APPLY NOW FOR BUILD IN JACKSON PROGRAM
LEARN MORE ABOUT 100 HOMES PROGRAM

Build In Jackson is a new initiative designed to attract and retain the next generation of residents has launched in Jackson County, Michigan.

The program offers qualified participants up to $60,000 in down payment* assistance toward newly constructed homes through the City of Jackson’s 100 Homes program. Selected participants will gain access to a curated package of professional, recreational and community experiences designed to help build their lives in Jackson. Build In Jackson is a collaborative effort between the City of Jackson, the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Accelerate Jackson County, Jackson Community Foundation, Experience Jackson and Michigan Works! Southeast. It represents the most generous homeownership-centered talent attraction program in the entire Midwest region.

It is designed to help young professionals and emerging leaders establish roots in the community while contributing to the county’s growing workforce and economic future.

*while funds last

Build Your Home
Build Your Community
Build Your Future

What’s Included

Participants in the program will receive assistance toward the purchase of newly constructed homes featuring two- or three-bedroom layouts with full basements located in downtown Jackson’s walkable neighborhood.

In addition to homeownership support, participants will receive access to the Jackson Talent Package during their first year in the program.

Recreational experiences across Jackson County

Engagement with local
civic & business leaders

Quarterly
participant events

Membership in
local organizations

Community networking opportunities

Community leaders say the initiative demonstrates collaborative efforts to build a prosperous future for Jackson County, by attracting talent, supporting homeownership and building vibrant neighborhoods where people want to live and stay.

Download the Informational Flyer Here

Your Questions, Answered

  • Build in Jackson is a talent attraction and retention program that connects down payment assistance through the 100 Homes Program (up to $60,000, while funds last) with other services and amenities through the Jackson Talent Package.  

  • Participants do not have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for down payment assistance through 100 Homes. However, the $10,000 MSHDA down payment assistance program does require applicants to be first time homebuyers

    • 10-12 young professionals between the ages of 18-35 will be selected for an initial pilot cohort.  

    • Participants are not required to be current residents of Jackson County.  

    • Eligible applicants include recent college or trade school graduates, from Jackson County or outside of the County/State; Boomerangs (former residents of Jackson County); Remote Workers; Working professionals in key industry sector (health, education, manufacturing, etc.). 

    • up to $60,000, while funds last in down payment assistance for one of the 100 Homes 

    • Cohort members will be positioned on lots that are walkable in proximity to downtown Jackson and other cohort members 

    • Community engagement, including but not limited to: induction into membership organizations, cohort networking events, trailing spouse support and more 

    • Recreational opportunities, including but not limited to: restaurant and arts and culture gift certificates, tickets to experiential opportunities (ex.) NASCAR tickets, $1,000 credit toward a kayak or bike  

    • Participants can fill out their pre-application at Build In Jackson — Drive Jackson 

    • From there, participants will receive information from the 100 Homes team to proceed in filling out the application for down payment assistance and getting pre-qualified for a mortgage.  

    • After approval and selection for 100 Homes, interested participants will receive the application packet, which will ask for information including a narrative on how you plan to build your life in Jackson, and how the build in Jackson program uniquely supports you in accomplishing that goal.  

    • A committee of local Jackson young professionals will select the 10-12 cohort participants, based on criteria that includes the quality of application, the ability of the candidate to articulate their future professionals and personal goals in Jackson, and other criteria.  

  • Residents of Jackson, as well as non-residents, are welcome to apply.

  • For this program, applicants must be at or below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) to qualify. For a single person, the annual income must not exceed $70,800. More information can be found at 100 Homes Program | Jackson, MI - Official Website.  Additionally, lenders have specific criteria to pre-qualify for a mortgage, including credit requirements. 

  • For the Build In Jackson program, participants will be required to select a lot within a radius in proximity to downtown and to other participants, to ensure community-building, walkability, and prioritize infill. If not participating in the Build in Jackson program, 100 Homes participants may select from available lots citywide.   

  • The program will select 10-12 participants for the initial cohort.

  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning May 1, 2026, and continuing until the cohort is filled. Applicants must complete both a mortgage pre-approval and the 100 Homes application before their Build In Jackson application is reviewed. 

Thank you to our Partners!

Pre-Application Interest Form

The City of Jackson and community partners look forward to supporting you in building your career and life in Jackson.

Selected participants may receive $40,000–$60,000 in down payment assistance toward a newly built home in walking distance of Downtown Jackson through the 100 Homes Program, along with access to a curated benefits package through the Build In Jackson program that connects participants with professional, recreational and community experiences designed to help build their lives in Jackson.

This form is a pre-application to help us learn more about you, your career background and your interest in living and working in Jackson. Completing this form does not guarantee acceptance, but it allows our team to connect you with the next steps.

Upon completion, you will receive information to complete the next steps in the application process for the 100 Homes Program. After the application process for 100 Homes has been initiated, a team member will follow up with the next phase in the process.