Chapter 10. Intergovernmental KEY ISSUES

Intergovernmental Cooperation99

Chapter 10. Intergovernmental Cooperation

INTRODUCTIONConsistent with the Mississippi Code Annotated 1972, the purpose of this chapter is to discuss how local

governmental units can cooperate with other units of government to achieve shared goals. Section 17-13-3 of the Mississippi Code states that local governments are encouraged and enabled to “cooperate and to contract with other local governmental units on a basis of mutual advantage and thereby provide services and facilities in a manner pursuant to forms of governmental organization that will accord best with geographic, economic, population and other factors influencing the needs and development of local communities.” 1

The Intergovernmental Cooperation chapter of the Harrison County Comprehensive Plan therefore states goals, objectives, and strategies for joint planning and decision making with other jurisdictions, including adjacent localities, school districts, and regional, state, and federal agencies. Through analysis of the relationship of the county to other jurisdictions and the region, opportunities for information sharing regarding local and regional planning objectives and for joint planning, such as for siting, building public facilities, and public services can be considered. This chapter includes information about plans that Harrison County impacts or is impacted by in order to identify opportunities to coordinate with other communities and governmental units to promote consistency between plans. By setting the tone for how jurisdictions can relate, this chapter serves as the cornerstone for Harrison County’s intergovernmental efforts.

This chapter is intended to describe the county’s goals, objectives, policies, and programs for joint planning and decision making with other jurisdictions, including:

Adjacent local governments Regional entitiesSchool districtsState agenciesFederal agencies Other quasi-governmental organizations

WHAT IS INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIONIntergovernmental cooperation is an arrangement whereby two or more jurisdictions communicate information

regarding visions and plans for their communities in an effort to coordinate policies to address or resolve issues of mutual interest. Intergovernmental cooperation can range from simple information sharing to more complex actions of joint plan making and formal policy setting. It can involve entering into agreements to share resources such as buildings, equipment, and staff.

KEY ISSUESHow can Harrison County cooperate with other units of government to:

Promote communication across jurisdictional borders for land use?Creatively support economic development at a regional level to improve access to economic information and strengthen industry sectors?Establish safer communities and empower residents with knowledge about their role in reducing hazard risks?Provide healthy lifestyle alternatives for residents ready to make a positive change in their physical activity and food options?Launch recreation and tourism initiatives that celebrate the natural amenities of Harrison County?Ensure a sound tax base for the County and its municipalities?

Figure 10-1. Intergovernmental cooperation involves communication and cooperation between multiple juridictions, and can result in many benefits for those communities involved.

Source: Meghan Gough

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR HARRISON COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI 100

WHY IS INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION IMPORTANT?Almost all land use issues cross jurisdictional boundaries. Issues from roadways to rivers to traffic congestion

are not contained within single jurisdictional boundaries. As a result, there are many benefits to partnering with other counties, municipalities, or other levels of government for land use needs. The following offers a number of examples:

Cost Savings – Cooperation can save money, as economies of scale can be achieved through partnerships that provide greater services to residents for less money. Cost savings can be realized through infrastructure improvements such as roads, parks, or sewer systems that would otherwise be too costly for communities to provide to residents.

Recognition of Regional Issues – Through communication and cooperation among different levels of government, communities can effectively address and resolve issues that are of regional concern.

Consistency – Communities that cooperate on land use planning issues can establish consistency among their goals, objectives, and actions, which can lead to greater effectiveness of community plans.

Efficiency through Predictability – Cooperation among different jurisdictions provides increased predictability for citizens, developers, and staff, leading to provision of services, opportunities, and cost savings.

Reduced Conflict – Cooperation and open communication allow communities the opportunity to resolve potential

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER UNITS OF GOVERNMENT

CitiesMississippi’s Interlocal Cooperation Act of 1974 allows for any two or more local governmental units to enter

into agreements with each other for cooperative action. Harrison County has the legal ability to work with other local governments to “bring about coordinated physical development in accordance with present and future needs...” (Section 17-1-11 Mississippi Code).

Five cities are located within the borders of Harrison County, each primarily located along the waterfront of the Gulf Coast: Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, and Pass Christian. The proximity of these cities along portions of the coastline provides the County with an important opportunity to establish valuable cooperative relationships with these city governments for land use purposes.

