Diamondhead city leaders looking to shape growth
ROY HOWARD COMMUNITY JOURNALISM CENTER- Diamondhead is one of Mississippi’s youngest cities, incorporated just over a decade ago.
City leaders say that gives them a rare opportunity to shape growth intentionally.
Officials say state-backed funding programs are helping turn long-term plans into visible projects, including road connections, drainage improvements, and the early phases of a defined downtown.
City leaders say they’ve focused on moving awarded projects forward, pointing to millions of dollars in grants already in use as they work to open land for businesses, housing, and public access. Mayor Anna Liese said, “I have a huge focus on making that visually pleasing because I think it’s development, I think, is about momentum. The nicer it looks, the more other people will want to come. Everybody wants to live somewhere, work somewhere that is, you know, attractive.”
City leaders say their focus is smart growth, using state and federal resources to build out infrastructure now so future development matches the long-term vision for Diamondhead.
