Housing (Community Development)

HB 1944 appropriates $20.55 million from the state general fund to the Jackson Redevelopment Authority for fiscal year 2026. The funds directly support specific projects in Jackson, including revitalizing disinvested areas (like the Infill Housing Program and demolition of the old Atmos building), enhancing public safety (parking structure upgrades and Convention Center improvements), and advancing economic development (downtown business loans and Civic Arena planning). The bill outlines exact allocations for each project category but does not create new policies or change existing laws. It is a funding measure, not a substantive legislative change.

HB 1879 creates the "City of Jackson Revitalization Act" to incentivize redevelopment of abandoned or deteriorated properties in Jackson, Mississippi. It establishes a refundable income tax credit for developers who renovate blighted properties into owner-occupied homes or commercial buildings, with excess credits carryable forward for up to 10 years. The bill also exempts building materials from sales tax for these projects and authorizes state bonds to fund city infrastructure improvements and demolition of blighted properties. Revenue from additional gaming license fees will finance a new City of Jackson Development Fund, which will provide loans and grants for business development and property revitalization. The law directly affects developers, the City of Jackson, and businesses seeking to expand or establish operations in the city.

SB 2252 directs the Mississippi Home Corporation to establish a Neighborhood Housing Rehabilitation Program (NHRP) using federal funds (like ARPA and CDBG) to assist low-income homeowners. The program prioritizes owner-occupied properties in municipalities, focusing on correcting health/safety issues, improving energy efficiency, fixing lead paint, and bringing homes up to building codes. It creates a revolving fund in the state treasury to ensure unspent funds remain available for future use, with annual reports to the legislature. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and never became law.

SB 2130 was a procedural bill appropriating $1,000,000 from Mississippi’s General Fund to the City of Canton for public housing redevelopment costs during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It directly affected the City of Canton by providing state funds to cover expenses related to redeveloping public housing units. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and never became law. This was a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes or new requirements.

SB 2091 would authorize Mississippi to issue state bonds to provide funds for the redevelopment of 100 public housing units in Canton. The Canton Housing Authority would receive the bond proceeds to cover costs like renovation and construction of these units. The bonds would be backed by the state's full faith and credit, meaning Mississippi would repay them using general state funds if needed. All money raised would be used exclusively for this housing project, with no other purposes allowed.