🏠Jackson, TN (Hub City) Housing Crisis!🏠

Happy Sunday Jackson! We are just a few weeks away from the official start of summer and if you have kids you know what that means! 😂  But stay with us because this newsletter is for you and at the end we have all of the best events for you and your kids! ❤ ️ And for those reading who don’t have kids, the contents of this newsletter may still be for you or someone you know! 🎉

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• Jackson’s Housing Crisis! 🏠

• How To Fix This Problem! 🛠️

• Update: September 19th, 2024 🆕 

• Weekly Events For The Kids. 🛝 

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family. 🎡

Read Time: 4 - 5 Minutes

Diving Right In!

🏠 Jackson’s Housing Crisis! 🏠

Let's start by just ripping the band aid off and talk about how unaffordable housing is right now or becoming for most of Jackson!

This is not just a Jackson issue but a statewide issue! For every 10 new jobs created in the state of Tennessee, only six homes are constructed. 🏠️ This glaring disparity underscores a critical gap in the Hub City’s housing supply, one that demands immediate attention and joint efforts to bridge the gap. 

Which is why in May, the city of Jackson was one of the areas chosen to take part in a National Peer Learning Initiative. This is a significant milestone for the city that will help in tackling the pressing housing challenges we face. 

In order for Jackson to remain accessible and affordable for all residents we must make this one of the primary objectives. 🎯  This new initiative means that the city will be taking additional steps to collaborate closely with state legislators, community stakeholders, and housing experts to devise and implement effective incentives that are crucial in the development of workforce housing. 

These efforts are currently in full swing and proactive steps have been established with a dedicated housing commission that will serve as the driving force behind the city’s housing action plan.  

🛠️ How To Fix This Problem! 🛠️

Here are a few of the key aspects that need to be addressed.

1.  💸Affordability: Housing affordability has become a national issue, which everyone recognizes. Not a day goes by where I don’t see a video on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok or Twitter that someone is making fun of or criticizing the housing crisis in the U.S.  This has started a trend of many financial institutions exploring innovative financing options that incentivize developers to include affordable units and promoting mixed-income neighborhoods.

2. ♾️Supply and Demand Balancing: Jackson is starting to see a significant imbalance between housing supply and demand.  Many cities around the country are starting to look at the following to help alleviate this problem.

• Targeted Zoning Reforms

• Expedited Permitting Processes

• Strategic Land Use Planning

Targeting these 3 problems will be a great start in helping supply catch up with demand.

3. 👷Workforce Housing Initiatives: As of 2024 Tennessee ranks as one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. Which is why addressing housing and affordability is so important for the state's future. By fostering partnerships with employers, developers, and housing agencies, we can help facilitate the development of more affordable housing options. These options will help in catering to the needs of our workforce, including essential workers, young professionals, and families. Overall this will help in recognizing the critical role that workforce housing plays in the community, while also boosting the local economy.  

4. 🏘️Community Engagement: At the core of this approach must be a commitment to community engagement.  By giving all residents input in the decision-making processes of our growing city we can ensure that our housing solutions are sustainable and reflective of the community's needs and aspirations.

The framework for this housing action plan must be dynamic and evolving! Mayor Scott Conger and other local leaders in Jackson must prioritize collaboration, innovation, and measurable outcomes.

By leveraging data-driven insights, engaging in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, and leveraging available resources effectively, the hub city can get on a better path “not a perfect path” but a better path to making tangible progress in addressing the housing challenges facing our city.

I hope we didn’t bore you too much 😅 but this is an issue that must be talked about.

Now as we said in the beginning here is something for you and the kids to do this upcoming week!  We will always do our best to list free events as well as paid events, because as a smart parent you probably have a budget.

🛑 Update: Fed Interest Rate Cuts Signal More Trouble for Jackson’s Housing Market 🛑 

On Wednesday, September 19th the Federal Reserve officially cut interest rates by 5 basis points, which means Jackson’s housing market is about to face even more pressure.

While lower rates often bring relief to those looking to buy homes, they also open the floodgates for new buyers to enter the market. This is especially concerning for Jackson, where housing supply is already scarce, and prices have been steadily climbing.

🌊 The Flood Gates Are Opening 🌊 

The nationwide housing shortage, coupled with the influx of potential buyers spurred by these lower rates, means that Jackson’s housing prices are likely to rise even further.

More buyers are moving off the sidelines, eager to take advantage of the lower borrowing costs. Unfortunately, this could drive demand even higher in an already inflated market, pushing prices out of reach for many.

The Federal Reserve has also signaled plans for several more possible rate cuts within the next year. (Many experts also agree with this plan due to the slowing jobs market!) While this will make borrowing cheaper in the short term, it will likely create long-term effects that further exacerbate the housing affordability crisis in Jackson.

As the number of potential homebuyers continues to grow, the supply of homes cannot keep pace, causing prices to soar yet again.

