Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — The City of Jackson will partner with Planning NEXT (based out of Columbus, Ohio) for the creation of a new master plan for the city, which has not been changed since 2016.
The move was approved by City Council on Tuesday, with the contract to Planning NEXT totaling $149,000, as was authorized by the city in their fiscal year 2025 budget according to city leadership.
Planning NEXT was also involved in the creation of Drive Jackson, a 20-year plan aiming to create population growth within Jackson County, which is being spearheaded by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners were given a presentation by Planning NEXT for their idea for a Jackson County Strategic Plan, which would focus on how the county’s work feeds into Drive Jackson and strategies to improve county operations.
Multiple commissioners said they felt underwhelmed by the presentation, including Commissioner Cory Kennedy. He felt that rural and less populated areas in the county were underrepresented, and wanted to see more on how the county could engage with younger populations.
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Commissioner John Willis also had some concerns about the report regarding equity.
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Commissioners Tony Bair and Darius Williams also expressed criticisms of the presentation during the board’s most recent study session.
The commissioners are expected to vote on whether or not to approve the plan at their meeting on Tuesday, February 17, as was said by County Administrator Mike Overton.
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A full recording of the most recent Jackson County Board of Commissioners Study Session can be viewed by clicking here.