January 2023 to today
Accomplishments, First Term
Economic Growth
- 15+ new commercial businesses opened or under construction, including Chick-fil-A, Express Oil Change, Harbor Freight and 7 Brew.
- Secured a $16 million dual-brand Marriott hotel, the first hotel development in Waveland in over 20 years.
- Brought Cruisin' the Coast back to Waveland in 2023, the first time since 2007.
- Led the redevelopment of vacant Hwy 90 properties, including the former Rite Aid and former Hancock Bank buildings.
- Brought two new restaurants to Coleman Ave, with Rickey's opening in 2025 and another under construction.
- Worked with a developer to purchase and rehabilitate the Waveland Ave apartments, condemned in 2024, returning quality market-rate housing to Waveland.
Infrastructure
- Directed $3.5 million in ARPA funds to correct critical sewer and lift station issues throughout the city.
- Advanced repair of the Garfield Ladner Pier with MEMA and FEMA. Notice to proceed signed February 2026, completion expected October 2026.
- Replaced streetlights on Hwy 90 and Hwy 603 through a negotiated lease with Mississippi Power, improving safety and lowering long-term cost.
- Developing Compass 2046, a long-range comprehensive plan shaped by residents in public workshops.
- Finalizing a FEMA submission with a national engineering firm to lower flood insurance costs.
Public Safety & City Government
- Police staffing is at its highest level since Hurricane Katrina.
- Added a firefighter at each fire station, with two new pumper trucks arriving in 2026.
- Completed leadership training for all department heads and managers.
Open for Business in Waveland
A few of the 15+ new businesses that have opened or broken ground since 2023.
The 2022 Platform
Promises Made, Promises Kept
Twelve promises in 2022. Here is where every one of them stands.
Community Development
Increase public safety with fully staffed Police and Fire Departments
- The Fire Department added another firefighter at each fire station.
- Police staffing is at its highest since Hurricane Katrina.
Community Development
Require ongoing preventative maintenance for city roads and the drainage system
- The Street Department works tirelessly to repair roads and drainage issues.
Community Development
Create a Strategic Plan for Economic Growth to recruit new residents and businesses
- Orion Planning is developing Compass 2046, a new Comprehensive Plan for Waveland. compass2046.com
Community Development
Improve the Hwy 90 and Hwy 603 corridors to attract more businesses
- The Waveland Building Department conducted thorough inspections along both highways, enforcing zoning codes and making the highways more attractive to visitors, residents and developers.
Community Development
Promote, rebuild and revitalize Coleman Ave
- The opening of Rickey's Restaurant in 2025, and the proposed 2026 opening of another restaurant currently under construction.
Community Development
Repair and maintain the Garfield Ladner Pier
- Currently in progress, with an expected completion in October 2026.
Community Development
Create more recreational opportunities for our city's youth
- A new playground opens in summer 2026 on McLaurin St.
- New pickleball courts start construction in summer 2026.
Financial Responsibility
Reduce the cost of flood insurance by reducing the CRS rating
- The city is finalizing work with Michael Baker International and will soon submit a request for a rating reduction.
Financial Responsibility
Apply for Federal, Regional and State funding
- Waveland has received over $12 million in funding since 2023. See every award
Financial Responsibility
Maintain a balanced budget
- Budgets have been closely watched and amendments made when necessary.
Financial Responsibility
Continue being fiscally responsible with taxpayers' money
- Waveland is in the best financial shape it has been in since Katrina.
Financial Responsibility
Increase transparency from city government
- Information about the city is always readily available.