Metro Area Coalition

The Metro Area Coalition was formed June 25, 1998. It is a registered non-profit organization (501-C3).  The coalition is charged with the business retention, development and redevelopment of the Highway 80 Corridor and to work with the city, county and state in restoring the viability of the area. The role of the organization is to bring together business and community leaders that wish to work together toward a common goal of strengthening the corridor and the surrounding area.  It is designed to provide leadership and form partnerships that will attract real estate development investments in the area. The coalition is made up of business and community leaders, professionals and citizens who have a vested interest in the future of the area and are working together to enhance and help realize its full potential.  It has a twelve member board made up of business owners in the area. 
The Highway 80 Corridor has diminished in commercial and retail businesses taking with it significant sales and property tax revenue and property values. It has lost its appeal due to dilapidated and vacant buildings, lack of code enforcement and crime/perception of crime. 
There is a lack of pride in ownership which creates apathy among a lot of business owners.

Mission Statement:

We will positively impact economic development within the Highway 80 Corridor by improving the appearance and image of area business and residential properties, ultimately increasing sale and property tax base.

 If you would like more information please call 601-923-1014.

Thoroughfares Plan - Economic Development Strategy for the Highway 80 Corridor

The Thoroughfares Plan for the Economic Development Strategy for the Highway 80 Corridor included the following map depicting existing and proposed street improvements and multipurpose paths for the area. 

According to the plan, "in addition to available sources of Federal and State funds for implementing proposed bicycle and pedestrian facilities, it is recommended that the three metropolitan counties organize a Rails-To-Trails Recreational District to raise funds for the implementation of the Jackson Urbanized Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Plan.  Section 55-25-1 of the Mississippi Code allows governing authorities to establish such a district and to levy a tax on all property in participating counties and municipalities not to exceed 1/4 mil for the support and maintenance of the district.  The Three Rivers Planning and Development District successfully organized a Rails-To-Trails Recreation District and built the 44-mile Tanglefoot Trail in North Mississippi that extends through three counties and seven municipalities.

Economic Development Strategy for the Highway 80 Corridor

Several years ago, the City of Jackson received a grant from the Economic Development Administration to prepare an Economic Development Strategy for the Hwy 80 Corridor which runs approximately eight miles from the Pearl River to the city limits of Clinton. The Central Mississippi Planning and Development District was selected to serve as the lead contractor for the project which provided the City of Jackson with a plan for the redevelopment of and reinvestment in the Hwy 80 Corridor. Subcontractor/associate firms included JBHM Architects, Quicksilver Creative, and SOL Engineering.

Here's a <link> to the City's web site about the project.

Stay tuned for more!!