The Jackson City Council is on the verge of severing its relationship with a local nonprofit, New Way Mississippi, which has been tasked with keeping the city’s streets clean under a $400,000 contract. The council’s latest move signals dissatisfaction with the organization’s performance and the need for more accountability in city projects.
Key Takeaways
- City leaders question the effectiveness of a $400,000 litter removal contract.
- A non-binding resolution to void the contract has passed, but next steps are uncertain.
- New Way Mississippi, the nonprofit in question, defends its track record and calls for a fair assessment.
- Broader concerns about oversight and accountability for city contractors are highlighted.
Concerns Over Contract Performance
The controversy centers on whether New Way Mississippi has delivered on its commitment to remove litter from Jackson’s roadways. The contract, approved earlier this year, attracted skepticism from council members like Ward 1’s Ashby Foote, who pointed out a lack of clear performance metrics and tracking tools.
According to Foote, it’s difficult for the city to confirm if the promised services are actually being performed. He stressed that without well-defined expectations and regular reporting, the council cannot be certain taxpayers are getting expected results.
The Nonprofit’s Response
New Way Mississippi, led by CEO Larry Perry, has urged the city council and the mayor to take a closer look at the organization’s longstanding work in Jackson, not just on litter removal, but also other initiatives helping previously incarcerated individuals reintegrate into the community.
Perry called for respect and trust, highlighting that New Way Mississippi’s record spans over two decades of service to the city. He emphasized that his teams operate on city-issued assignments every week and encouraged officials to consider the broader value the nonprofit provides.
Accountability and Next Steps
The council’s decision to approve a non-binding resolution to void the contract does not immediately terminate the agreement. However, it sends a clear signal that the council is re-evaluating how city projects are managed and their expectations for transparency and measurable outcomes.
Foote and other council members have expressed that Jackson’s ongoing problem with litter requires a more structured approach. They advocate for developing concrete benchmarks to evaluate future contractors and ensure that city funds are used effectively.
What’s at Stake for the Community
At the heart of this debate lies a broader question of how Jackson addresses public works issues and engages local nonprofits. Community advocates and city leaders agree that maintaining clean streets is essential, but they also recognize that any partnership—especially those funded by taxpayer dollars—must yield tangible, trackable results.
As the council reviews its agreements and accountability measures, residents are watching closely to see how Jackson will balance supporting its local organizations with the need for clear, effective public services.
