A public input session was held this week as Stennis Institute representatives look for ways to dive into small, short-term projects to improve Yazoo City.
After two work sessions with city leaders, a public forum was held at the Yazoo City Community Complex Monday night.
Jeremy Murdock and Joseph Fratesi, with the Mississippi State University’s Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development, facilitated the informative session.
“It is extremely important to know what our citizens feel we are doing well and what we are doing right,” said Alderman Gregory Robertson. “But we want some input for some solutions as well. Let’s be open and honest to make Yazoo City what we know she can and shall be.”
Mayor Diane Delaware first contacted the Stennis Institute last fall. A work session with the city council soon followed, surrounding the Institute’s First Impression program.
The SWOT initiative focuses on the city’s Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
“We see in a lot of communities that everybody has similar challenges,” Murdock said. “We are all going through the shift in the economy. Mississippi is losing population left and right. How do we turn things around and get moving forward?”
Murdock said the Institute focuses on short-term projects that came become a reality through volunteers, community input and governmental assistance. Larger, broader issues are not tackled at this level.
“Let’s get some energy going, get more people engaged,” Murdock said.
Of the 300 communities in the state, about 150 participate in the First Impressions program.
“The First Impression program gives you an outsider’s view of your community,” Murdock said. “It allows you to see your community through the eyes of a first-time visitor. It shows you both the positive and negative things you might overlook.”
Murdock said it is easy to overlook different elements and appearances of one’s community because they are daily observations.
“You have to be aware of what your first impression is,” Murdock added. “It is an important piece of economic development to make a good impression and have a quality place.”
Murdock said his first impression of Yazoo City was the potential it carried with being located on major highways. He suggested sprucing up those busy intersections with appealing landscape and other decorative additions to attract visitors to stop.
But Murdock said the most eye-catching aspect of Yazoo City was its downtown area.
“It is unlike anything I have ever seen with all the colors,” he said. “You have a lot of great things going on downtown. How do we pull what is going on that main stretch...and move it into other areas?”
Another powerful aspect of Yazoo? Murdock said it is her people. During his research, he met Gloria Elayne Owens, local volunteer, who had on a I Love Yazoo shirt.
“She is one fire for this community,” Murdock said, with a smile. “Find people like this. Reach out to those who are engaged and bring that to another level.”
As far as eyesores, Murdock suggested utilizing the space with public art displays or marketing banners.
Citizens also gave their first impressions of what they are most proud of within their wards. In Ward 1, the historic Jonestown bridge was mentioned. Ward 2 residents said they would tackle the busy highway intersections. Ward 3 residents said the downtown area and historic district is appealing. A Ward 4 resident said she is proud of School Drive.
Along the lines of short-term projects, citizens suggested cleaning out ditches, repairing potholes and beautification efforts.
Murdock said the public session is a starting point. His team will continue assisting Yazoo City with reachable projects.
“I have seen volunteers do some amazing things,” he said. “It can be done.”
