It is up to downtown merchants and officials to see that the areas remains a viable shopping district that will afford opportunities for new growth. The rehabilitation of Downtown Jackson is an incentive for attracting community-wide investment. When industry leaders look at Jackson as a possible location, the officials examine many aspects, among which are availability of industrial parks, adequate airport facilities, land, water, and utilities. They inquire about the tax rate, prevailing wage scale, school system, available housing, and quality of life. Recent studies have shown that quality of life is a priority concern of those seeking relocation.
Downtown is a symbol of civic pride or lack of it.