With so many opportunities available for new development in downtown Biloxi, the City of Biloxi, Biloxi Main Street, and the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce have decided to hold a Downtown Development Incentive Forum Tuesday morning.
The free forum will take place at the Biloxi Civic Center from 8 a.m. to noon with more than a dozen vendors including bankers, realtors, downtown business owners, City of Biloxi Community Development officials, Biloxi Main Street and Biloxi Chamber of Commerce.
“If you are planning to build or are interested in opening a business or residential units in downtown, you will not want to miss this event,” said Kay Miller, Biloxi’s downtown services manager and Main Street director. “This session will provide information for developers, builders, investors, business owners, residential developers and lease property owners and give them an opportunity to be a part of developing Downtown Biloxi.”
Presentations will also be part of the gathering. Here is the complete lineup for the forum.
8 a.m., Welcome by Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, Pat Wylie, president of Biloxi Main Street, and Kevin Felsher, Biloxi Main Street economic vitality chair and forum coordinator
8:30 a.m., The District On Howard by Lee Young, developer
9 a.m., Networking session
9:30 a.m., Historic Tax Credits by Lolly Rash with Mississippi Heritage Trust
10 a.m., Main Street Biloxi’s Downtown Incentive Program and Biloxi Chamber Incentives by Bill Raymond, City of Biloxi historical administrator, and Rachael Seymour, Biloxi Chamber of Commerce director
10:30 a.m., Entrepreneurship Programs by Mississippi Development Authority representative
11 a.m., Vendor meeting sessions
11:30 a.m., Receiving Housing Grants by Kim Fritz, developer and business owner
12 p.m., Closing remarks
The forum is open to the public and will include a complimentary breakfast and refreshment.
See the event flyer
See a video about the event
Latest state report shows impact of Biloxi casinos
Ever wonder how much money the Biloxi casino market generates in gaming taxes? And where that money goes? The latest numbers are in, and have been published by the city’s Finance Division.
Last month, according to the report made public today, Biloxi’s casinos had gross gaming revenue of $78.1 million. Taxes paid: $6.2 million to the state, $1.8 million to the city, $780,000 to Harrison County, $500,000 to Biloxi Public Schools, and $250,000 to Harrison County public schools.
The Finance Department’s report also contains historical data: Since August 1992, when the first taxes were collected on gross gaming revenue, the Biloxi market has generated a total of $20.1 billion in gross gaming revenue since that date. The Biloxi casinos have generated $2.45 billion in gaming taxes. The breakdown: $1.6 billion to state of Mississippi, $472 million to City of Biloxi, $183 million to Harrison County, $128 million to Biloxi Public Schools, and $64 million to Harrison County public schools.
See the gaming tax formula
See the latest state report
See the city’s calendar month report
See the history of gaming in Biloxi
News & notes: Weekly report, council, Biloxi Shuckers
The week that was: Last week, the Fire Department answered 138 calls for service, including 93 medical emergencies and five fires; the Police Department handled 1,948 calls for service; the Community Development Department issued 77 building permits with a construction valuation of nearly $615,000; and the Engineering Department continued to progress on projects throughout the city. To see the reports covering last week, click here.
Council: The next scheduled meeting of the Biloxi City Council is set for Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at Biloxi City Hall. To see the council agenda and supporting documents, click here.
Biloxi Shuckers: The Biloxi Shuckers play game four of a five-game homestand tonight at MGM Park with the first pitch at 6:35 p.m. It’s also Barks & Brews night where dog owners can take their pooches to the games. For more information and to visit the Shuckers website, click here.
