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Biloxi honored as Tree City USA; Mississippi Power presents energy-efficiency rebate
Summary
Mayor Andrew Fo Gillis and city tree volunteers celebrated Biloxi’s 42nd consecutive Tree City USA designation at the council meeting; Mississippi Power presented a $4,728.20 energy-efficiency rebate for a visitor center chiller upgrade.
Biloxi officials on June 16 marked the city’s 2025 Tree City USA designation and recognized local volunteers, staff and partners who maintain the city’s urban-forestry program.
Mayor Andrew Fo Gillis read a proclamation commending Biloxi for meeting the Tree City USA program’s requirements, including a community tree ordinance, a tree board and per-capita investment in urban forestry. The mayor and council members credited the volunteer tree committee, consultants and partners for the ongoing work that led to the city’s 42nd consecutive year in the program.
Lauren Ericson, the State of Mississippi’s Urban and Community Forestry Partnership Coordinator, addressed the council and described ongoing grant work across the coast; he emphasized the value of the peer and state partnership that helps cities meet program requirements.
The meeting also included a brief presentation from Mississippi Power. Wendy Powell, representing Mississippi Power, presented the city with a $4,728.20 rebate tied to energy-efficiency improvements to a chiller at the Biloxi Visitor Center. The mayor and council thanked Mississippi Power and volunteers who support tree stewardship and urban forestry initiatives.
Why it matters: Tree City USA recognition signals an ongoing municipal commitment to urban forestry that affects stormwater, shade, resilience and quality of life. The energy-rebate payment is a small, specific cost offset for a municipal efficiency upgrade.
