Downtown is an area that needs to be protected for investment reasons. An economically healthy downtown builds a positive image for the community and reflects a community's confidence in itself and its future. It requires significant public-private partnership and investment in order to protect downtown and maintain a strong tax base.

A revitalized downtown attracts new industry and strengthens service and retail job markets. In addition, downtown revitalization stabilizes and improves the area's tax base and protects the investment already made in downtown infrastructure. An economically healthy downtown preserves the community's historic resources and often serves as an incubator for new businesses. Starting and overhead costs are often too high in newer developments whereas in downtown, the overhead is generally lower.
Therefore, downtown is a local and strategic location for many start-up businesses.

Our downtown merchants, local officials and organizations such as Jackson Downtown Development Corporation (JDDC) work diligently to ensure that downtown remains a viable district that will afford opportunities for growth. JDDC strongly encourages the rehabilitation of Downtown Jackson is an incentive for attracting community wide investment. A vibrant downtown is generally one of the attributes of a positive quality of life in a community. Recent studies have shown that quality of life is a priority concern of those seeking relocation.
Therefore, JDDC seeks to sustain a viable, thriving downtown.

Are there any financial incentives available for those interested in investing downtown?
The Payment-In-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) program offers a tax freeze for up to ten years on new, expansion or renovation projects approved by the RFC Board of Directors.

The low interest loan program assists JDDC members in renovating downtown buildings. Several local financial institutions participate in the program and offer a floating rate of 1% below prime to those who are approved.

Under current tax law, there can be income tax savings and/or credits for certain types of construction projects that rehabilitate depreciable (income-producing) buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Contact Jackson Downtown Development Corporation for more information about downtown incentive programs.

Additionally, there is a community development loan program administered by the Jackson Housing Authority which includes Small Business Loans and the Micro Loan Program. For more information, contact Dave Ralston at 731-422-1671.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting Jackson Downtown Development Corporation 731-427-7573.

Downtown Jackson is full of opportunity with several great spaces that could be perfect for your business. Join our revitalization efforts and be part of the changing face of downtown Jackson. Check out our current Available Properties or call Jackson Downtown Development Corporation for more details.