City of Gulfport launches “Horizons 2045,” a 20 year growth plan

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- The City of Gulfport has launched a ‘Horizons 2045,’ a long-term community planning initiative designed to guide growth and development over the next 20 years.

Gulfport officials held a meeting at City Hall Thursday night to introduce the plan to residents and hear their thoughts and concerns.

To lead this effort, Gulfport has partnered with Bridge and Watson Urban Planning Consultants.

The plan will take into account factors such as market trends for business development and flood patterns for housing.

Horizons 2045 will unfold in four phases: discovery, direction, design, and implementation. The process is currently in step one, discovery, which focuses on research and community input to better understand the needs and priorities of Gulfport residents.

With 28 percent of Gulfport’s land currently vacant, city leaders see significant opportunities for thoughtful development.

Gulfport residents can get involved in the process moving forward by visiting the website Gulfporthorizons2045.com. The website allows residents to share feedback on areas of the city they like or dislike, explain why, and offer suggestions for improvements in neighborhoods they feel are lacking.