Alex Lawson is a redevelopment strategist and institution builder whose work focuses on helping communities unlock economic value that has long been overlooked. Lawson brings together public policy, real estate, finance, and community partnerships to reduce barriers to investment, strengthen neighborhoods, expand homeownership, and create lasting economic opportunity.

Over the course of his career, Lawson has led initiatives spanning redevelopment, housing, small business finance, economic development, public-private partnerships, community development finance, organizational transformation, and institutional strategy. Before joining JRA, he served in executive leadership at HOPE, one of the nation’s leading community development financial institutions, where he helped deploy more than $1.3 billion in capital supporting housing, entrepreneurs, infrastructure, and community investment across the Deep South. Today, he is leading JRA’s work to restore Farish Street, strengthen Union Station, expand housing opportunities, activate public assets, and attract new investment that creates long-term value for Jackson’s residents and businesses.