(March 16, 2026 9:35 AM ET) A new initiative designed to attract and retain the next generation of residents in Jackson County was announced today.
The Build In Jackson program offers qualified participants $40,000–$60,000 in down payment assistance toward newly constructed homes through the City of Jackson’s 100 Homes program. Selected participants will gain access to a curated package of professional, recreational and community experiences designed to help build their lives in Jackson.
The program is a collaborative effort between the City of Jackson, the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Accelerate Jackson County, Jackson Community Foundation, Experience Jackson and Michigan Works! Southeast. It represents the most generous homeownership-centered talent attraction program in the entire Midwest region.
Build In Jackson is designed to help young professionals and emerging leaders establish roots in the community while contributing to the county’s growing workforce and economic future.
“This program is a direct response to what residents told us during the Drive Jackson planning process – Jackson must be a place where young people and families can build lasting futures,” said Community Growth Fellow Alexie Milukhin. “Build in Jackson is that opportunity. It’s a pathway to homeownership, recreation and community connection to help people build their lives here.”
Participants in the program will receive assistance toward the purchase of newly constructed homes featuring two- or three-bedroom layouts with full basements located in downtown Jackson’s walkable neighborhood. In addition to homeownership support, participants will receive access to the Jackson Talent Package during their first year in the program, which includes:
- Recreational experiences across Jackson County
- Engagement with local civic and business leaders
- Quarterly participant events
- Membership in local organizations
- Community networking opportunities
Community leaders say the initiative demonstrates collaborative efforts to build a prosperous future for Jackson County, by attracting talent, supporting homeownership and building vibrant neighborhoods where people want to live and stay.
“Programs like Build In Jackson show what happens when organizations across our community work together toward a shared outcome,” said Jonathan Greene, City Manager for the City of Jackson. “Jackson’s future depends on partnerships that look beyond boundaries and focus on solutions. When we collaborate, we create opportunities that are stronger and more sustainable than anything we could accomplish alone.”
The Build In Jackson program supports an initial cohort of participants as part of the community’s broader housing and workforce development strategy.
Individuals interested in learning more about the program or submitting an interest form can visit www.DriveJacksonCounty.com.
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