The County is open to working with adjoining communities to improve critical services to a community. In its post-Katrina community planning efforts, the County has made attempts to get input from the cities before proposing decisions that could affect them. However, the number and nature of cooperative relationships between Harrison County and the cities located in the county can be enhanced.

In an effort to maintain informal lines of communication, Harrison County staff participates in networking and information sharing with peers in the five cities through regular Harrison County Council of Governments meetings. The Council of Governments is organized and operated as a voluntary, cooperative association of local governments. Regular meetings of the Council of Governments are held six times per year. These meetings allow for discussion of a range of issues affecting both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders within the county.

Adjoining CountiesHarrison County shares borders with Hancock, Jackson, and Stone Counties. Their interactions are largely

focused through their common connection as member counties in the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD). In addition, Hancock, Jackson, and Stone Counties are also connected judicially, as they share a court system. Harrison County’s relationship with adjoining county governments has historically been a cordial one, and it is eager to establish more frequent interactions with these adjoining counties for land use planning purposes.

Due to the timing of current federal and state funding to complete new comprehensive land use plans, the adjoining counties are currently in the process of developing their own comprehensive plans. Harrison County maintains communication with these entities to examine policies and recommendations that may cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Regional Agencies Harrison County works closely with two main regional organizations serving the county. Regional planning commissions were formed under Section 17-1-33 of the Mississippi Code to provide a range of services to local units of governments within the planning commission’s boundaries. The regional commission acts in an advisory capacity as a coordinating agency for programs, provides planning assistance to local interests in responding to state and federal programs, and provides other technical and advisory assistance to local governments.

The Gulf Regional Planning Commission (GRPC) was authorized by state law in 1967 and provides general planning support to its 14 member jurisdictions through land use, mapping, and comprehensive planning assistance. GRPC has also served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the region since 1973, and it is responsible for regional transportation planning for the southern portions of Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties, as well as the 11 cities located in this area.

conflicts, thereby avoiding frustration and costly litigation.

Trust – Cooperation can lead to increased trust among different governmental units, establishing new opportunities for future communication and cooperation.

The intergovernmental cooperation element provides information about the current state of cooperation involving Harrison County. This chapter identifies areas of opportunity to achieve community goals through intergovernmental cooperation.

SURVEY RESULTSThe 2006 Harrison County Planning and Development Survey indicates that Harrison County residents feel strongly

about the prospects of cooperation on planning issues with other communities. When asked if they were interested in knowing more about the planning processes in other communities, 80 percent of the respondents said they agree or strongly agree that it would be valuable for Harrison County to know more about the planning issues faced in surrounding communities. When asked about information sharing for planning issues with surrounding communities, 77 percent said they agree or strongly agree that it would be helpful for the County to share information about planning issues with other communities. 2


The Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD) plays an important role in the coordination and advising of land use planning and economic development in Harrison County. SMPDD is responsible for economic development and mapping for the six-county region of southern Mississippi. Also established in 1967, SMPDD assists 15 counties and 37 city governments in making informed decisions to encourage planned physical, economic, and political development in the region.

Harrison County maintains an active and cooperative relationship with both regional organizations. Both the county and its communities continue to utilize land use planning resources provided by both GRPC and SMPDD. GRPC completed the 1999 Harrison County Comprehensive Plan and is participating in the transportation element of this plan, and it continues to work with multiple cities located within Harrison County. SMPDD provided the County with a number of data and mapping resources necessary for its community plans completed in 2006-2008. In addition, SMPDD sponsored the Smart Growth Resource Guide for Harrison County, completed in 2007 and provided mapping support on this plan.

School Districts The County maintains a cooperative relationship with the Harrison County School District. As an example, the Harrison County School District provides their schools as emergency shelters for the county. It has voiced interest in increased cooperation with the County and other entities as a means to establishing joint educational programs and school siting. One program in particular is a creation of a Sand Beach laboratory for students from multiple school districts.

State of MississippiHarrison County maintains relationships with a number of state agencies. Particular agencies critical to the

achievement of County comprehensive planning goals are listed below.

