Efforts to create more affordable housing in Jackson are getting a big boost following a $4.5 million funding allocation from the Jackson City Council. At their Tuesday, Nov. 23 meeting, the City Council voted to approve a new ordinance that creates multiple initiatives to support affordable housing for Jackson residents.
Now that the ordinance has been approved, an Affordable Housing Development Board will be established to oversee affordable housing programs in the City. It will be made up of residents and function like the City’s other boards and commissions. Affordable housing programs will be powered by $3.5 million from the City’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. The funds will be held in an Affordable Housing Fund, which will be overseen by the board.
The new initiatives will help residents navigate getting housing assistance, provide grants and loans to low-income residents that support safe living environments, provide incentives for new affordable housing developments, and address homelessness by providing services and transitional housing for unhoused residents.
The City Council also approved an initiative to allow the City Manager to spend up to $1 million in ARP funds to rehab vacant City-owned homes for low-income residents with housing needs. The $4.5 million for affordable housing is the biggest allocation the City Council has made with its $31 million in ARP funds.
Mayor Derek Dobies spearheaded efforts to create this package of affordable housing proposals. “These new initiatives make Jackson a leader in affordable housing solutions, and show what the City can accomplish when we use our resources to make sure everyone has safe, affordable and dignified housing,” Dobies said.
Those interested in serving on the Affordable Housing Development Board may submit a Board/Commission Application through the City website. Qualified and selected applicants are appointed to set terms by the Jackson City Council. Meetings will be scheduled once the board is fully formed.