“Economic development usually refers to the adoption of new technologies, transition from agriculture-based to industry-based economy and general improvement in living standards. Local Economic Development is a process by which actors within urban and rural areas work collectively with public, business and non-governmental sectors to create better conditions for economic growth, employment generation and community wealth in order to enhance the quality of life for all in the community.”
Development Strategies
Tax Abatement:
Investor, Developers and/or Business property owners may be eligible for a tax break on their business. Tax abatement means that a property owner does not have to pay taxes on their property for a certain period of time. (Schools taxes are not eligible for exemption). This program could provide tax breaks for 5 to 10 years, but these statements may be automatically extended. This program is administered by county and local governments and property owners must meet certain criteria to qualify for the programs. Each local government has control over individual contracts and requirements and eligibility will vary by jurisdiction. Not all governments will participate in the program and interested parties must contact their local agency for additional information. Generally, to be eligible, the applicant must own the property, make improvements and /or invest in the community.
Historic Preservation:
The City adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance. The goal of this program is to restore downtown areas and residential communities. Tax Abatement Program encourages property owners to restore and protect historic buildings.
Program Progression:
Code Enforcement
Curb Appeal
Beautification
Festival/Activities
City Attributes:
Audubon Interpretative Center:
Moss Point has moved from an Industrial city to an Eco-Tourism designation. We will be home to a Coastal Audubon Interpretative Center. Moss Point is a friendly river city with an abundance of natural resources befitting the community. It is a naturally beautiful city that sits at the confluence of the pristine Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers. It is easily accessible by land, water, rail and air, thus providing the City with strategic economic benefits. There are clean creeks, streams and bayous throughout the City. We value our long shorelines, moss-laden live oak trees, green vegetation, and rich productive soil, the variety of seafood, clean air, natural harbors, and abundant wildlife habitat. The moderate climate allows for year-round boating, kayaking, water-skiing, riverboat rives and dinner cruises
Aerospace Technology
The long range focus is handed by the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation.
Downtown Waterfront:
Moss Point has a unique in that its downtown is developed on the waterfront. Along the waterfront citizens and visitors enjoy plentiful waterfront recreational opportunities including natural trails into the marshland, boardwalks, and parks bordering the river. Sustainable mixed-use development that blends with the natural environment allows for shopping, cafes and restaurants, entertainment and culture, including annual festivals and plans for a riverfront amphitheater.
Major Interstate runs through City (Interstate-10)
Two major Highway runs through City (Highway 613 and Highway 63)
Trent Lott International Airport
Mississippi Export Rail Road
Access to Pascagoula and Escatawpa River
25 miles east of Biloxi, Mississippi
28 miles west of Mobile, Alabama
Transportation
Commercial Real Estates
Land available around Interstate and both Highways
City Natural Resources
Wetlands:
A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands are categorized by their characteristic vegetation, which is adapted to these unique soil conditions. The water found in wetlands can be saltwater, freshwater, or brackish. Wetlands include swamps, marshes, and bogs, among others. Wetlands also are known internationally as inland water or coastal/marine ecosystems.
Contact Information
Greg Miller Economic Development Director greg.miller@cityofmosspoint.org