Mississippi Department of Agriculture and CommerceAgriculture-Related Production and Promotion

Mississippi Forestry Commission Timber Production ManagementNuisance Fire Protection

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Water and Wastewater Facility Planning Adequate Public Facilities Planning

Mississippi Department of Fish and WildlifeWildlife Refuge Area Planning

Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Water and Wildlife Habitat Planning Working Waterfront FundingHeritage Resources Conservation Planning

Tidelands and CIAP Projects

Mississippi Department of Transportation State Scenic Byway Planning Roadways Classification Changes

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and ParksWildlife Management and Education

Federal Agencies

U.S. Army Corps of EngineersMississippi Coastal Improvement Program

U.S. Department of AgricultureDe Soto National Forest

Other Quasi-Governmental Organizations

Mississippi Convention and Visitor’s BureauVisitor and Tourism ActivitiesMeeting and Convention Planning Harrison County Development CommissionHarrison County Utility Authority

GOALS, STRATEGIES, AND ACTIONS

GOAL 1. INCREASE COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION BETWEEN ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT IN HARRISON COUNTY.

STRATEGY A. Provide forums for intergovernmental communication and information exchange.

Action 1. Continue to actively participate in the Harrison County COG meetings.

Action 2. Propose a modified format for current Harrison County COG meetings to allow for more informal interaction and communication among members.

Action 3. Work with the GRPC to explore alternative opportunities for regular informal interactions among local governments in Harrison County. These alternatives should be structured to allow for high-level information sharing and resource exchanges.

Figure 10-2. Intergovernmental cooperation helps foster relationships around issues of regional concern.

Source: Michael Curtis


Action 4. Research the feasibility of creating a cable access channel for the county and cities to communicate information about their community and its activities.

STRATEGY B. Encourage cities to share with the County any plans for major developments that may affect county plans, roadways, services, or other countywide systems.

Action 1. Consider developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with cities that would foster recognition of one another’s land use plans and policies. This could foster a shared approach to planning.

Action 2. Work toward establishing shared access to current and future annexation studies to increase communication among governmental units involved or impacted by proposed land divisions.

Action 3. Share the Sand Beach Master Plan with local governments in Harrison County to communicate planned improvements to the beach area.

STRATEGY C. Work with other jurisdictions to establish a regional multi-modal emergency notification system for the counties and cities to educate residents and visitors about emergencies.

Action 1. Partner with other counties and cities in the region to establish similar emergency information links from their local government websites.

Action 2. Explore the option of collectively preparing instructional videos about emergency preparation or evaluation to be aired on the cable access channel or through governmental websites.

Action 3. Discuss with other jurisdictions the establishment of common Emergency Management e-mail alerts that residents can register for through county and city websites.

STRATEGY D. Examine the possibility of utilizing common resources between Harrison County and other local jurisdictions.

Action 1. Work with GRPC and SMPDD to determine a focal point and inventory center for county departments to facilitate sharing of equipment and services.

GOAL 2. IMPROVE ACCESS TO OPPORTUNTIES FOR COOPERATION AMONG ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT WITHIN HARRISON COUNTY AND THE LARGER REGION.

STRATEGY A. Develop methods for sharing information with other governmental jurisdictions to assist in making regional decisions.

Action 1. Partner with GRPC and SMPDD to explore methods for sharing existing Geographic Information System data on land use and natural resources. Provision of this existing data in electronic or printed form could assist counties and cities in decision-making.

Action 2. Continue to broaden the role of the SMPDD as a regional clearinghouse and educational resource for cooperative planning.

Action 3. Partner with the GRPC and the SMPDD to continue to hold training sessions and educational forums for counties and cities on regional planning issues.

STRATEGY B. Support opportunities to address issues of limited administrative capacity in order to make cooperation more accessible for local governments.

Action 1. Identify opportunities for increased assistance from regional agencies to address the need for enhanced staff capacity that would otherwise preclude regional coordination on land use and planning issues.

GOAL 3. ENCOURAGE INFORMED LEADERSHIP COMMITTED TO THE ECONOMIC VITALITY OF THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST.

STRATEGY A. Increase the capacity of Harrison County government to support economic development.

Action 1. Create an internal economic development working group made up of representatives of departments and elected officials.

Action 2. Develop stronger relationships with economic development planners on staff at area planning organizations.

STRATEGY B. Support regional efforts to improve access to economic information.

Action 1. Participate in the development and continual update of a regional economic information database.

Action 2. Work with economic development partners to create evaluation tools that assess the effectiveness of economic strategies.

STRATEGY C. Support place-based economic development.

Action 1. Educate citizens and leaders on the economic development goals of the Harrison County Comprehensive Plan.

