Jackson Planning & Development Committee Meeting - October 27, 2026

The Planning and Development Committee of the City of Jackson met on October 27, 2026, with a quorum present. The committee discussed the data center ordinance timeline, the Homeward Jackson homeless outreach project, JTRAN transit reliability, and a proposed grocery development. Two emergency discussion items were added by motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sheila O'Flarity (Ward 5) expressed dissatisfaction with JTRAN service, citing buses not running, tracking failures, and long wait times (e.g., route 3565 runs every two hours). She stated she has to call customer service daily to confirm if buses are operating. She noted that last Saturday a bus did not run and a supervisor was riding the route but left earlier riders waiting. She reported no response from the new operations manager about tracking issues.

Discussion Items

• Data Center Ordinance Timeline: City Attorney/Interim CAO Drew Martin reported that the six-month moratorium on data centers (set in June 2026) expires later than initially thought due to publication date; it is not in danger of lapsing within 30 days. He had missed an internal deadline to deliver the ordinance but said he needs about one more day to complete it. The ordinance will require data centers to submit water and power usage information for review by utilities and possibly outside engineers. Martin noted that specific requirements (noise, setbacks, appearance) will be handled during site plan review, not the ordinance itself. He also mentioned that community benefits agreements (e.g., contributions to water infrastructure, public safety) would be negotiated once a developer is secured. Council members expressed support for moving forward, with one noting the potential for significant revenue and strengthening city finances.
• Homeward Jackson Project: Javonda Stanton, Program Manager/Director from Mississippi Housing Partnership, presented the initiative to house 1,400 people over two years. Strategy includes: (1) 300 target individuals living in encampments via outreach, case management, and wraparound services; (2) 1,100 people at risk of falling into homelessness, addressed through diversion and stability services. Stanton reported that four candidates (two couples) from encampments have already been selected, engaged, and agreed to housing. The goal is to close the first encampment by the first week of November 2026. Two case managers are ready; Hinds Behavioral Services will provide mental health assessments. Landlords have been identified to offer units. Council members praised the plan and emphasized trust-building and the need for sustained funding.
• JTRAN Transit Reliability: Christine Welch, Transit Services Director, confirmed driver shortages (need 45 drivers per day, averaging low 40s/high 39s) leading to missed routes and unreliable tracking. She stated the system has not been fully functional since before the strike and that the contractor MV Transportation is responsible for hiring. City Attorney Martin said the city has limited ability to address the shortage directly. The RFP for a new contract will be released in the next 120 days, and alternative models like microtransit are being considered. Council members noted the risk of ridership collapse if reliability does not improve.
• Grocery Development (McDowell/Terry Road): Angela (staff) reported that developers Theodore Holloway and Charlotte Reeves have purchased the old Roses store and are trying to purchase the adjacent Food Depot to create a grocery store and wholesale distribution center. They need to go through site plan and zoning approval. Councilwoman Thomas-Brown urged proactive outreach to grocery chains and preparation of shovel-ready sites. Council members expressed support and offered to join meetings with developers.

Key Outcomes

• Emergency Items Added: Motions to add JTRAN and grocery development as emergency discussion items were made, seconded, and passed by voice vote.
• Data Center Ordinance: The ordinance is pending completion; City Attorney Martin expects to deliver it within a few days. The council will schedule public hearings once the draft is available.
• Homeward Jackson Pilot: The project is underway with four candidates; first encampment closure targeted for early November 2026. The council committed to supporting the initiative and closing funding gaps.
• JTRAN RFP: The city will issue a new RFP within 120 days. No immediate operational fix was identified; the council acknowledged the systemic driver shortage.
• Executive Session: The committee voted to enter executive session for litigation and personnel matters. No action was taken, and the meeting adjourned.