The Department of Communications is responsible for managing and coordinating all internal and external messaging for the organization. It oversees public relations, marketing campaigns, branding, social media, website content, media relations, and internal communications. The department ensures that information is clear, consistent, and aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. By developing strategic messaging and maintaining a strong public presence, the Communications Department helps build trust, strengthen reputation, and effectively engage key audiences.
The Department of Communications is responsible for managing and coordinating all internal and external messaging for the organization. It oversees public relations, marketing campaigns, branding, social media, website content, media relations, and internal communications. The department ensures that information is clear, consistent, and aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. By developing strategic messaging and maintaining a strong public presence, the Communications Department helps build trust, strengthen reputation, and effectively engage key audiences.
The Department of Communications for the City of Jackson is committed to keeping residents informed about important city initiatives, events, and public service updates. Through the News section, citizens can stay up to date on major announcements from city leadership, infrastructure improvements, public safety updates, and community programs taking place across Jackson.
Our goal is to provide timely and accurate information that helps residents stay engaged with what is happening in their city. The Communications Department works closely with city departments to share updates on policies, projects, and services that impact daily life in Jackson. From road improvements to community events, this page serves as a central place for official city news.
The City of Jackson believes that strong communication builds stronger communities. By regularly publishing news releases, media updates, and event highlights, the Department of Communications aims to increase transparency and strengthen the connection between local government and the people it serves. Residents are encouraged to check back frequently for the latest updates and announcements.
Former NBA Standout and Jackson Native Monta Ellis to Join Mayor John Horhn at City Hall tomorrow
JACKSON, MS — Mayor John Horhn will welcome former NBA player and Jackson native Monta Ellis to City Hall tomorrow for a special presentation honoring his achievements on the court and his ties to the capital city.
Known to fans as the “Mississippi Bullet,” Ellis became one of the most celebrated athletes in Jackson’s history. At Lanier High School, he led the Bulldogs to four straight state championship games and two state titles, in 2002 and 2005. He scored 4,167 points over his high school career. As a senior in 2005, he was named a McDonald’s All-American and Parade Magazine’s National Player of the Year. Lanier retired his jersey number in 2021.
Ellis went straight from Lanier to the NBA. The Golden State Warriors drafted him in 2005, the last year high school players could enter the draft directly. He was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2007 and became one of the league’s most dynamic scorers, averaging more than 24 points per game in two different seasons. Over 12 NBA seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers, he scored 14,858 points and averaged 17.8 points per game.
In August, Ellis came home to Mississippi basketball as general manager of the Alcorn State University men’s basketball program.
Members of the media are encouraged to attend.
WHAT: Special presentation honoring former NBA player Monta Ellis
WHO: Mayor John Horhn
Monta Ellis, former NBA player and Jackson native
WHEN: Friday, October 9, 2026, 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Jackson City Hall
219 South President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Mayor Horhn Thanks Teeuwissen and Junior for Their Service, Names Interim Leaders
JACKSON, Miss. – Mayor John Horhn today thanked Chief Administrative Officer Pieter Teeuwissen and Human and Cultural Services Director Pam Junior for their service to the City of Jackson. City Attorney Drew Martin will serve as interim Chief Administrative Officer, and Kahrna Stimley will serve as interim Director of the Department of Human and Cultural Services until both positions are permanently filled.
“When I took office, I needed someone who could hit the ground running, and Pieter did exactly that,” said Mayor Horhn. “He took on some of the hardest problems in City Hall, from our budget to projects that had been stuck for years. He made tough calls, and he always kept the residents of Jackson in mind. I am grateful for his work and for the foundation he helped us build.”
“I would like to thank Mayor Horhn for asking me to assist with the start of his Administration, and also thank the City Council for their unwavering support,” said Teeuwissen. “Together, we have eliminated a $25 million budget deficit without layoffs, furloughs, or new taxes while addressing long-stalled projects such as Thalia Mara Hall, the MLK/Shaw/Beasley bridges, and merging departments to promote efficiency. Jackson is rising, and my hope is everyone will continue supporting Mayor Horhn and the City of Jackson.”
Junior returned to the City of Jackson after serving the city for 28 years and later working with the State of Mississippi.
“Pam didn’t have to come back, but she did, and Jackson is better for it,” said Mayor Horhn. “She knows this city and she cares deeply about its people. Her staff believed in her, and she believed in them. Her leadership is hard to replace, and I thank her for giving us this past year.”
“In my former life, I had the privilege of serving the City of Jackson for 28 years before moving on to serve with the State of Mississippi. To be asked to return and serve the Department of Human and Cultural Services as Director was truly a gift,” said Junior. “The staff members were amazing, hardworking, and committed. They believed in my leadership, and together, we worked to make a difference. I see the future of Jackson, and I see it very clearly. Hope is around the corner. I believe the right person is at the helm, and that person is John Horhn.”
