Jackson Plans First Meeting of Affordable Housing Development Board

(March 31, 2022 10:09 AM) The first meeting of the City of Jackson’s Affordable Housing Development Board (AHDB) is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5. The board’s goal is to create and maintain affordable housing options in the City of Jackson.  City leaders say Jackson residents will see major improvements to affordable housing thanks to the new board. 

The AHDB was founded in Nov. 2021 by the City Council to help with the need for more affordable housing in Jackson. The board will use $3.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds set aside in an Affordable Housing Fund to preserve and develop affordable housing in the City of Jackson. It will also advise City staff and elected officials on housing initiatives.

The board is comprised of five Jackson residents and three ex-officios appointed by the City Council for set terms. The following is a list of the AHDB’s first members:

Wendy Clow

Katima Dickenson

Rachael Wingle

Kenneth Robinson

Shaunta Patton

Laurie Ingram (Jackson Housing Commission, Ex-Officio)

Jonathan Greene (City Manager, Ex-Officio)

Angelita V. Gunn (Ward 3 City Councilmember, Ex-Officio)

Wendy Clow, the Executive Director of Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity, says she is looking forward to serving on the board and helping launch this unique opportunity. “If we do this right, these funds could be the seed that will grow into programs that could improve the overall housing situation in our community,” Clow said. “With nearly 23% of households in the City of Jackson cost burdened for housing, we need to increase our housing stock in the modest price range, repair existing houses, and remove barriers to housing stability.”

The first meeting of the Affordable Housing Development Board is happening Tuesday, April 5 at 2 p.m. in the 2nd Floor City Council Chambers of Jackson City Hall, 161 W. Michigan Ave. The board will elect officers at the meeting, along with setting a monthly meeting schedule.