2025 JDDC Annual Report Recap
Downtown Jackson continues to grow as a hub for community, culture, and small business. In 2025, the Jackson Downtown Development Corporation (JDDC) made significant progress in strengthening our downtown space through strategic investment, partnerships, and community-driven programming.
Key Highlights from 2025:
Arts District:
In 2025, Our Jackson Home and City of Jackson invested in 7 public art installations within the Arts District.
Jackson’s Arts & Culture Industry generated $7.2 million in economic activity, supporting 423 jobs and generating $1.2 million in local, state, and federal government revenue.** This activity largely takes place in the Downtown Arts District.
Grants Awarded
A total of $350,000 was awarded through the TNECD Downtown Facade Improvement Grant, Jackson Arts Council Grant, and RFC Pathway Project.
Economic Driven Programs
We saw over 6,950 participants in events like First Fridays, Yoga in the Park, Lavender Trail, Halloween at the Market, and Holiday Passport Program.
Small Business Support
Our small businesses were supported through roundtables averaging 20 businesses, grant and resource assistance, and promotion of 140+ businesses and 300+ events throughout the year. TheLOCAL Incubator has served 18 tenants since 2018, nine of which have expanded into larger brick-and-mortar locations.
Leadership:
Director:
Beth Ann Simpson
Board of Directors:
Ryan Porter, Ben Harris, Ben Ferguson, Debbie Dunaway, Lisa Garner, Freeman McKindra, Stephanie Graham, Trista Havner, Richard Donnell, Roberta Milam. Tina Prescott, Ben Burleson, Terica Smith, Claire Pierson, Don McCorry, and Logan McCoy
Thank you from the Director:
“In 2025, JDDC began work utilizing our $400,000 Downtown Improvement Grant funds which will impact fifteen buildings, introduce wayfinding signage, and continue beautification of the Downtown district. These projects create visible momentum, strengthen Downtown’s identity, and improve the overall experience for residents, visitors, and businesses.
JDDC continued to deliver and support signature programs like First Fridays, Lavender Trail, Yoga in the Park, and the Holiday Passport. These initiatives activated public spaces, responded to community needs, and generated increased foot traffic and economic activity for Downtown small businesses.
Throughout 2025, JDDC advocated for resources and investment on behalf of the Downtown community, further establishing the organization as a key connector for growth, partnerships, and opportunity. We could not do this work without the collaboration and support of our partners across the community: theCO, Our Jackson Home, Visit Jackson, Jackson Arts Council, Jackson Energy Authority, the City of Jackson (Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, JPD, and Mayor’s Office Staff), the Greater Jackson Chamber, Downtown non-profit agencies, and our dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and Committees. Thank you!”
