James Hopkins, founder of the grassroots organization Reset Jackson, has launched his campaign for mayor of Mississippi’s capital city, joining a field of candidates running against incumbent Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba. Lumumba is facing federal felony charges related to an ongoing FBI bribery investigation.
Hopkins’ “One City, One Community” vision focuses on rebuilding the city by changing people’s mindset and increasing positivity in Jackson. He plans to prioritize crime-prevention efforts, increase the city’s tax base, and sell off dilapidated properties plaguing neighborhoods. Hopkins aims to create affordable housing and remove city-owned blighted properties, which he believes will save the city $10,000 on demolition costs.
The city is plagued with abandoned and blighted properties, particularly in West and South Jackson. Hopkins wants to establish an oversight committee to monitor every dollar that comes into the city, ensuring financial integrity. He also plans to work with state leaders to invest in the capital city across party lines, rather than allowing state-sponsored takeovers of city assets.
Hopkins’ campaign promises to turn Jackson back into a homeowners community, focusing on creating affordable housing and addressing the city’s blight problem. The qualifying period for municipal positions begins on January 2, 2025, with primaries set for April 1, 2025, and the general election following on June 3, 2025.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/one-city-one-community-reset-jackson-founder-james-hopkins-joins-slate-challenging-lumumba-for-mayor