Action 2. Encourage economic development partners to use the economic development goals of the Harrison County Comprehensive Plan in their strategic planning efforts.

Action 3. Provide or facilitate funding for economic development activities and organizations as resources allow.


STRATEGY D. Work cooperatively to strengthen major industry sectors.

Action 1. Participate in efforts to secure increased activities at federal government installations.

Action 2. Participate in all future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) efforts, should these occur. Action 3. Work with cities to protect all federal installations from land use encroachments.

Action 4. Participate in local delegations to the International Council of Shopping Centers conference to market the region for increased retail development.

Action 5. Participate in all tourism destination marketing and development efforts.

Action 6. Participate in the development and implementation of Interstate Highway 10 Aerospace Corridor economic development strategies.

Action 7. Support the implementation of current and future US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). Action 8. Work with the Harrison County Development Commission and surrounding counties to explore the creation of a multi-county business park.

Action 9. Co-host economic development experts from around the nation to learn best practices.

STRATEGY E. Provide citizens with opportunities to engage in economic development discussions.

Action 1. Create a citizens advisory council on economic development with representatives from every area of the county whose mission is to advise the Board of Supervisors about citizen ideas relating to economic strategies, proposals, and projects.

Action 2. Host a series of county-wide meetings to gain citizen perspectives about economic development needs and opportunities prior to economic development summits.

GOAL 4. ENCOURAGE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION TO FOSTER A SAFER HARRISON COUNTY.

STRATEGY A. Coordinate efforts to educate residents about hazard risks in the area.

Action 1. Encourage county fire officials to coordinate with the Mississippi Forestry Commission; the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks; and the De Soto National Forest, to encourage Firewise communities in Harrison County.

STRATEGY B. Cooperate with the Harrison County Utility Authority and other governmental units to meet infrastructure needs.

Action 1. Sustain and implement further coordination and cooperation between utility agencies.

Action 2. Promote cooperative planning for future water and sewer needs with municipalities and the county.

STRATEGY C. Coordinate with other local governments in Harrison County to explore renewable energy options for the region.

Action 1. Support energy education programs that provide public information about the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy options.

Action 2. Work with the Mississippi Development Authority’s Energy Division to examine current renewable energy programs, specifically renewable energy buyback programs.

Action 3. Communicate with other local governments to draft and adopt a resolution of support for an energy buyback program that is appropriate for the region.

Action 4. Lobby the State of Mississippi for the creation of a regional energy buyback program that would promote grid-connected power systems to support renewable and alternative energy goals.

STRATEGY D. Coordinate intergovernmental resources to meet the needs of all roadway users.

Action 1. Collaborate with regional and state officials to address safety issues on highly traveled roads.

Action 2. Work with regional and state transportation officials to secure funding for installation of traffic controls and maintenance and improvement of existing roadways, and to finance planned improvements.

Action 3. Work with the GRPC to conduct regular traffic counts to determine if traffic control and safety devices are needed.

Action 4. Coordinate with MDOT, cities, and GRPC to ensure that existing and new roads can accommodate evacuation traffic.

STRATEGY E. Coordinate state and local protection of water quality.

Action 1. Coordinate the stormwater management efforts of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Harrison County Engineering Department in compliance with Phase II regulations.


Action 1. Create a partnership between the County and incorporated cities to identify tax default properties appropriate to be reused for natural resource preservation, recreation, community gardens, or other public purposes.

STRATEGY B. Support the Harrison County Trail Working Group.

Action 1. Establish a task force devoted to creating walking, running, and canoeing/kayaking opportunities throughout Harrison County.

Action 2. Support efforts of the Heritage Trails Working Group to work jointly with public and private partners for the realization of a countywide blueway and greenway path network.

Action 3. Develop and implement a comprehensive sidewalk plan to promote the establishment of bicycle and trail systems that connect residential, commercial, schools, and community facilities.

Action 4. Identify partnership opportunities to share resources in developing trails that connect between the cities and the unincorporated county.

GOAL 6. PROMOTE COLLABORATION WITH ORGANIZATIONS IN THE REGION TO ENHANCE TOURISM.

STRATEGY A. Create a cohesive vision for development of nature-based recreation in Harrison County.

Action 1. Strengthen relationships between nature-based tourism activities in unincorporated and incorporated areas of Harrison County.

Action 2. Encourage community non-profits to work together with jurisdictions within Harrison County to develop common characteristics to create a cohesive “brand” for development and promotion of nature-based tourism in Harrison County.

