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.
Mayor John Horhn Honors James Meredith With Key to the City, Proclaims June 25th as James Meredith Day
Jackson, MS — The City of Jackson honored civil rights leader James Meredith during a commemoration dinner held last night, recognizing his major impact and the 60th anniversary of the March Against Fear. During the event, Mr. Meredith was presented with a ceremonial key to the city.
Meredith, a Mississippi native, became nationally known in 1962 when he integrated the University of Mississippi, breaking barriers in higher education during segregation. In 1966, he launched the March Against Fear, a walk from Memphis to Jackson to encourage Black citizens to register to vote despite threats and intimidation.
Though Meredith was shot and injured early in the march, his effort sparked a broader movement. Civil rights leaders and thousands of supporters continued the journey, turning it into a defining moment in the fight for voting rights.
Mayor John Horhn said Meredith’s courage continues to inspire.
“James Meredith showed this country what determination looks like in the face of fear,” said Mayor Horhn. “His actions helped change Mississippi and moved our nation closer to its ideals. We are proud to honor him, and we look forward to celebrating his birthday, June 25, as James Meredith Day in the City of Jackson.”
The official proclamation recognizes Meredith’s legacy and significant contributions to civil rights.
JTRAN Clarifies Status of Transit Service Proposal
Jackson, MS – JTRAN has issued a clarification regarding a transit service proposal that has recently been discussed publicly.
At this time, the City of Jackson (JTRAN) has not approved any plans to modify current transit service levels, routes, operating hours, or weekend service. Any potential service changes remain under review and would require additional evaluation, public discussion, and the appropriate approvals before implementation.
The proposal under discussion was developed by JTRAN’s transit management contractor, MV Transportation, as one of several options intended to identify operational efficiencies and potential cost savings. It is important to emphasize that these concepts are proposals only and have not been adopted by the City of Jackson (JTRAN). No final decisions have been made regarding service reductions, route eliminations, operating hours, or the implementation of a microtransit service.
Any significant service modifications would require review and approval by the Jackson City Council, along with public engagement and consideration of community impacts.
JTRAN remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and accessible public transportation services to the residents of Jackson while evaluating opportunities to improve service delivery and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
The City of Jackson (JTRAN) will continue to keep riders, stakeholders, and the public informed as discussions regarding future transit service options progress.
City of Jackson Fire Department Addresses Conduct Incident; Firefighters Placed on Administrative Leave
JACKSON, MS — The City of Jackson Fire Department is aware of reports regarding an incident involving on-duty firefighters that occurred over the weekend. The City acknowledges the seriousness of these allegations and is committed to full transparency.
Three on-duty Jackson firefighters visited a downtown Jackson establishment during their shift. The firefighters were subsequently dispatched to a fire at a blighted property. Afterward, law enforcement was called, sobriety testing was administered, and the firefighters were found to be in violation of departmental policy.
Fire Department Chief Rasean Thomas was immediately notified and took swift action. The firefighters involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an Internal Departmental Investigation.
“The conduct described in this incident is unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards we demand of every member of this department,” said Chief Rasean Thomas. “The safety of Jackson residents is our highest obligation, and any behavior that compromises that obligation will not be tolerated.”
Mayor John Horhn has been fully briefed on the matter and has made clear that this administration will not condone a culture of misconduct within any city department.
“We are taking this matter with the utmost seriousness,” said Mayor Horhn. “I have directed Chief Thomas to strengthen the department’s alcohol policy and institute more rigorous enforcement procedures to ensure an incident of this nature does not occur again.”
Chief Thomas has made it clear to the entire Department, that conduct such as this will not be tolerated.
Local Vendors Encouraged to Apply for National Folk Festival Marketplace
Jackson, MS — Local artisans, craftspeople, and specialty vendors are encouraged to apply for a spot in the Marketplace at the 83rd National Folk Festival, which returns to downtown Jackson November 13–15, 2026.
The Festival Marketplace features juried, handmade creations from artists and craftspeople, with priority given to Mississippi vendors. Organizers are especially seeking strong local participation as the early bird application deadline closes on April 10, and the final deadline is June 1.
Vendors selected for the Marketplace will be chosen based on artistry, distinctiveness, craftsmanship, traditionality when applicable, connection to state, regional or local traditions, relationship to their cultural or artistic community, and booth presentation.
The Marketplace will feature both traditional crafts and more contemporary artistic expressions. Eligible items include handmade artwork, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, pottery, folk and traditional crafts, and packaged made-in-Mississippi or Deep South food products. Commercial reproductions, manufactured items, kits, and molds are not permitted.
To support local participation, the Mississippi Arts Commission offers Mini-Grants for Individual Artists, providing $500 in funding to help offset the costs of professional development and participation in events like the National Folk Festival Marketplace. The application window for these grants is May 1 – June 1.
These funds can help make participation more accessible by covering expenses such as:
· Booth fees (Marketplace booths are approximately $350 for the weekend)
· Application fees (including the $35 non-refundable fee if accepted)
· Lodging and mileage to attend the festival
· Promotional materials such as custom tablecloths, business cards, labels, and packaging
Applicants are encouraged to review the Marketplace Vendor Guidelines before applying. Additional information and application details are available at:
https://www.nationalfolkfestival.com/marketplace-vendor-guidelines
Applications for both the NFF Vendor Marketplace and Mississippi Arts Commission Individual Artist Mini-Grants are available at:
www.arts.ms.gov/apply
For local vendors interested in sharing their work with thousands of festivalgoers, now is the time to apply.
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.
