Post Hurricane Katrina, Pearl River County, Mississippi, is repairing damage caused by the storm. Also, population levels have increased as Gulf Coast residents relocate to the area, with a 30.5-percent increase projected by 2010. Offering a high quality of life and convenient location, the county was already experiencing rapid development prior to the hurricane.
To address the growth, the Mississippi Development Authority contracted CDM to develop a visionary smart growth plan aimed at preserving the community's rural character while also accounting for social, economic, and environmental needs. The plan is divided into components including land use, economic development, housing, community character and image, transportation, and public facilities and infrastructure.
Efforts to generate local awareness and support are helping to accurately address the community's needs. CDM has ensured that the planning is shaped by public involvement and local leadership through workshops and public meetings. With the help of the smart growth effort, Pearl River County has secured $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding to complete the plan.