Jackson Mayor Scraps Green Space for Convention Center Parking
A planned green space at the Jackson Convention Complex has been abandoned by Mayor John Horhn in favor of additional parking facilities, reversing a project initiated just six months prior by the administration of former Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba.
JACKSON, Miss. — The decision to prioritize parking over the envisioned outdoor event space has drawn mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment while others acknowledge the current administration’s priorities. The green space, previously approved by the Jackson City Council, was intended to be a vibrant hub featuring pavilions with bars and a dedicated area for food trucks.
“A little disappointed, but I trust the mayor’s judgment and what he says is the vision he has for downtown and for this property,” said a former Planning and Economic Development Director. The former director noted significant enthusiasm surrounding the original project, which aimed to create a destination that would draw visitors to the area even when the convention center wasn’t hosting events.
Mayor Horhn, however, maintains that repurposing the land for parking is a more practical use of resources. “While we are not opposed to the project as such, we believe that there is a higher and better use for the site,” Horhn stated. “The administration will be working to repurpose funds to develop much-needed parking for the convention center until other uses can be found for the property.”
The shift in plans has reportedly frustrated managers at the convention complex, who had begun securing bookings based on the promise of the new outdoor space. Concerns have also been raised about the potential political motivations behind the change.
“The people who go to the convention center, they park over there. They don’t even use this lot,” one observer pointed out, suggesting that existing parking infrastructure is underutilized. “People are only going to use the parking lot when they come down here for a reason. We’re trying to create a reason for people to come out here otherwise, to come down here and have a good time.”
The previous Jackson City Council had allocated $1.5 million to fund the construction of the outdoor space, a sum that will now be redirected. The decision underscores a broader debate about the best path forward for economic development in downtown Jackson, balancing long-term vision with immediate needs.
