Gulfport Economic Development Update

Like most cities, Gulfport is looking to bounce back economically after COVID-19 shutdowns.

Gulfport Economic Development Director David Parker says: “We’ve had a little bit of a slow down, but everyone has, and we hope that everything will continue the way, you know in positive trends, the way it is now.”

Some of the negative impacts felt in the city include a dip in sales tax revenue and a shortage of employees for local businesses.

“There’s a lot of synergy going on right now that COVID has tried to do a good job of disrupting,” Parker says

Mississippi Aquarium CEO Kurt Allen says the still under-construction facility has felt the negative effects of COVID-19 as well, but the potential for a rebound later this year looks good.

“We expect the pent-up demand for tourism to just go crazy once everything really opens up, and so we’re very optimistic between opening and the end of the year,” Allen says.

With recent recognition by the Mississippi Municipal League for the aquarium project and a renewed emphasis on the ocean-based blue economy, city officials are looking at the big picture, while reminding business owners to keep safety in mind right now.

“I think our message would be to continue what you’re doing and do the best you can for social distancing for your employees, not just the customers,” Parker says.