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It’s hard to believe we are already three weeks into the new year – time truly has been flying by. And with 2025 now in full swing, we have been busy looking forward to the great opportunities that lie ahead for Natchez.

Now in the fifth year of our administration, it’s rewarding to look back at the many great things that have happened since the beginning of our Natchez Renewal in 2020. So many new businesses, so many new residents, and so many new opportunities – and JOBS! But time marches on as the old saying goes – and we can’t spend too much time looking back. We have to look forward.

Continued Economic Growth. Almost 400 new businesses, and over 1,000 new jobs in four years is great – but we can’t stop there. 2025 will see more economic growth for Natchez. Several existing employers, such as Loss Prevention Services with over 200 employees working downtown, are poised for historic growth this year – and we can’t wait to see it happen. In addition, we are currently working on not one but two major commercial retail development projects. Stay tuned for historic news, which will mean more retail development than Natchez has seen in decades, the arrival of some large retail chains, and more JOBS!

Workforce Development. We will soon cut the ribbon on a new campus for Mississippi’s Coding Academy, the fifth one to be opened in our state – right here in Natchez. Our local workforce development team has partnered with Alcorn State University and the MCA. Very soon, citizens from 18 and up will have access to free training in a highly lucrative business field, Information Technology. This program will not only be free of charge, but it will be open to anyone desiring to step into a career in one of the highest paying and most rewarding professions in our country. For more information on this opportunity, and many others, visit www.natchezworkforce.com.

Growing Film Industry. We are excited about the completion of Mississippi’s largest movie studio and only two soundstages, Crooked Letter Picture Company, 100,000 square feet on six acres, located at the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace. This is a game-changer for Natchez—and for Mississippi. With the affordability of our area, combined with studio space filling up in traditional filming locations, we are well-positioned to see this industry grow right here at home. Natchez now has the infrastructure in place to make us a premier filming location, able to host productions of all sizes, from television series to silver screen blockbusters.

Continued Investment in City Properties and Infrastructure. 2025 will mark the year of completion of a number of major renovations: the Natchez Convention Center and City Auditorium, the Natchez Depot Visitors Center and River Room Conference Facility, the Duncan Park Golf Clubhouse, major restoration work at Auburn Historic Home at Duncan Park, and the exterior renovation of the historic Angelety House. In addition, we will complete the resurfacing of Canal and Homochitto Streets, the restoration of Morgantown Road, and begin designing the major improvements coming to North Natchez and downtown as part of our historic $24.5 million Forks to Freedom RAISE Grant. In addition, we fully expect to move forward with plans to design and construct an indoor recreation facility at Duncan Park, to compliment the sweeping improvements already made at of our city parks.

Fighting Crime. I am proud of the collaboration between our Police Department and Sherriff’s Office. In response to crime experienced in our city during the last few weeks of 2024, our Operation Safe Neighborhoods has resulted in the arrest of over 30 felons, getting guns and drugs off the streets. Crimes are being solved, and Natchez is being made a safer place. In 2025, we will continue applying the heat. With new cars, new equipment, and continued support for law enforcement, we will be that safe city – where men and women in uniform are appreciated!

I could go on and on – but there will be time for that in updates to come. One article can’t contain all the good news. Suffice it to say that we are looking forward to a great year full of historic achievements, on top of all the great things we have already experienced. We are so grateful for God’s blessings on our city. Because Natchez Deserves More.

Dan M. Gibson is mayor of Natchez.