Action 3. Ensure that communities in Harrison County examine the relationship between their nature-based recreation activities

Action 2. Develop inter-local agreements to protect environmental corridors.

Action 3. Support the development of a study group to determine the causes and recommended solutions to improve water quality in the Mississippi Sound in partnership with Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

STRATEGY F. Ensure safe access to Harrison County recreational opportunities.

Action 1. Coordinate with Harrison County Sheriff ’s Department, municipal police departments, and the De Soto National Forest to patrol areas of high tourist activity during peak seasons.

Action 2. Partner with municipalities to increase the patrol of US Highway 90 and the sand beach during peak tourist season.

Action 3. Partner with the Army Corps of Engineers to plan for sand renourishment for areas of the sand beach impacted by wind-blown sand erosion.

STRATEGY G. Regularly remove debris to restore floodways and reduce disruptions of services.

Action 1. Support the efforts of the Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers to remove debris from the bay, bayous, streams, and rivers to aid in flood control.

Action 2. Develop a coordinated, sustained interagency debris removal plan to maintain clear streams, preventing damage to bridges and transportation facilities.

GOAL 5. ENHANCE THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEALTHY LIVING.

STRATEGY A. Coordinate with the cities and school districts to create a Harrison County Land Bank.

Source: Alicia Jackson

Figure 10-3. Through intergovernmental cooperation a regional blueways system could be achieved.

Source: Nathan Leppo


Figure 10-5. Cooperation to ensure a quality regional transportation system is an important goal of this plan.

Figure 10-6. The De Soto National Forest is a partner in the natural resource industry and a provider or recreational pportunities.


the Governor’s Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding, and Renewal Report.

Action 2. Initiate conversations with Mississippi coastal counties to support the development of a coast-wide Tourism Promotion Commission.

Action 3. Through the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau work to strengthen relationships with neighboring Hancock, Jackson and Stone counties.

Action 4. For development of water-based recreation in Harrison County coordinate with state agencies such as that Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

Action 5. Partner with adjacent communities, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Visitors Bureau, Harrison County Tourism Commission, Mississippi Department of Transportation, and local businesses to enhance signage and a wayfinding system for the sand beach and other tourism destinations.

Figure 10-4. The Citizen Advisory Council on Economic Development provides opportunities for citizen engagement on future development ideas.

Source: Meghan Gough

and existing nature-based recreation activities throughout the county including efforts within the five incorporated cities.

Action 4. Seek out opportunities for collaboration for development of nature-based recreation in order to establish projects that cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Action 5. Approach the Harrison County School District to discuss creating outdoor education facilities throughout the county that focus on nature-based educational opportunities.

Action 6. Support the efforts of the Gulf Coast Heritage Trails working group to establish greenways and blueways.

Action 7. Promote partnerships between the Gulf Coast Heritage Trails working group and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau and Harrison County Tourism Commission to create county-wide maps of the greenway and blueway trail systems for distribution and advertisement of nature-based recreational opportunities.

Action 8. Establish partnerships with other localities, tourism operators, and business organizations to develop to agree upon funding mechanisms for improvements along the sand beach (i.e., special improvement districts, parking authorities, entertainment sales taxes, and public-private partnerships).

STRATEGY B. Create regional partnerships and opportunities for enhancement and promotion of nature-based recreation in Harrison County.

Action 1. Lobby the State of Mississippi for the creation of a coast-wide Tourism Promotion Commission as recommended by



Action 6. Work with local governments and businesses to develop bonfire parks along the sand beach area for special events and seasonal weekly programming.

Action 7. Partner with local governments to construct family-oriented destination attractions such as a splash park along the sand beach area.

STRATEGY C. Partner to enhance the appearance of roadways.

Action 1. Work with MDOT to plant trees along the medians of state scenic byways to further enhance their aesthetic appeal.

Action 2. Develop intergovernmental agreements to ensure that state scenic byways maintain their scenic character.

Action 3. Share and adopt consistent regulatory language to protect visual and natural resources among adjacent communities fronting state scenic byways and roadways that serve as gateways for tourists.

Action 4. Coordinate with adjacent municipalities to add amenities to the sand beach areas as redevelopment processes across US Highway 90.

GOAL 7. GOVERNING BODIES OPERATING ON THE GULF COAST SHOULD PARTNER TO ENSURE REGIONAL, LONG-TERM FISCAL HEALTH.