As City Attorney, Martin works closely with every city department.
“Drew already knows how every part of this city works, and he knows the people doing the work,” said Mayor Horhn. “I appreciate him stepping up to take on this role on top of his duties as City Attorney. I have full confidence that he will keep us moving forward.”
“I want to thank the Mayor for entrusting me with this position,” said Martin. “Having worked closely with all of our City departments, I know both the challenges we face and the dedication of the people working to meet those challenges. I am looking forward to this new challenge of working with the City Council and everyone in the City to continue our efforts of improving the quality and efficiency of City services to all of our residents.”
Stimley has served the City of Jackson in the Department of Human and Cultural Services, the Office of Economic Development, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. She serves on the Executive Committee for the 82nd and 83rd National Folk Festivals and leads Jackson’s Fresh Collective, which connects fresh food access, health, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and different generations. She holds a master’s degree and an Education Specialist degree in Counseling Psychology from Mississippi College.
“Kahrna has worked in several parts of city government, and she understands how culture, community, and economic growth go hand in hand,” said Mayor Horhn. “She has been part of this department’s work, and she is ready to lead. I thank her for being willing to serve.”
“My mission is to lead with purpose, inspire collaboration, and strengthen services that help residents thrive,” said Stimley. “I envision a Jackson where every neighborhood can access meaningful support, participate in arts and culture, and help shape a vibrant future for the city.”
The city will share more information about permanent appointments when it is available.
City of Jackson Reschedules Corridor Clean-Up to October 31st Due to Forecasted Inclement Weather
JACKSON, MS – The City of Jackson announces that Corridor Clean-Up Day 3, originally scheduled for Saturday, October 10, has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., due to forecasted inclement weather.
The decision was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of residents, volunteers, City employees, and community partners participating in the cleanup activities.
Led by Mayor John Horhn’s Jackson Rising Faith-Based Task Force and Jackson’s Innovation Team, the clean-up will continue as planned in the Georgetown and Virden Addition communities.
“While we are disappointed to postpone this weekend’s cleanup, the safety of our residents and volunteers comes first,” said Mayor Horhn. “We encourage everyone to mark their calendars for October 31st and join us as we continue working to keep Jackson clean and beautiful. We’re building a community where everyone has a role in making Jackson better.”
The Corridor Clean-Up Series builds on the success of four cleanup days held in June and July, which brought together more than 200 volunteers and resulted in the collection of more than 300 bags of trash.
The City encourages neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations, businesses, City employees, and residents to participate in the rescheduled event.
Updated Event Details
Event: Jackson Rising Corridor Clean-Up Day 3
New Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Georgetown Meeting Location:
1384 Lavernet Road
Jackson, MS 39209
Virden Addition Meeting Location:
3159 Edwards Avenue
Jackson, MS 39213
Residents are encouraged to select the meeting location most convenient for them and come ready to make a difference.
For additional information, contact Jennifer West at (601) 960-2006 or jwest@city.jackson.ms.us.
STATEMENT FROM MAYOR JOHN HORHN ON THE PASSING OF GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST CASSANDRA WILSON
Jackson, MS — Mayor John Horhn issued the following statement on the passing of Cassandra Wilson:
“Jackson has lost an extraordinary native daughter, and the world has lost a singular musical voice. Cassandra Wilson carried the sound, spirit and history of Mississippi with her wherever her music reached.
She built a remarkable career rooted in jazz, blues, gospel, folk and the many traditions that shape our state’s musical identity. Her work had rare depth of character and a profound understanding of how music moves people, tells stories and connects generations. Through every performance and recording, she carried forward the legacy of jazz, blues and gospel.
TIME magazine once recognized Cassandra Wilson as ‘America’s best singer,’ a fitting tribute to an artist whose voice and imagination were unmistakable. Her Grammy Award wins reflected the respect she earned across the music world, while her artistry made an impression on audiences far beyond the jazz community.
Cassandra Wilson showed the world the richness of Jackson and Mississippi music. Her legacy will continue to be heard in the artists she inspired and the pride she brought to her hometown. On behalf of the City of Jackson, I extend my condolences to her family, friends, fellow musicians and all who loved her music.”
Statement from the City of Jackson
The City of Jackson has determined that the “Cruising on Capitol” event scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, will not move forward at this time.
In light of recent concerns, the City must ensure that any future event of this kind is properly regulated, and supported by clear conditions that protect the public, neighboring properties, and City operations.
The City remains open to considering future events that meet all necessary requirements.
The Communications Department serves as the primary point of contact for members of the media and the public seeking official information from the City. This section provides media contact information for press inquiries, access to the city’s press release archive, and guidelines for requesting interviews or filming on city property. Journalists and media representatives can use this page to find the appropriate contacts, review official announcements, and learn the procedures for coordinating interviews with city officials or staff. Guidance for photography, video recording, and news coverage requests is also provided to help ensure an organized and timely response.
