On October 21, 2025, at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, Mayor John Horhn delivered his very first State of the City Address before a large audience. It marked a significant moment in his new administration’s push for visible, measurable progress in Jackson.
Building Collaborative Relationships
Since assuming office, Mayor Horhn has actively reached out to state legislators to identify how they can work in tandem to advance Jackson’s interests. In addition, he is coordinating with Hinds County to overhaul the city’s road infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to inter-governmental cooperation and targeted local improvement.
Infrastructure and Public Works Initiatives
Mayor Horhn revealed that the city’s Public Works Department is overseeing 35 separate infrastructure projects, aimed at rejuvenating Jackson’s neighborhoods. To further support these efforts, the department obtained $1.4 million in new equipment funding to enhance cleanup operations, expedite blight removal, and strengthen the level of service provided to residents. The administration also secured an impressive $125 million earmarked specifically for street repairs across the city.
Leadership in Public Safety
A key priority for the new administration is to find the next police chief. The mayor announced that the search will be national in scope and will actively engage the community—making sure voices of residents are heard in determining the city’s next public‐safety leader.
Economic Development Focus
Mayor Horhn also announced a partnership with the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), which has assigned a dedicated project officer to Jackson. “We signed an MOU just a few weeks ago,” he said. “That means we’ll have someone on our team whose sole job is to ensure no opportunity slips by our city.” This reflects the administration’s proactive stance in promoting economic growth and attracting investment.