STRATEGY A. Eliminate overlap of public services.

Action 1. Partner with cities to jointly provide public services to increase efficiency.

Action 2. Direct revenue streams for specific services to entities primarily responsible for providing the respective services.

Action 3. Focus revenues on governing bodies’ areas of excellence.

CONCEPTSCitizens Advisory Council on Economic Development Citizen engagement in community life is all too often adversarial in nature. Citizens are often the last to know about a new strategy, proposal, or project because community decision making can be far removed from their everyday concerns. After Katrina, citizens in Harrison County began participating much more in community decision making and planning processes. The Citizens Advisory Council on Economic Development creates a structure for continued involvement in the economic development planning process. The Advisory Council could provide a mechanism for citizens to provide comments on development ideas, strategies, or projects. As envisioned, opportunities for the Council to comment could be integrated into both economic development strategic planning processes and the development review processes. The Council could become a vehicle for citizens to engage in discussions of future directions for economic development policy prior to these ideas being considered for adoption. Additionally, the Council could become an important pipeline for developing community leaders and for educating citizenry about economic development.

Figure 10-7. Harrison County could use relationships established through intergovermental cooperation to create multi-county business parks as a way to market the region to larger, or more specialized industrial prospects.

Source: Ellen Cowell

Internal Economic Development Working Group Within the structure of county government, economic development falls squarely on the shoulders of no single department. Zoning will have a say on where something goes. Traffic and bridges may have a part to play in the infrastructure needs. Community Centers, Tourism, and Sand Beach all work to create positive environments that enhance the quality of life, while the Board of Supervisors provides leadership to everyone. Mentioning these few only starts the conversation. Each county department has a part to play to ensure that the county enjoys continued economic vitality. With the creation of this Comprehensive Plan, Harrison County government has the opportunity to create an internal working group whose mission would be to determine how the County will support economic development and undertake suggested actions. In addition, this working group could be charged with serving as a liaison to the Board of Supervisors to keep them aware of economic development issues that the County needs to examine. The working group is not envisioned to be a new department, but a group of representatives from numerous departments whose work already shapes economic development. Neither is the working group envisioned to be a commission external to the day-to-day operation of county government; rather, the group is envisioned to enable county government to align its resources in such a way that it serves as the mechanism for bringing economic development opportunities to the County Board of Supervisors and to help promote the implementation of the economic development goals, strategies, and actions of this plan.

Multi-County Business Park Interviews with economic development organizations around the region indicate an interest in discussing the possibility of creating a multi-county business park at some future point. As mentioned in the earlier Background material of this plan, Harrison County currently has limited industrial land for future development. A multi-county business park might enable the County to participate in marketing the region to larger industrial prospects or to develop a larger specialized park devoted to a specific industry sector or type (technology-based businesses, for example). The structure for multi-county business parks depends upon the local jurisdiction. Generally, ownership and management is jointly shared between jurisdictions, but the location of the park depends upon available land. At times parks are located in two or more counties, while at other times the parks lie within the boundaries of just one county. Community leaders may wish to start discussions on the topic of a multi-county business park and how that could further the competitive position


of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the global economy.

Gulf Coast Heritage Trails Working Group The Heritage Trails working group creates an opportunity to examine walkability and recreation related to the natural resources of the county. The working group in partnership with the Harrison County Supervisors can identify and construct pedestrian and water trail networks (green and blueways) throughout Harrison County. The working group could provide a mechanism for citizens to provide comments on development of the trail system, provide strategies on acquisition, and connect to existing trails. The concept of a trail system is complex and will evolve as the county continues to balance growth and development. These ideas could be integrated into an overall trails master plan. The working group could become a vehicle for discussions of future trail system development and policies prior to the construction of trails. Additionally, the working group could develop public awareness of the importance of recreation, health, and tourism opportunities. For more information on trails see the Healthy Communities chapter.

Nature-Based Recreation As facilities for nature-based tourism in Harrison

County are established, consideration should be given to how individual sites fit into a broader regional system. Creation of a county-wide vision for ecotourism in Harrison County will best promote nature-based recreational activities for residents and tourists. This common vision will be one that communities can participate in and use to promote their relationship to a larger interconnected network of nature-based recreational activities. There are sites throughout Harrison County where nature-based recreational activities could be established on their own and integrated into county-wide system of outdoor recreation. Individual communities in Harrison County and incorporated cities have worked to establish or plan walking trails in their own communities. These individual efforts and established sites could be promoted on a regional scale by identifying their role in a comprehensive system of recreational trails in Harrison County.

