Drive Jackson: A Vision Rooted in Real Voices
Meet the Drive Jackson Co-Chairs
Carolyn Bloodworth spent more than 40 years building relationships and leading philanthropy at Consumers Energy. Christopher Simpson served Jackson as a soldier, a police officer and now as Chief of Police at Jackson City Police Department. They’ve both seen Jackson’s struggles. More importantly, they see its potential.
That’s why they’re helping lead as co-chairs of Drive Jackson: a 20-Year Vision Plan for the future of Jackson County.
“If not me, then who?” Simpson said.“I’ve taken that attitude toward most of the things I’ve gone after, things that are worthy of seeking.”
“I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family,” Bloodworth said. “I really want to make a difference, particularly for those people in the next generations to come.”
What Is Drive Jackson?
Drive Jackson is the most ambitious effort launched by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce since the Anchor Initiative. Backed by partners like Accelerate Jackson County, Experience Jackson and the Jackson Community Foundation, the plan is being facilitated by planning NEXT, a firm known for community-first strategic planning.
Like other successful and vibrant communities, Drive Jackson aims to unify Jackson’s goals into a cohesive 20-Year Vision Plan. It is a living vision, shaped by the people who live and work here. The only way to build a future worth investing in is by including the voices who are already invested.
“Nobody should be left behind,” Simpson said. “And that does not discriminate against any color, any age, any place or profession. It should include everybody who is devoted to this community.”
A Diverse Committee
Out of nearly 100 applicants, 24 individuals were selected for the Drive Jackson Key Leadership Committee. These are not figureheads. They are educators, entrepreneurs, city officials and everyday citizens who care deeply about the county’s future.
They are the ones asking tough questions, listening to their neighbors and helping define what a thriving Jackson looks like.
“The voices that need to be heard are from every point of the community,” Simpson emphasized. “Because they live in the community, and they should have a voice in what the community should look like in the future.”
What Does a Thriving Jackson Look Like?
Drive Jackson is built on possibilities. From both Carolyn and Chris, you hear a vision grounded in reality but motivated by hope:
“I see a Jackson where people across the county are able to walk around and feel comfortable in the places they live and frequent.”
“I see an economic atmosphere that produces recreation, that produces education, that produces a safe environment.”
“A thriving Jackson includes a strong education system, pre-K through college. We need to make our students successful so they can be great citizens.”
Carolyn put it like this: “I hope people look back and say, ‘Wow, those folks in 2025 did the right thing by creating a plan, by creating a vision for this community.’”
That future Jackson is one where businesses thrive, young families stay, nonprofit organizations are empowered and collaboration becomes second nature. The first step toward this reality is to work together through cohesive goals that are unified through a strategic plan.
Why Now?
There is a shift happening in Jackson County. People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are deciding where to live, where to work, and where to raise their kids.
Carolyn and Chris both agree: These voices matter most right now, and these voices are already here in Jackson.
“They’re making decisions for their family; where they want to live, where they want to send their kids to school,” Bloodworth said. “Those decisions are vital. And we need to be able to hear from them so that community decisions can help respond to their needs.”
How to Get Involved
Drive Jackson is an invitation to think differently. To act collectively. And to believe that Jackson is worth fighting for.
Drive Jackson is just getting started. By completing this short survey, you can help Drive Jackson forward and share what your ideal Jackson looks like.
Complete the Survey (open through July 31, 2025) by clicking the link below:
Learn more about Drive Jackson at www.drivejacksoncounty.com
