Recovery By Design, Gulfport Style
Release Date: August 2, 2007
Release Number: 1604-568
» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina
BILOXI, Miss. -- All the ingredients are falling into place for Gulfport's ambitious recovery from Hurricane Katrina: a comprehensive master plan, a newly created economic development office, a growing population, federal assistance and private investment.
The state's second largest city, Gulfport serves as an example of a community finding opportunity in adversity and of making progress through effective management and planning. Mayor Brent Warr plans to guide the city in economic expansion that he and city officials hope will draw flocks of tourists, attract new residents and sustain viable businesses.
It's a plan generated, in part, by the imperatives of recovery.
Warr, in office only seven weeks before Katrina brought the Gulf Coast to its knees, drew attention to his city's devastation on nationally broadcast television interviews. Damage from the hurricane totaled about $155 million and more than 4,000 homes were destroyed. Gulfport's story struck a chord of sympathy among all who watched but especially among leadership in California's San Bernardino County.
"Gary Ovitt of San Bernardino County's board of supervisors, Paul Leon of Ontario and Curt Hagman of Chino Hills called to ask what Gulfport needed," said Warr. "After two or three days of calls about a list of our needs, I asked them what they would ask for if all hell broke loose in their cities." That's all it took. Help arrived from that county by train and truckloads and included desks, office supplies, generators, vehicles and other items for Gulfport.
"Californians are not unfamiliar with natural disaster," said Ovitt. "We should always remember we are our brothers' keepers. We felt compelled to lend a hand."
From the chaos, Warr assessed both immediate needs and future possibilities. It's part of a management style that is as much about the process as the final result. "We use a management by objective approach," Warr said. "It's a Harvard [University] concept that focuses efforts on achievable goals to attain best results." It's working for Gulfport, he said. Since his entire administration and city staff established goals and objectives, performance has improved.
There are nearly 700 employees in Gulfport. Warr plans to increase salaries by 17 percent over the next two years. "They deserve it, not because of the storm but because of their enthusiasm and continued hard work to make this city a better place," Ward said.
They'll have to work hard to keep up with the projects that will define the new Gulfport. The largest involves the site of the 92-acre Veteran's Administration Hospital.
"I was attending a meeting at the Biloxi VA a month or so after the storm which turned out to be the place where I had my first real meal after Katrina. We were talking about the destruction at the Gulfport VA site when I asked some visiting federal officials about turning it over to Gulfport," said Warr who considered its possibilities while still reeling from the storm.
It wasn't a fanciful request. The Veteran's Administration plans to turn over the property - the largest conveyance in its history-to Gulfport. The federal government has appropriated $35 million to clean up the hospital site before it signs it over to the city. It's the largest gift ever donated to the city.
Warr isn't the only one who appreciated the land's development opportunities. "We've had calls from around the world about it," said the mayor. "It's a large piece of property near the beach." Warr wants to hire a design consultant to give Gulfport a new look with the VA land as the centerpiece. The City Council recently approved moving forward to negotiate with three developers to rebuild the city, its beach park and harbor front.
Help is also coming from other sources.
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are giving Gulfport more than $15 million for repairs to the harbor through their joint Public Assistance program. That's in addition to more than $76 million the agency paid for Hurricane Katrina debris removal.
"All but $4 million of the estimated $155 million in damages will be absorbed by either insurance or FEMA," said Warr. More than $500 million in private investment flowed into downtown projects in 2006. The Mississippi Development Authority will add another $12 million to revitalize the central business district.
But Warr knows there's more to Gulfport's future than funding. With a background and education in business, he endorses careful planning for growth. An economic development arm is being established with more help from San Bernardino. "We're committed to the long haul and to using any and all of our expertise to help the citizens of Gulfport," said Ovitt. The Californians loaned their economic development team, at no charge, to assist their Mississippi friends.
Aware of the problems associated with urban expansion, Warr fully embraces city planning that incorporates SmartCode. Miami-based New Urban theorist Andrés Duany and his associates developed the SmartCode model as a way to keep towns compact and rural landscape open while preventing sprawl through zoning. Several Mississippi Coast cities are considering it in the rebuilding process.
"SmartCode is simple and complicated at the same time," said Warr. "I encourage every community to develop their own SmartCode. One of the best things about it is what it's named. You can't say you don't like something smart." SmartCode focuses on use and form rather than zoning districts, he said. It also involves developing a project to its fullest potential.
"If an area is designated for condos, it should be developed fully," said Warr. "In other words, build enough floors to get the most in potential tax dollars; it expands the tax base. This is developing a use to its fullest potential. It's about creating value."
For Warr, it's also part of the bigger picture -- developing Gulfport to its potential. He envisions a picturesque, beachfront city with a diverse culture, safe, family-oriented neighborhoods and a robust economy. He says his city is nowhere near back to normal but he is optimistic about its future. "It couldn't be brighter," he said. Many would agree. He's planning on it.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 02-Aug-2007 15:35:33