(Endnotes)1 Mississippi Code Annotated 1972. Accessed on 11 November 2007 at www.mscode.com.

2 Harrison County Planning and Development Survey (2006).

Figure 10-8. It is important for other jurisdictions to engage in the efforts underway in Harrison County. Below, a representative from Ocean Springs came to a stakeholder meeting to learn about what Harrison County plans for its beach while sharing the ideas for the Front Beach in Jackson County.

Source: Eric Lowry

Presently, there are efforts underway by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Heritage Trail working group to create a comprehensive system of greenways and blueways. Once greenway and blueway trails are established they will be promoted by Harrison County and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau through provision of county-wide trail maps identifying access points, trail lengths and significant characteristics about that particular trail. These maps will be distributed throughout Harrison County by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau and placed in welcome centers, hotel lobbies and libraries. The creation and promotion of an interconnected system of greenways and blueways, which also connects to other nature-based recreation activities throughout Harrison County, will result in a cohesive branding that identifies ecotourism opportunities in the county.

Regional Multi-Modal Emergency Notification System An Emergency Notification System could be used by the counties and their cities in the Mississippi Gulf Coast to notify citizens about emergencies. The counties and cities could jointly set up such a system for public safety purposes as a means for state and local authorities to deliver important emergency information such as weather information targeted at specific areas. A number of communication methods could be established to increase the likelihood of reaching more citizens. Through a cable access channel option, a controlled channel would be created that could be used to broadcast notifications. Community members, visitors, and other citizens could use this method in order to receive up-to-date information about hurricane threats and other emergencies. The counties and cities should collectively prepare videos for Internet viewing on emergency issues and step-by-step preparations for safety or evacuation. Notification could also be sent through Emergency Management Email/Text Message Alerts using databases of citizen and staff contact information, collected from volunteer registration processes on the county and city websites.


Strategy Goal 1: Increase communication and cooperation between all level of government in Harrison County

Responsible Parties Grant Funding Immediate Year 1 Short-term Year 2-5 Mid-term Year 6-10 Long-term Year 11-20

1A Action 1 Continue to actively participate in the Harrison County Council of Governments (COG) meetings.

Harrison County Zoning Office

Action 2 Propose a modified format for current Harrison County COG meetings to allow for more informal interaction.

Harrison County Zoning Office, Harrison County Board of Supervisors

Action 3 Explore alternative opportunities for regular informal interactions among local gov-ernments.

GRPC, Harrison County Zoning Office, Harrison County Board of Supervisors

Action 4 Research the feasibility of creating a cable access channel for the county and cities to communicate information about their community and its activities.


1B Action 1 Develop a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with cities to recognize all land use plans and policies.

Harrison County Zoning Office, Cities

Action 2 Establish shared access to current and future annexation studies, maintained through an email listserv.

Harrison County Board of Supervisors

Action 3 Share the Sand Beach Master Plan with local governments. Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Sand Beach Authority

1C Action 1 Partner to establish similar emergency information links from their local government websites.

Harrison County Zoning Office, Cities, Counties

Action 2 Prepare an instructional videos about emergency preparation to be aired on the cable access channel or through governmental websites.

Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Zoning Office, Cities

Action 3 Establish a common Emergency Management Email Alert for residents. Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Zoning Office, Cities

1D Action 1 Determine a focal point and inventory center for county departments to facilitate sharing of equipment and services.

GRPC, SMPDD, Harrison County Zoning Office, Harrison County Board of Supervisors

Strategy Goal 2: Improve access to opportunities for cooperation among all levels of govern-ment within Harrison County and the Larger Region.


2A Action 1. Explore methods for sharing existing Geographic Information System data on land use and natural resources.


Action 2 Continue to broaden the role of the SMPDD as a regional clearinghouse and educa-tional resource for cooperative planning.

SMPDD, Harrison County Zoning Office, Harrison County Board of Supervisors

Action 3 Continue to hold training sessions and educational forums for counties and cities on regional planning issues.


2B Action 1 Identify opportunities for increased assistance from regional agencies to address the need for enhanced staff capacity.


