Policies have been established to assist non-profit housing providers acquire tax forfeited property at no cost and to assist others purchase property the City has declared surplus. While the City does not maintain a land bank of property nor declare property surplus until inquiries are received, it does have certain procedures in place to facilitate this process.

Land for Housing Non-profit Organizations

Every year, property within the City is forfeited to the State of Mississippi for non-payment of property taxes. The Secretary of State's Office maintains a list of such properties and can be reached by calling 601-359-1350. Certain non-profits that provide housing for low- to moderate-income households may obtain such parcels through the City of Jackson at no cost by asking the City to obtain the Land Patent for the property from the state and deeding the property over to the non-profit.

I represent a non-profit organization that provides housing to low- and medium-income households. How may I obtain such property?

For a comprehensive list of available properties, please contact Joe Adams in the Secretary of State's office by calling 601-359-1350 or at P. O. Box 136, Jackson, MS 39205. If suitable property is found that is currently tax-forfeited property owned by the State, you may then write a letter to the City of Jackson requesting the City obtain the property. You should include the exact street address and tax parcel number of the property. The letter should be accompanied by proof of non-profit status and by a development plan showing when and how you intend to provide housing for low- to moderate-income households.

How can I obtain property currently owned by the City that is not tax-forfeited property?

Land and/or buildings no longer needed by the City may be acquired through the bid process or by prior agreement with the City to purchase the property at fair market value as determined by the average of three appraisals. The City normally does not declare such property surplus until after a buyer expresses an interest. The Surplus Property Committee must vote to declare the property surplus and follows the process required by state statute to dispose of the property.

Secretary of State Land Bank