LETTER TO THE EDITOR: November 8, 2024

The Jackson County Legislature has spent the past weeks debating but failing to approve the allocation of the remaining $70 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds. There have been few opportunities for the public to engage in discussions with our elected officials in the more than ten months since December 2023, when the Commission and the County Executive declined to approve the awards made through the application process begun last fall. If the County cannot issue completed contracts for the use of these funds, they will be returned to the federal government with none being obligated to meet any community needs. 

Members of the public were permitted to provide testimony at the County Legislature’s meeting on Monday, November 4. When we arrived at the Legislative Chambers, we found copies of a memo from the County Executive and County Legislative Chair addressed to the Members of the Jackson County Legislature. These copies were prominently placed next to the forms on which we were required to sign up to provide testimony. The memo indicated that County Executive White and County Legislative Chair Lauer were going to reach out to the Legislature in the “coming days” to “schedule meetings” … “to ensure these funds are used in the most effective, impactful way.” Nothing about such discussions was made available during the meeting and we can only hope that such meetings are taking place, and when they return to session on November 12 that we will learn of them, and further hope that the Legislature is united (if only temporarily) in identifying “…a way forward that honors our community and secures brighter futures for all,” as written in the above-referenced memo. It is in the hands and hearts of our elected officials in Jackson County and time is running out. 

I encourage all members of the Northeast Community to attend the meeting on Tuesday, November 12 at 3 p.m. either in person at the County Legislative Chambers (415 E. 12th St, 2nd Floor) or on line at https://www.jacksongov.org/Home (click on the Government tab and then go to County Legislature). 

Evie Craig 

President, Paseo West Neighborhood Association 

Executive Director, The Arts Asylum