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Biloxi council unanimously backs exploring an East Biloxi development district
Summary
Council voted unanimously to authorize staff to ask SMPDD to explore creating an East Biloxi development district; the vote authorizes study only, and staff said any costs or formal commitments would return to council for approval.
The Biloxi City Council voted unanimously to authorize staff to ask the South Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD) to explore forming an East Biloxi development district.
Councilman Marshall said the exploration aims to identify tools and incentives to rebuild housing and business activity in East Biloxi. "What this does is give them an opportunity to explore — not do a district — just explore what it would take to put a plan together and to bring back businesses," he said.
Council members and staff emphasized that the resolution authorizes exploration only and does not obligate the city to pay SMPDD or to create a district. Staff said SMPDD typically provides scope options and could quote a fee for more detailed work, but any expenditure or formal agreement would return to council for approval.
Council discussed common questions about urban‑renewal maps, governance and whether a district would have an independent budget or a director. Staff said practices vary by city and that SMPDD would present ranges, options and likely next steps at a future workshop.
The council asked staff to obtain cost ranges and clearer definitions of potential levels of involvement before any binding action. The motion to explore brought back by the chair passed unanimously.
Provenance: The resolution and discussion begin at the policy agenda (SEG 2414–SEG 2611).
