Dena K. Morgan: A Lifetime of Community Service and Leadership
- The Chronicle News
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
As the August 4, 2026, mayoral primary approaches, Dena K. Morgan is asking the citizens of Jackson for the opportunity to serve as their next mayor. She believes the role of mayor is about rebuilding trust between residents and City Hall, listening to the people, and turning ideas into meaningful action.
“I want to build trust with the citizens at City Hall, deliver the will of the people, and make what is written on paper a reality,” Morgan said. “My goal is to improve the quality of life for every resident in Wards 1 through 6 by improving our roads, creating good-paying jobs, expanding opportunities for our youth, addressing homelessness, strengthening public safety, and ensuring every resident has a voice.”
Morgan is the founder and president of the Dungytreei Heritage Foundation and has dedicated nearly two decades to serving the Jackson community. A lifelong Jackson resident, she is a mother and the proud grandmother of three grandchildren. She says her family has inspired her lifelong commitment to serving others.
Throughout her years of community service, Morgan has helped individuals and families secure stable housing by providing free navigation and advocacy to residents facing eviction when legal assistance was unavailable. She has worked alongside families to help them remain housed whenever possible.
When families have experienced the tragedy of gun violence, Morgan has organized community fundraisers to assist with funeral expenses and provide support during difficult times.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dungytreei Heritage Foundation became the first nonprofit organization in Jackson to organize a mobile drive-thru food distribution program. Through that effort, more than 105,000 pounds of food were distributed to local families.
Morgan also organized the first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration at the King Center since the building opened in the 1960s. She created opportunities for local youth by taking after-school students to perform at the Jackson County Fair and the Michigan Theatre. Through the foundation’s annual youth car wash fundraiser, participants earn and keep the money they raise while learning responsibility, teamwork, and entrepreneurship.
Morgan has also been active in civic advocacy. She circulated a petition opposing a proposed $1 million special assessment affecting residents along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between Morrell Street and South Street. She also led a protest at Reed Manor to advocate for residents who felt their concerns were not being heard.
Most recently, Morgan helped connect two brothers and their two pets with housing resources after they had experienced homelessness for approximately three years while living near the Kroger store.
Morgan is also an early childhood educator, a Michigan Supreme Court-certified mediator, and a certified Community Health Worker. She has worked with organizations and residents from all walks of life and is the co-founder of Stop the Violence Jackson.
To encourage civic engagement, Morgan created the We the People Facebook community, which has grown to more than 4,000 members. She also launched the We the People Podcast, where residents discuss local issues, community solutions, and civic participation. She is currently working with community partners to help connect people experiencing homelessness near the downtown library with housing and supportive services.
Morgan’s Vision for Jackson
Morgan believes Jackson’s future depends on transparency, accountability, and partnerships between residents and City Hall.
As mayor, she will propose:
Dedicating $1 million annually for road improvements in each of Jackson’s six wards and creating a Fix Our Roads Committee with one representative from every ward to help prioritize infrastructure projects.
Holding town hall meetings throughout the year to discuss the city budget, road projects, and other major issues to strengthen transparency and public accountability.
Expanding public safety initiatives by investing in violence prevention, supporting innovative technology where lawful and appropriate, creating a safe place for witnesses and victims to report crimes without fear of retaliation, and addressing the root causes of violence.
Increasing affordable housing opportunities by exploring the use of city-owned vacant lots for homeownership, helping families build equity and generational wealth, partnering with landlords and nonprofit organizations, and reviewing policies that may contribute to homelessness.
Helping homeowners access available home repair and preservation programs before they lose their homes.
Establishing a Citizen Legal Services Office within City Hall to help homeowners, renters, and residents of HUD-assisted housing navigate municipal matters and connect with legal resources.
Creating more family-friendly activities, expanding youth programs, and improving the overall quality of life throughout Jackson.
Addressing transportation barriers, expanding summer employment opportunities for youth and adults, partnering with major employers to create second-chance employment opportunities, and supporting economic development that creates good-paying jobs.
“My lived experiences, years of community service, and relationships throughout Jackson have prepared me to answer the call for municipal leadership,” Morgan said. “I believe our city is strongest when government listens to its people, works alongside the community, and focuses on solutions that improve the lives of every resident.”
The mayoral primary election will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Morgan respectfully asks for the support and vote of Jackson residents as she seeks the opportunity to lead the city toward a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future.
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