Keeping Jackson Safe
Increased funding for police and fire
During my administration, the City increased investments in police staffing, equipment, training, and fire services to strengthen public safety across Jackson.
Source: City of Jackson annual budgets (FY2018–FY2022)
Reopened Fire Station No. 2
Worked with the City Council and Fire Department to reopen Fire Station No. 2, restoring critical emergency response capacity on Jackson's east side.
Source: City of Jackson Fire Department and City Council records, JTV
Expanded community violence prevention programs
Most arrests in nearly 20 years
During Dobies’ first two years in office (2018, 2019) the Jackson Police Department achieved its highest arrest totals in nearly two decades while focusing enforcement on violent offenders and repeat criminal activity.
Source: Jackson Police Department annual crime reports (2008-2024)
Violent crime down 27.5%
With 2017 Part 1 Crime as a baseline (Dobies took office in December), violent crime fell by nearly 27.5% by the end of 2021 (Dobies final year in office) following implementation of Jackson's focused violence reduction and community intervention strategies.
Source: Jackson Police Department annual crime reports (See Part 1 Crimes for years 2017, 2021).
Total crime down 10.7%, lowest in 30+ years
Overall crime declined by 10.7%, helping produce the lowest crime levels Jackson had experienced in more than three decades.
Source: Jackson Police Department annual crime reports (See Part 1 Crimes for years 2017, 2021). See Crime Comparison 1992 - 2021
Strengthening Neighborhoods
Led downtown revitalization
Helped lead major redevelopment efforts downtown, including investments along Michigan Avenue, Horace Blackman Park, the Hayes Hotel project, and surrounding infrastructure improvements.
300+ new housing units
Supported development projects that added or advanced more than 300 housing units through downtown redevelopment, infill housing, and neighborhood investment initiatives.
Source: City development agreements: Lofts on Louis, The 200, Albert Kahn Apartments, Senior Lofts on Francis, Blackstone Apartments, and 100 Homes Program records.
$100M+ in new investment
Oversaw and supported public and private development projects totaling more than $100 million in new investment throughout Jackson.
Source: City of Jackson Economic Development Department project summaries.
Reduced blight across neighborhoods
Expanded neighborhood revitalization efforts through demolition, rehabilitation, code enforcement, and the 100 Homes Program.
Source: City of Jackson Neighborhood and Economic Operations reports.
More than doubled local street repair funding
Worked to more than double (250%) annual local street repair investments compared to prior funding levels.
Source: City of Jackson Capital Improvement Program and annual budgets (major and local street funding in budget 2017-18FY compared to 2018-19FY).
Delivered $128M+ in roads & infrastructure
Helped secure and oversee more than $128 million in road, utility, and infrastructure investments through local, state, and federal partnerships.
Source: City Capital Improvement Program, City Budgets for FY2018-19 thru FY2020-2021.
Lowering Costs
Cut red tape and fees for small businesses
Implemented reforms to streamline permitting, licensing, and business processes while reducing barriers for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Source: MEDC Redevelopment Ready Certification, MLive.
Expanded affordable housing options
Founded Jackson's Affordable Housing Development Board, secured a $3.5 million housing fund, and helped launch major affordable housing developments that added and preserved hundreds of housing opportunities for working families and seniors.
Source: City of Jackson Affordable Housing Development Board; Blackstone Apartments development approval; MSHDA affordable housing investments.
Lowered borrowing costs and pension liabilities
Improved the City's financial position through pension reforms and sound fiscal management that reduced long-term liabilities and borrowing costs.
Source: City annual financial reports and bond rating reports.
Helped drive down millage rates
Supported policies that reduced pension-related millage burdens and helped stabilize local tax rates.
Source: City budget and Act 345 pension millage historical record 2015-2025.
Returned his salary to the city
Donated mayoral and council compensation back to the City of Jackson and local nonprofit organizations rather than keeping the salary personally.
Source: MLive, Nonprofit Quarterly.
Voted to cut city taxes
Voted in favor of reducing city taxes, making me the only current mayoral candidate with a record of voting for a tax cut.
Source: MLive.