By Beth Ann Simpson

Featured in Vol 9, Issue 1: Community

Since moving to Jackson, I have always been a part of the Downtown community, although it has evolved from my time as a college student nearly eighteen years ago. The last two decades, I have witnessed visionary new development, the rebirth of historic anchors, and small business pioneers changing the landscape.

Taking on a new role as Director of Jackson Downtown Development this past year has given me a closer look and deeper appreciation for our resilient Downtown community. Downtown has experienced its ups and downs, but it is evident, Downtown remains Jackson’s core. As an intersection of our neighborhoods from North, South, East, and West, Downtown has the ability to bring us together and reflect our community at large.

Through cultural arts, music history, city celebrations, the farmers market, and local shops, a common thread of community weaves through these spaces. These spaces create a sense of belonging because of the relationships built in and around them. These relationships look like business owners collaborating and creating together, not to compete but cheer each other on. It looks like organizations and leaders working together for new ideas and solutions. It looks like residents, employees, and customers walking to work or having lunch with their neighbor. This is what makes Downtown unlike any other part of the city. It is where communities from Jackson Walk, to the Ned, to Jaxon Station can celebrate their own identities while sharing pride in being Downtown.

Downtown will continue to grow and change over the coming years, and my hope is we consider who and what makes up the soul of our city to ensure Downtown remains for everyone. Whether you already take up space Downtown or plan to visit, I hope you experience our eclectic sense of community and feel right at home.

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