beautification, and education. “To attract and retain growth, we have to deliver on the basics,” he says. Gulfport’s Police, Fire, Public Works and Engineering departments already set statewide standards—its fire department holds Mississippi’s highest ISO rating of 2—and the city is investing in new technologies to keep its streets safe. Infrastructure renewal will continue, particularly in older neighborhoods and along key corridors. Beautification efforts are also underway to ensure that Gulfport’s “front door” matches the vibrancy of its economy. Gulport’s Public Works and Engineering Departments are the only American Public Works Association accredited departments in the state of Mississippi. The city’s public schools remain a critical part of that vision. “We’re proud to have some of the highest-rated schools in Mississippi,” the Mayor says. “Strong education and safe neighborhoods are the foundation for everything else we’re building.” In the coming years, Gulfport will continue to balance modernization with preservation, leveraging its coastal beauty, business-ready infrastructure, and deep cultural roots to chart a sustainable course forward. “This is a renaissance for Gulfport,” Mayor Keating says. “We’re rebuilding downtown, investing in infrastructure, and embracing the industries that define our future. The Gulf gave us our history—and it’s giving us our future, too.” 121 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 GULFPORT, MS
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