For many residents, especially those already struggling to find affordable housing, this trend will pose significant challenges. While lower rates are meant to stimulate the economy, they also have the unintended consequence of further inflating housing markets across the country. Jackson, as part of this nationwide trend, will likely feel the impact in the coming months.

While Jackson has several projects in the planning stages or already in progress like the $350 Million Dollar Mega Project, they are years down the road and many residents are looking for affordable housing now. This underscores the urgency of addressing Jackson’s housing shortage before the problem escalates even further.

The Kid Zone

This Week’s Sneak Peek 
Monday, April 29th - Sunday, May 5th

Monday April 29th

Casey Jones Craft Camp 🎨
Date: Monday, April 29th
Time: 10:30AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool (3 -5 Years Old) Adult Supervision Required

Friday, May 3rd

Micro Wrestling Federation Invades Trenton, TN
Date: Friday, May 3rd
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: TIWF, 405 W 1st St, Trenton, TN
Price: $37.72 (General Admission) - $60.82 (Ringside) 

Saturday, May 4th

Spring Plant Sale 🌱
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: All Day
Location: West TN AgResearch and Education Center
Price: (Entry Free) Plants Pricing Varied

Swim 1922 Water Safety Event 🏊
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Lane College
Price: Free

Vintage Makers Music & Art Festival 🎨
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: West TN Farmers Market, 91 New Market Street
Price: Free

Sunday May 5th

Vintage Makers Music & Art Festival 🎨
Date: Sunday, May 5th
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: West TN Farmers Market, 91 New Market Street
Price: Free

Jackson Swing Orchestra Concert 🎼
Date: Sunday, May 5th
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Union University
Price: Free

Family Fun

This Week’s Sneak Peek 
Monday, April 29th - Sunday, May 5th

Monday April 29th

Casey Jones Craft Camp 🎨
Date: Monday, April 29th
Time: 10:30AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool (3 -5 Years Old) Adult Supervision Required

Tuesday, April 30th

Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope 🌌
Date: Tuesday, April 30th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free

Wednesday May 1st

(SSAC) Southern States Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament ⚾
Date: Wednesday, May 1st
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Jackson Rockabillys Stadium
Price: $6.00 - $12.00

Casey Jones Storybook Station 📖
Date: Wednesday, May 1st
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free (Includes Light Snack & Craft)
Ages: Preschool (3 -5 Years Old) Adult Supervision Required

Thursday, May 2nd

(SSAC) Southern States Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament ⚾
Date: Thursday, May 2nd
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Jackson Rockabillys Stadium
Price: $6.00 - $12.00

Friday, May 3rd

Spring Plant Sale 🌱
Date: Friday, May 3rd
Time: All Day
Location: West TN AgResearch and Education Center
Price: (Entry Free) Plants Pricing Varied

Micro Wrestling Federation Invades Trenton, TN 🤼
Date: Friday, May 3rd
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: TIWF, 405 W 1st St, Trenton, TN
Price: $37.72 (General Admission) - $60.82 (Ringside) 

(SSAC) Southern States Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament ⚾
Date: Friday, May 3rd
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Jackson Rockabillys Stadium
Price: $6.00 - $12.00

Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope 🌌
Date: Friday, May 3rd 
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free

Saturday, May 4th

Spring Plant Sale 🌱
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: All Day
Location: West TN AgResearch and Education Center
Price: (Entry Free) Plants Pricing Varied

2024 Spring Car Show 🚘
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Auto Zone 2159 N. Highland Ave
Price: Free

Free Comic Book Day & Star Wars Day! (May The Fourth Be With You!) 🪐
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Comics Universe
Price: Free

Barter Barn (Animals, Crafts, Food & More!) 🚜
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Tractor Supply
Price: Free Entry

Estate Sale - Denmark
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: 137 Reid Road Denmark, TN 38391
Price: Varied (Cash Preferred For Most Items) From Tractors and Farm Equipment to Bedroom and Living Room Furniture.

TMCHF Fish Fry Youth Fundraiser
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: North Park
Price: Free (Hot Dogs for Kids 12 and Under.) Plates ($5 - $17)

(SSAC) Southern States Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament ⚾
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Jackson Rockabillys Stadium
Price: $6.00 - $12.00

Vintage Makers Music & Art Festival 🎨
Date: Saturday, May 4th
Time: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: West TN Farmers Market, 91 New Market Street
Price: Free

Sunday, May 5th

Vintage Makers Music & Art Festival 🎨
Date: Sunday, May 5th
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: West TN Farmers Market, 91 New Market Street
Price: Free

West Tennessee Strawberry Festival 🍓
Date: Sunday, May 5th
Time: 2:00 PM Til Close
Location: Humboldt, TN - 1200 West Main St., Humboldt, TN 38343

Jackson Swing Orchestra Concert 🎼
Date: Sunday, May 5th
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Union University
Price: Free

THANK YOU FOR READING!
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