Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District

The Twin Districts Local Workforce Development Board's 2024-2028 Local Area Plan outlines strategies to foster an educated and skilled workforce. Key objectives include coordinating service delivery through a 'no-wrong-door' approach, strengthening interagency partnerships, and developing articulated career pathways across educational sectors. The plan emphasizes maximizing technology in service delivery, investing in integrated technology, and establishing a unified vision and message. It specifically targets growth in Healthcare, Energy and Chemicals, Advanced Manufacturing, and Information Technology sectors, aiming to meet employer needs and provide individuals with competitive employment opportunities.

This Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD) aims to enhance and promote the economic assets, resources, and opportunities of South Mississippi. The plan focuses on four strategic objectives: fostering regional collaboration for economic and community development, supporting physical infrastructure upgrades, developing a highly-skilled workforce, and empowering local entities to build more viable and resilient communities. The intended outcomes include a stronger, more agile, and resilient regional economy and an improved quality of life for its citizens.

The meeting included a Twin Districts Update presented by Ms. Allison Hawkins, who outlined the day's itinerary and the decision to combine the LEO and Workforce Board meetings for report presentations. The agenda was approved following a motion by Mr. Greg Shaw and seconded by Mr. Darron Keyes. The minutes from the last meeting on April 29, 2025, were also approved, with a motion by Mr. Arthur Keys and seconded by Mr. Demarrio Booth.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes from the last meeting. Reports given during the LEO meeting were not repeated, but the Workforce Board would vote on them and included Action Items as they were previously presented. The WIN Job Center Report was given during the meeting.