Shane LaPorte

This Housing Strategy and Policy Framework for the City of Jackson, Michigan, analyzes local housing needs and national practices to identify challenges and propose solutions. It outlines eight programmatic focus areas: Rehabilitation to Improve Housing Quality and Meet Household Preferences, Affordable Homeownership, Supportive Housing for a Growing Senior Population and People with Disabilities, Tenant Support, Rental Demand, Preservation of Small Multi-Family Properties, Position for Growth, and Partnerships. The plan aims to preserve or create 4,500 housing units over the next 10 years, ensuring a housing-secure future for its citizens.

The City of Jackson is holding a Public Hearing to invite citizens to comment on the City's progress in accomplishing the goals and objectives in its Consolidated Plan, including provisions for affordable housing and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Programs. The Jackson City Council will be reviewing the City's Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and accepting comments from the public.

The Environmental Commission meeting included discussions on several priority issues. The Mayor's request for a Sustainability Plan was addressed, with plans to collaborate with Dr. Blakespoor from Jackson College to develop the plan within 90 days. Urban forestry was discussed, including a review of the 2019 Tree Canopy Cover Map and related ordinances. Land use and pollinators were also discussed, including potential collaboration with the Dahlem Center for Bee City USA designation and No Mow May activities. Energy efficiency was touched upon, with a summary of the steps and benefits of a LEED application to be revisited at the June meeting.

The agenda includes a public hearing for the FY 2023-2024 proposed budget, consideration of Environmental Commission Minutes, and a consent calendar covering minutes from regular and special meetings. Also on the agenda are reappointments to the Environmental Commission, and special event applications for various events including the Jackson Civil War Muster, Jackson High School Graduation Ceremony, Encounter Church Go Skate Day, the annual Cascades 4th of July Fireworks celebration, the annual Cascades Labor Day Fireworks celebration, Jackson County Office of the Sheriff Open House, the annual Cascades Memorial Day Fireworks celebration, Southside Summerfest Events, Around the Park for Autism, and the Jackson County Veteran's Council Memorial Day Procession and Ceremony. Other items include a final report on winter sheltering, a Dodge Durango purchase for the Police Department, declining the City's right of first refusal, changes to the Martin Luther King Equality Trail Lighting Contract, changes to the Standard Lighting Contract for Streetlights, an amendment to the Major Street Engineering Contract, a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for Safety Improvements, submission of the 2023-2024 CDBG / HOME Annual Action Plan, the sale of City-owned properties, reallocation of Program Income to CDBG Admin, and awarding the Ella Sharp Park Miniature Golf Course Fountain Upgrade Project Contract.

The agenda includes public hearings for the confirmation of Special Assessment Roll Nos. 3445 and 3446. The council will discuss monthly financial statements, Environmental Commission meeting minutes, and Board of Review minutes. They will consider approving the appointment of Maurice Imhoff to the Human Relations Commission, along with several special event applications. The agenda also includes corrective resolutions, discussion of a workforce housing PILOT ordinance, updates on city homeless efforts, approval of the Downtown Development Authority budget, placement of delinquent invoices on summer tax bills, renewal of liability and property insurance, amendments to various fund budgets, and approval of program guidelines and requests for proposals for the 100 Homes Program. Further discussion will cover an updated MAPE wage schedule, contract awards for the MLK Equality Trail Reconstruction project and bridge consulting services, a resolution for street resurfacing, a contract award for the Napoleon Transmission Main Study, change orders for water main replacement and miscellaneous construction contracts, a resolution for a grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, a purchase agreement for property on N. West Avenue, a contract with MakeMyMove, and the purchase of a Dodge Durango.