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Mississippi Development Authority seeks 28 positions restored, presses for pass-through accountability after agency downsizing
Summary
The Mississippi Development Authority asked the Senate appropriations committee to restore 28 staff positions and increase its FY2026 budget by $3.1 million, citing program growth, pass-through spending and welcome-center renovations. Director Kork highlighted tourism gains and urged program consolidation and clearer pass-through rules.
Jackson — The Mississippi Development Authority told the Senate appropriations committee on Nov. 1 it needs more staff and clearer rules for pass-through appropriations as it manages record tourism numbers and a growing set of programs.
Director Kork, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, said the agency has shrunk from about 270 pins in 2020 to roughly 197 today and requested restoration of 28 pins plus a $3.1 million budget increase for FY2026 to fill key roles and provide succession planning. “Without a serious reduction in program responsibilities, which I'm prepared to work closely with this body to achieve, we have cut too many people too fast,” Kork said.
Why it matters: MDA manages tourism promotion, workforce and infrastructure programs and numerous pass-through grants. Agency leaders said legislative clarity on pass-through appropriations and program…
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