After a busy 2023, the MLK Corridor Improvement Authority (MLKCIA) is getting ready for another productive year of improving Jackson’s south side. The MLKCIA is made up of properties along S. MLK Drive, Prospect Street, S. Cooper Street and the MLK Equality Trail. A portion of taxes are captured from these areas and used to reinvest in the neighborhood. This does not bring any additional taxes to residents.
Neighborhood improvements kicked off in May with a community cleanup. Residents and City staff worked together to remove litter, old fencing, unused retaining walls, trees, and brush from properties to improve the corridor’s look. A second cleanup was held in Sept. Through the summer, the MLKCIA collected responses to a survey that engaged residents on what kind of improvements they’d like to see in the neighborhood.
To ensure local businesses are connected to resources, the MLKCIA hosted two Business Resource Fairs in July and Nov. Furthering the goal of bolstering businesses, the MLK Corridor Entrepreneurial and Real Estate Fund launched in Nov. This program is awarding up to $50,000 in grants to businesses who need a boost to grow.
MLKCIA board member George Brown says authority leaders are encouraged by the community’s support. “Our work is just getting started. Plans will continue in 2024 to revive the south side by caring for our public spaces, providing new housing and developing more businesses in the corridor,” Brown said.
Learn more about the MLKCIA my visiting their new website, mymlkcia.org. You can also get frequent updates by following the MLKCIA on Facebook and Instagram.