Sure, we all know Natchez is one of the most unique cities in America – that’s why most of us are here. But as news of a national award won by the city gets out, the rest of America will know our secret, too.

The City of Natchez was recently honored with the Most Livable City 2001 by the United States Conference of Mayors.

Natchez was selected among dozens of cities with a population of 100,000 and below. Each applicant submitted a special project that separates makes his or her city special.

Natchez chose its LUMPs program. LUMPs (Large Unused Municipal Properties) is a project begun in the 1993. Its mission was to find a good use for city-owned property and return the vacant, often historic, properties back into public use.

Evidence of its success can be seen all around Natchez – Brumfield School Apartments, Oak Towers, NAPAC Museum, Margaret Martin School and that’s just to name a few.

The award is the culmination of years of hard work by the city’s staff.

For Mayor Larry L. &uot;Butch&uot; Brown, who helped begin the program, through the current mayor, F.L. &uot;Hank&uot; Smith and all of the department heads and workers who have made it a success, the award is treasured.

And the award isn’t merely a pretty trophy that sits on a shelf. Hopefully with the award – and the attention it will bring – will come publicity.

And as word spreads about what wonderful things Natchez has to offer, perhaps it will lure more industry into coming to Natchez.