NATCHEZ, Miss. – Mayor Dan Gibson’s annual State of the City address Thursday boasted of economic and population growth Natchez has experienced since he took office in 2020.
Listing various improvements the past six years in what the mayor has dubbed the “Natchez Renewal,” Gibson said more is to come.
The theme of his 22-minute speech – “The Focus is on Jobs – What’s on Our Horizon” – had the mayor hinting about more “historic announcements” coming for Natchez.
“It is happening in Natchez,” Gibson said.
Citing recent U.S. Census population growth data, Gibson said Natchez is one of only three U.S. Mississippi River cities from St. Louis through Louisiana with an increased number of residents. This covers all 10,000+-population river towns in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky.
This comes after decades of Natchez persistently shrinking in population from a peak of about 23,800 in 1960 to a low of 14,520 in 2020 to what’s now estimated to be up slightly to nearly 14,900, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Gibson also pointed to “a record number of ribbon cuttings” for new Natchez stores and the expansion of existing businesses, such as Jordan Carriers trucking company and Marcal toilet paper maker. He noted the redevelopment of Trace Town shopping center includes the recently opened Hobby Lobby and the soon-to-open TJ Maxx. Plans continue for developing another shopping center near Walmart.
The city’s largest economic sector – tourism – has also seen growth that Gibson expects will be augmented by new passenger airline service that began here in July, the construction next year of a dock to accommodate riverboats and the long-planned renovation of the Eola hotel.
“More tourism, more heads on beds, more people in our shops and restaurants and more jobs. — this underscores the fact that tourism is about jobs,” he said.
“With all this good news, new historic announcements are on the horizon. Stay tuned.”
Natchez’ poverty rate has declined and personal incomes have risen, said Gibson, addressing a crowded City Council Chambers and livestream viewers.
“We can celebrate, but now is not the time to declare victory. Our work is far from done,” he said, pointing to “opportunities to build upon this growth to make Natchez even better, bolder and bodacious.”
He noted local industries are clamoring for more skilled workers. To meet that demand, the city — in partnership with Adams County and Copiah-Lincoln Community College — has expanded workforce development programs the past six years.
Gibson is halfway into his second four-year term as mayor reelected without opposition in 2024.
He began his speech by recognizing the six-member Board of Aldermen. “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if it were not for the support of our leaders in this city,” he said.
He also credited city employees who carry out municipal operations. “There is not a day I could do my job without them.”
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