s been playing softball in the community for the past 30 years. 

James says he’s loo...

Making houses into homes: Jackson non-profit helps those in need with free furniture and home goods

Stacks of dishes, appliances, home decor, and towels have taken over the front of Patricia Gougeon’s house on Jackson’s east side. 

All of these items are ready to go at a moment’s notice for anyone in need. ...

From food cart to new restaurant: Pryor's BBQ House opens on City's south side

After working out of a food cart for the last 30 years, Larry Pryor says he’s excited to have more elbow room in his new restaurant.

“This feels really good to have a legitimate kitchen and to move around freely,” Pryor said.

T...

Jackson City Council Jan. 14, 2020 meeting

Here are some highlights from the Jackson City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14:

-The council unanimously approved a resolution that supports proposed state legislation that creates a process for expunging misdemeanors and select felonies from criminal...

Winter 2020 City of Jackson Newsletter now available!

The Winter 2020 edition of the City of Jackson Newsletter is now available! 

For our new edition, the City is bringing residents a wide range of stories, including the latest on a new restaurant on Jackson’s south side and a non-profit m...

New fire pit warming up Downtown Jackson

A new fire pit is warming up visitors and creating a cozy atmosphere in Downtown Jackson. The City of Jackson recently completed its installation of fire pit in Bucky Harris Park, which is located in the heart of downtown at the corner of W. Michigan Aven...

New Senior Citizen Activity & Aquatics Coordinator comes to City

Alexa Markham is now on the job as the Parks and Recreation Department's new Senior Citizen Activity Coordinator and Nixon Pool Supervisor. 

She comes to the City of Jackson from the Jackson YMCA where she was Aquatic Director. 

Alexa says...

Jackson firefighters donate winter coats to local kids in need

Firefighters from the City of Jackson and Summit Township went on a special call to Frost/Cascades Elementary School on Thursday, Dec. 19 to deliver a warm surprise. Just in time for freezing cold temperatures, the firefighters gave out winter coats to 11...

New City Attorney hired for City of Jackson

There will soon be a new City Attorney on the job at Jackson City Hall. At their meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 26, the Jackson City Council approved a contract for Matthew Hagerty to serve as the new City Attorney. Hagerty was the council’s top choic...

City of Jackson welcomes new Executive Director of Jackson Downtown Development Authority

The City of Jackson is welcoming a new leader to Downtown Jackson! Cory Mays recently came on board as the Executive Director of the Jackson Downtown Development Authority.

Mays, a long-time Jackson resident, comes to the DDA after working in education and...

City of Jackson launches redesigned website and new resident communication system!

The City of Jackson is unveiling its redesigned website and new resident communication system! The redesign brings a fresh and modern look to the City’s website, cityofjackson.org. The City, which hasn’t undergone a large-scale website...

Neighborhood watch group working to improve Jackson community

It started in 2008 with six neighbors with a drive to make a difference in their community. 

“We just wanted to have our neighborhood safer and build better relationships with the police department,” said Carie Meadows, founder of the B2 Watchers ...

Investing in Jackson: Where's the money going?

The skyline of Downtown Jackson is undergoing massive changes as several new developments and building renovations take shape. 

While some worry this means all of the City’s resources are going to the downtown area, new data from the City of Jacks...

Group turning vacant Jackson lots into gardens for youth programs

They were once just empty lots on the city’s south side where houses used to stand.

While some may have seen urban emptiness, Diane Washington saw opportunity.

“We’ve had so many people stop by and tell us that it really looks nice and they appreciate us be...

City of Jackson receives financial reporting award

The City of Jackson has received the Government Finance Officers Association award for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Reporting or CAFR, for fiscal year ending in 2018.  The GFOA represents federal, state/provincial and local finance official...