The Department of Communications is responsible for managing and coordinating all internal and external messaging for the organization. It oversees public relations, marketing campaigns, branding, social media, website content, media relations, and internal communications. The department ensures that information is clear, consistent, and aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. By developing strategic messaging and maintaining a strong public presence, the Communications Department helps build trust, strengthen reputation, and effectively engage key audiences.
The Department of Communications is responsible for managing and coordinating all internal and external messaging for the organization. It oversees public relations, marketing campaigns, branding, social media, website content, media relations, and internal communications. The department ensures that information is clear, consistent, and aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. By developing strategic messaging and maintaining a strong public presence, the Communications Department helps build trust, strengthen reputation, and effectively engage key audiences.
The Department of Communications for the City of Jackson is committed to keeping residents informed about important city initiatives, events, and public service updates. Through the News section, citizens can stay up to date on major announcements from city leadership, infrastructure improvements, public safety updates, and community programs taking place across Jackson.
Our goal is to provide timely and accurate information that helps residents stay engaged with what is happening in their city. The Communications Department works closely with city departments to share updates on policies, projects, and services that impact daily life in Jackson. From road improvements to community events, this page serves as a central place for official city news.
The City of Jackson believes that strong communication builds stronger communities. By regularly publishing news releases, media updates, and event highlights, the Department of Communications aims to increase transparency and strengthen the connection between local government and the people it serves. Residents are encouraged to check back frequently for the latest updates and announcements.
Fifth Circuit Upholds Dismissal of Lawsuit Against City of Jackson
JACKSON, MS— The City of Jackson today announced that the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit involving allegations of lead contamination in Jackson’s water system.
The lawsuit alleged that lead contamination in the City’s water system violated residents’ constitutional rights. In Sterling v. The City of Jackson, the full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the federal district court that the claims against the City of Jackson and City officials could not move forward under federal constitutional law. The decision addresses the legal claims in the case.
“We are pleased that the Fifth Circuit upheld the dismissal of these claims,” said Mayor John Horhn. “The City remains committed to the health, safety, and well-being of every Jackson resident.”
The court also found that the City officials named in the lawsuit were protected by qualified immunity, meaning the plaintiffs did not show that the officials violated a clearly established constitutional right.
“This decision brings this case to an important conclusion at the appellate level. The Fifth Circuit affirmed that the claims against the City and its officials could not move forward under federal law,” said City Attorney Drew Martin. “We appreciate the court’s thorough review of this matter. We are also grateful to Attorney Clarence Webster and Jones Walker Law Firm for their exceptional representation and dedicated work on the City’s behalf.”
The City will continue working with our partners including the state and federal government, and JXN Water to strengthen Jackson’s water system and help ensure residents continue to have access to safe and clean drinking water.
JTRAN, Union Reach An Agreement
The City of Jackson announces that JTRAN and the union representing its drivers have reached and ratified a new agreement, bringing an end to the labor dispute and supporting the continued delivery of public transportation services for Jackson residents.
The agreement includes provisions addressing driver salaries and a safety plan, along with an approach to the proposed microtransit service that will use smaller vehicles to help serve residents throughout the city. The agreement reflects a commitment to protecting workers, maintaining safe operations, and meeting the transportation needs of the public.
Mayor John Horhn worked with the Jackson City Council to secure a critical provision that helped finalize the agreement: three months of strike pay for employees who participated in the strike.
“This agreement is good news for our JTRAN drivers, for the residents who depend on public transportation every day, for MV Transit, and for the City of Jackson,” said Mayor John Horhn. “Our drivers play an essential role in getting people to work, school, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other important destinations. They deserve to be treated with respect and to have a safe workplace. I appreciate the willingness of everyone involved to come together and work through these issues. I am especially grateful to the City Council for joining us in providing three months of strike pay for the workers who stood up for a fair agreement. That support helped us reach this resolution. My priority throughout this process has been making sure Jackson residents have access to safe, reliable transportation delivered by well-qualified, professional drivers who serve the best interests of the public. Today’s agreement moves us forward and allows us to focus on providing the dependable transit service our residents expect and deserve.”
The City thanks JTRAN drivers, union leadership, MV Transit, the mediator, and all parties involved in the negotiations for their efforts to reach a resolution.
First Lady Horhn Calls for Community Support for Foster Youth
Jackson, Miss. – Recently, First Lady Lydia Gail Horhn joined the Mississippi Southern First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC) for a powerful Gathering of worship and fellowship, where she served as a guest speaker and helped shine a light on the urgent needs within the foster care system.
During her remarks, First Lady Horhn highlighted the reality facing thousands of children, both in Mississippi and nationwide, including the shortage of licensed foster homes, the challenges tied to neglect and parental substance abuse, and the more than 20,000 youth who age out of the national system each year without permanent family support.
She encouraged attendees to take action by mentoring, tutoring, and supporting foster youth as they prepare for adulthood, whether through guidance on education and careers, or by helping meet critical needs like transportation, mental health services, and financial literacy.
“Stronger support for foster youth helps create safer communities and opens the door to brighter futures for our children,” said First Lady Horhn. “Each small act of care and guidance can change the course of a child’s life.”
The First Lady also commended COGIC and Davis Temple COGIC for elevating this important issue and supporting both children and the professionals who serve them.
STATEMENT FROM MAYOR JOHN HORHN ON THE PASSING OF GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST CASSANDRA WILSON
Jackson, MS — Mayor John Horhn issued the following statement on the passing of Cassandra Wilson:
“Jackson has lost an extraordinary native daughter, and the world has lost a singular musical voice. Cassandra Wilson carried the sound, spirit and history of Mississippi with her wherever her music reached.
She built a remarkable career rooted in jazz, blues, gospel, folk and the many traditions that shape our state’s musical identity. Her work had rare depth of character and a profound understanding of how music moves people, tells stories and connects generations. Through every performance and recording, she carried forward the legacy of jazz, blues and gospel.
TIME magazine once recognized Cassandra Wilson as ‘America’s best singer,’ a fitting tribute to an artist whose voice and imagination were unmistakable. Her Grammy Award wins reflected the respect she earned across the music world, while her artistry made an impression on audiences far beyond the jazz community.
Cassandra Wilson showed the world the richness of Jackson and Mississippi music. Her legacy will continue to be heard in the artists she inspired and the pride she brought to her hometown. On behalf of the City of Jackson, I extend my condolences to her family, friends, fellow musicians and all who loved her music.”
Statement from the City of Jackson
The City of Jackson has determined that the “Cruising on Capitol” event scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, will not move forward at this time.
In light of recent concerns, the City must ensure that any future event of this kind is properly regulated, and supported by clear conditions that protect the public, neighboring properties, and City operations.
The City remains open to considering future events that meet all necessary requirements.
The Communications Department serves as the primary point of contact for members of the media and the public seeking official information from the City. This section provides media contact information for press inquiries, access to the city’s press release archive, and guidelines for requesting interviews or filming on city property. Journalists and media representatives can use this page to find the appropriate contacts, review official announcements, and learn the procedures for coordinating interviews with city officials or staff. Guidance for photography, video recording, and news coverage requests is also provided to help ensure an organized and timely response.
