Mississippi Lt. Gov. Hosemann sets sights on Jackson economic development and housing

Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann’s announcement did not detail any proposed policy changes — such as new criminal laws Horhn has floated to hold absent landlords accountable or quick-take blighted property — but the formation and membership of a new study committee on Jackson.

“With the city entering a new chapter, the time is now to pursue opportunities that will increase tourism, attract investment, enhance downtown, and promote future growth,” Hosemann, a northeast Jackson resident, said in the Wednesday press release.

The Jackson study committee in the Senate echoes work of a similar body on the House side, House Speaker Jason White’s Select Committee on Capital and Metro Revitalization formed last year. That committee’s work led to the passage of laws banning public camping, strengthening enforcement against squatting, requiring panhandlers to secure government permits and introducing incentives for developers to improve blighted property in the state.

A second new Senate study committee announced Wednesday will look at the shortage of attainable housing and increasing accessibility for first-time homebuyers statewide.

A Republican from Ridgeland and operator of a commercial real estate firm in Jackson, Sen. Walter Michel, will chair the Jackson study committee. Michel did not return a request for comment by press time.

Sen. David Blount, a Democrat who represents a district covering downtown and central Jackson, will serve as vice chair.

Blount said he’s repeatedly supported legislation, which has passed the Senate before dying in the House, to move state agency offices currently leasing space in the metro to downtown. The proposal saves the state money with cheaper leases, Blount said, plus it helps revitalize an area currently working to reverse a decades-long hollowing out.

“I believe that’s a win-win for the state,” Blount said.

Blount hopes leaders on each committee will get on the same page about legislation to benefit Jackson before the 2026 session begins.

Committee hearings will take place in coming months.

The Senate Study Committee on Jackson members are Sen. Walter Michel, R-Ridgeland (chair), Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson (vice chair), Sen. Sollie Norwood, D-Jackson (vice chair), Sen. Hillman Frazier, D-Jackson, Sen. Dean Kirby, R-Pearl, Sen. Brian Rhodes, R-Pelahatchie, and Sen. Andy Berry, R-Magee.

The Senate Study Committee on Housing members are Sen. Chris Johnson, R-Hattiesburg (chair), Sen. Rod Hickman, D-Macon (vice chair), Sen. Gary Brumfield, R-Magnolia, Sen. Scott DeLano, R-Biloxi, Sen. Michael McLendon, R-Hernando, Sen. Chad McMahan, R-Guntown and Sen. Angela Turner-Ford, D-West Point.