Midtown Master Plan & Implementation

About the Neighborhood

Like many American inner-city neighborhoods, Midtown in Jackson, Mississippi has faced blight, deterioration, and population decline over the past 50 years. In 2009, the area had numerous abandoned and dilapidated homes, a high percentage of vacant land, and older housing stock in poor condition. Infrastructure was outdated, undersized, and deteriorated, while criminal activity remained high and largely unreported. Property values were low and stagnant, and banks were reluctant to lend to individuals or businesses in the neighborhood.

Despite earlier efforts by Habitat for Humanity and other stakeholders, the neighborhood struggled to grow or become self-sustaining. The Midtown Master Plan emerged from a year-long, community-driven planning process that engaged residents, business owners, non-profits, and institutional partners through meetings, surveys, and interviews to address the community’s needs and vision for revitalization.

Master Plan Overview

The Midtown Master Plan is a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy encompassing housing, economic development, health, security, and sustainability initiatives. It combines community organizing with strategic development to create a roadmap for revival, recognizing that the neighborhood’s greatest assets are its people and land. The plan aims to organize residents to positively impact land value, raise capital, and foster partnerships with anchor institutions for support and investment.

Adopted by the Board of Directors of Midtown Partners, Inc. in February 2010, the plan is actively championed by the community. Midtown Partners, Inc. dedicates staff and financial resources to implement the plan and ensure it remains a living document that continues to engage residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

Progress and Impact

Since the Master Plan’s completion in 2010, over 60 new affordable residences have been built, and a new charter school and afterschool program have been established. Key partners, including Millsaps College and the City of Jackson, have joined the effort. New businesses have opened, financial and health services for residents have been established, education programs expanded, and new residents are securing mortgages and moving into the neighborhood. The private marketplace is re-emerging, and a healthy community revival is underway.