The Jackson Land Deal: Why This Partnership Deserves Real Public Scrutiny

The Jackson Land Deal: Why This Partnership Deserves Real Public Scrutiny

Residents of Jackson deserve transparency — not just headlines — when it comes to the recently announced land deal involving the City of Jackson, Rankin County, and the cities of Flowood and Pearl surrounding the Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport.

While city officials have described this as a “histor
ic partnership” that resolves decades-long disputes and promotes economic growth, critical details are missing — especially those that matter most to the people of Jackson.

1. Former Supervisor David L. Archie Sounds the Alarm

Former Hinds County Supervisor David L. Archie has publicly questioned the deal, calling attention to what hasn’t been said.

On his Monday night podcast, Archie read directly from communications shared by the Mayor’s office and unpacked key omissions that should concern every Jackson resident. He highlighted the lack of financial details, specific revenue figures, and a defined plan for how this partnership will impact the city long term.

Archie’s message was clear: the people deserve truth, transparency, and full disclosure before any agreements are finalized. His comments echoed what many Jacksonians are thinking — that this deal feels rushed, vague, and potentially imbalanced in favor of surrounding municipalities.

2. Missing Financial Transparency

No dollar amounts have been released — no clear projections, no breakdown of expected lease revenue, and no explanation of how costs will be handled.

That leaves major questions:

Will lease revenue truly outweigh the costs of maintenance and repairs?

What financial burden might Jackson carry while others benefit?

If the airport requires upgrades or environmental work, who pays?

Jackson residents have a right to know these answers before any commitments are made.

3. Taxation and Boundaries Favor Other Cities

Under the new agreement, Flowood, Pearl, and Rankin County can now include parts of the airport land within their municipal boundaries for planning and taxation purposes.

In practice, that means tax dollars generated from Jackson-owned land could go to other cities. While those municipalities benefit from new development, Jackson — which retains ownership — could be left with the obligations and none of the tax advantages.

That’s not a partnership; that’s a potential imbalance of benefit and burden.

4. Revenue Diverted from the City’s General Fund

Another key concern: revenue from land leases will go directly to the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) — not the City of Jackson’s General Fund.

This means that while the city owns the land, the citizens of Jackson won’t see direct financial benefits that support police, infrastructure, parks, or public services.

If the city bears ownership, some portion of the revenue should rightfully strengthen Jackson’s operations — not bypass it.

5. Undefined Obligations for Jackson

The city retains ownership of the land, but ownership brings responsibility.

Residents deserve clear answers about what Jackson must maintain and finance going forward:

Who will pay for infrastructure, environmental oversight, or dispute resolution?

What happens if development by other cities impacts airport operations or local zoning?

Are there protections for Jackson’s taxpayers if costs escalate?

Without clarity, Jackson could be left with liabilities while others reap long-term profits.

6. Why the Rush?

Mayor John Horhn’s statement called the agreement “a partnership” and “a historic step forward.” But residents are right to ask: why the urgency?

Deals that impact generations of Jacksonians should never be rushed. The community deserves:

Full financial disclosure

Public hearings and town halls

Independent analysis

Transparent communication about how this benefits — or harms — Jackson in the long term

If this deal is truly in everyone’s best interest, there should be no reason to hide the details.

7. The Larger Impact on Jackson’s Future

This is more than an airport issue. It’s about control and economic sovereignty for Mississippi’s capital city.

Allowing nearby municipalities to annex or tax parts of Jackson’s land sets a dangerous precedent. Over time, such moves could shrink Jackson’s tax base, limit its growth, and increase dependency on surrounding cities.

For a predominantly Black city like Jackson, this kind of deal carries deeper implications. It’s vital that leadership make decisions that uplift the community, not ones that could cause hardship or diminish economic power in the years to come.

8. Why Black Media Must Speak Up

This moment highlights exactly why Black media matters.

In cities like Jackson — with a majority Black population — local Black media must continue to ask tough questions, investigate, and speak truth to power.

Black-owned media outlets exist to do what others often won’t: to ensure the public is informed, that deals are explained in plain language, and that the community’s voice is not drowned out by political noise.

When we control our narratives, we protect our future.

That’s why platforms like The Original Black Wall Street exist — to tell our stories, reveal the truth, and remind leaders who they serve.

9. How Jackson Residents Can Get Involved

This deal affects everyone in Jackson — from business owners to taxpayers to families who depend on city services.

Here’s how you can take action:

Attend City Council meetings and demand transparency.

Call or email your council representatives and insist the deal be publicly reviewed before approval.

Ask for a public financial breakdown — not just summaries, but hard numbers.

Support local Black media outlets that are giving voice to the community’s concerns.

Speak up — on social media, in community meetings, and in letters to the editor — because silence is consent.

10. A Call for Transparency and Fairness

The people of Jackson deserve a full, open, and honest explanation of this agreement. Before anything is finalized, the city should publish:

A complete list of land parcels and new boundaries

A financial impact report comparing costs and revenue

A statement of Jackson’s legal and fiscal responsibilities

A clear plan for how Jackson benefits directly

Ownership without benefit is not progress — it’s a warning.

Final Word

Former Supervisor David L. Archie is right to raise these questions. The people of Jackson must demand answers before this deal becomes another quiet loss for the community.

This is not just about land. It’s about legacy, leadership, and accountability.

Jackson deserves leaders who protect its assets, not rush them away in the name of progress.

If you have a story or insight to share about this issue, reach out to stories@theoriginalblackwallstreet.com.

Because Black Media Matters — and together, we can make sure Jackson’s story is told by the people who live it.