If you only watch national clips, you probably think Jackson, Mississippi, is just a place where the water doesn't run and the crime doesn't stop. It’s a convenient narrative. It’s also kinda lazy.
Look, nobody is saying everything is perfect. But if you’re actually on the ground here in early 2026, the vibe is shifting. We’ve moved past the "emergency" phase of the 2022 water crisis into something that looks a lot like a long, expensive, but very real reconstruction. It’s messy. It’s political. But it’s happening. Honestly, if you haven’t checked the news in Jackson MS lately, you’ve missed the fact that the city is currently under new management and seeing crime numbers hit lows we haven't seen in nearly a decade.
The New Mayor and a Shift in Strategy
In July 2025, the Chokwe Antar Lumumba era ended. While he famously promised to make Jackson the "most radical city on the planet," his tenure was defined more by crumbling pipes and a high-profile federal indictment. Now, Mayor John Horhn is at the wheel.
Horhn is a longtime state senator. He knows how to talk to the folks across the street at the Capitol—people Lumumba often clashed with. This matters because Jackson’s survival basically depends on state and federal money. You’ve got a mayor now who is focused on the "boring" stuff: permitting, paving, and making sure the trash actually gets picked up on Tuesdays.
The biggest news out of City Hall right now? The Jackson Rise Fund. We’re talking about $4 million in flexible loan financing specifically for high-impact businesses in downtown. It’s part of a larger $20.5 million push by the Jackson Redevelopment Authority (JRA) to finally do something with those "eyesore" properties that have been sitting empty for years.
What’s Actually Happening with the Water?
"Is the water safe?" That’s the first thing everyone asks.
The short answer is yes, but the system is still on life support. JXN Water, the entity led by interim manager Ted Henifin, has a massive to-do list for 2026. They aren't just patching leaks anymore.
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Major projects currently in flight include:
- Modernizing chemical feed systems at the O.B. Curtis and J.H. Fewell plants. This is about automation so we don't have to rely on manual dosing that failed in the past.
- The Winterization Initiative: After the deep freezes of previous years crippled the city, they are finally installing redundant power and insulating critical lines.
- The 100 Million Gallon Pump: They’re replacing the massive peak flow pump at the Savanna wastewater plant. This is the unglamorous work that keeps the city from literally overflowing when it rains.
The reality is that Jackson loses about 40% of its treated water to leaks before it ever hits a faucet. That’s double the industry standard. Fixing that is a twenty-year job, not a twenty-minute news cycle.
Crime Statistics: The Trend Nobody Expected
Here is the thing that will probably surprise you: Jackson recorded its fewest homicides in nearly a decade in 2025.
Chief Joseph Wade and the JPD reported a nearly 19% drop in overall crime last year. Violent crime fell by 13.4%. Property crime? Down 20.2%.
Why? It’s a mix of things.
The Capitol Police expansion has been controversial, for sure. Having state-run police patrolling larger swaths of the city creates a "two-tier" feel for some residents, but there’s no denying the increased visibility has changed the math for criminals in the downtown and Capitol Complex areas. The JPD is also leaning harder into technology—real-time crime centers and better coordination with Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones.
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It’s not all sunshine, though. If you look at the daily blotter, petit larceny and domestic calls are still high. Just last week, we saw a string of motor vehicle thefts and identity fraud cases reported across the metro. The "big" numbers are down, but the "quality of life" crimes still make people look over their shoulders at the gas station.
Downtown Revitalization and the "100 Homes"
If you drive through downtown, you’ll see some scaffolding. Finally.
The city is currently seeking RFPs for a massive mixed-use development near the Capital City Convention Center. They want a "Master Developer" to turn that land into something sustainable. This isn't just a dream—there is $3 million in predevelopment funding specifically for a Civic Arena and transit-oriented plan.
Then there is the 100 Homes Initiative. John Willis, the city's Chief Equity Officer, has been vocal about the fact that Jackson built more homes in the last year than in the previous 15 combined. Most of these are "infill" houses—building on vacant lots in established neighborhoods to stop the "donut hole" effect of urban decay.
The Legislative Session: Vouchers and Roads
As of January 2026, the Mississippi Legislature is back in session. For Jacksonians, this usually means watching the budget like a hawk.
House Speaker Jason White is pushing hard for "school choice" (vouchers). This is a massive point of contention here. Proponents call it "education freedom." Opponents, including many in the Jackson Public School (JPS) system, say it will siphon much-needed cash away from local schools that are just starting to find their footing after the 2025 bond proposal success.
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Speaking of JPS, the new Innovation Center is a major 2026 milestone. The goal is to create a direct pipeline from the classroom to local tech and trade jobs. It’s an attempt to keep talent from fleeing to Madison or Rankin County the second they get a diploma.
Arts and Culture: The Soul is Still There
Despite the headlines, the heart of Jackson—the "City with Soul"—is beating.
- Belhaven University is hosting its "Best of Belhaven" concert on January 27.
- Thalia Mara Hall is back. After being closed for nearly a year for mold remediation and HVAC repairs, it’s finally hosting shows again.
- Farish Street is still the big "if." There’s $1.5 million earmarked for predevelopment activities to preserve its historic significance. We’ve heard it before, but the stabilization of the 214 Farish Street building is a tangible step toward saving the cradle of Black business in Mississippi.
Realities and Next Steps
Jackson is a city of contradictions. It's a place where you can find a world-class art exhibition at the Bitsy Irby Gallery on the same day the state legislature debates how much control to take away from the city's leaders.
The "news" here isn't just one thing. It's a slow, grinding transition from a city that was almost written off to one that is demanding its seat at the table.
If you live here or are looking to invest, here are the three things you should actually be watching:
- Monitor JXN Water’s Bill Accuracy: The new billing system is still being calibrated. If your bill looks insane, don't ignore it—the dispute process is more active than it used to be.
- Support the "Infill" Housing: If you’re a first-time homebuyer, check the JRA’s Infill Housing Revitalization Program. There are incentives for building on those vacant city lots that are better than what you’ll find in the suburbs.
- Engage with the 2026 Legislative Bills: Watch Senate Bill 3016 and House Bill 1059. These determine how much of your tax money stays in Jackson and how the Capitol Police jurisdiction might expand further into your neighborhood.
The story of Jackson in 2026 isn't a tragedy anymore. It's a construction site. It’s loud, it’s dusty, and it’s taking longer than anyone wants, but the foundation is finally being poured.