Strategy Goal 3: Encourage informed leadership committed to the economic vitality of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.


3A Action 1. Create an internal economic development working group made up of representatives of departments and elected officials.


Action 2 Develop stronger relationships with economic development planners. Harrison County Zoning Office, Harrison County Economic Working Group


3B Action 1 Participate in the development and continual update of a regional economic informa-tion database.

SPMDD, Harrison County Economic Working Group, HCDC, and other data partners

Action 2 Work to create evaluation tools that assess the effectiveness of economic strategies. Harrison County Economic Working Group

3C Action 1 Educate citizens and leaders on the economic vitality goals of the Harrison County Comprehensive Plan.

Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Zoning Office, Harrison County Economic Working Group

Action 2 Encourage economic development partners to implement the economic vitality goals of the Harrison County Comprehensive Plan.


Action 3 Provide or facilitate funding for economic development activities and organizations as resources allow.

Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Economic Working Group

Millage or grant sources as op-portunities arise

3D Action 1 Participate in efforts to secure increased activities at federal government installations. Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Development Commission (HCDC)

Action 2 Participate in all future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) efforts, should these occur.

Harrison County Board of Supervisors, HCDC

Action 3 Work with cities to protect all federal installations from land use encroachments. Harrison County Zoning Office

Action 4 Participate in local delegations to the International Council of Shopping Centers con-ference to market he region for increased retail development.

HCDC, Harrison County Economic Working Group

Action 5 Participate in all tourism destination marketing and development efforts. Harrison County Tourism Commission, Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Economic Working Group

Action 6 Participate in the development and implementation of Interstate Highway 10 Aero-space Corridor economic development strategies.

HCDC, Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Economic Working Group

Action 7 Support the implementation of current and future U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) Comprehensive Economic Develop-ment Strategies (CEDS).

HCDC, Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Economic Working Group

Action 8 Work to explore the creation of a multi-county business park. Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Economic Working Group

Action 9 Co-host economic development experts from around the nation to learn best prac-tices.


3E Action 1 Create a Citizens Advisory Council on Economic Development. Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Economic Working Group

Action 2 Host a series of county-wide meetings to gain citizen perspectives about economic development needs and opportunities.

Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Economic Working Group

Strategy Goal 4: Encourage intergovernmental cooperation to foster a safer Harrison County. Responsible Parties Grant Funding Immediate Year 1 Short-term Year 2-5 Mid-term Year 6-10 Long-term Year 11-204A Action 1 Coordinate to encourage Firewise communities in Harrison County. Harrison County Fire Department, Mississippi Forestry

Commission; the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fish-eries, and Parks; and the De Soto National Forest


4B Action 1 Sustain and implement further coordination and cooperation between utility agencies. Harrison County Utility Authority

Action 2 Promote cooperative planning for future water and sewer needs. Harrison County Utility Authority, Cities

4C Action 1 Support energy education programs promoting the benefits of renewable energy op-tions.

Harrison County Zoning Department

Action 2 Work to examine current renewable energy programs. Harrison County Zoning Department, Harrison County Board of Supervisors, MDA

Action 3 Draft and adopt a resolution of support for an energy buyback program. Harrison County Zoning, Department, Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Cities

Action 4 Lobby the State of Mississippi for the creation of a regional energy buyback program. Harrison County Board of Supervisors

4D Action 1 Collaborate with regional and state officials to address safety issues on highly traveled roads.

Harrison County Bridge and Traffic Department

Action 2 Work to secure funding for installation of traffic controls, and for maintenance and improvement of existing roadways,.

Harrison County Bridge and Traffic Department

Action 3 Work to conduct regular traffic counts to determine necessity of traffic control and safety devices.

Harrison County Bridge and Traffic Department, GRPC

Action 4 Coordinate to ensure that existing and new roads can accommodate evacuation traffic. Harrison County Bridge and Traffic Department, Harrison County Civil Defense Department, MDOT, GRPC

4E Action 1 Coordinate the stormwater management efforts in compliance with Phase II regula-tions.

Harrison County Engineer

Action 2 Develop inter-local agreements to protect environmental corridors. Harrison County Zoning Department

Action 3 Support the development of a study group to determine the causes and recommended solutions to improve water quality in the Mississippi Sound.

Harrison County Zoning Department, Harrison County Utility Authority, Harrison County Engineer, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, and the Army Corps of Engi-neers

4F Action 1 Coordinate to patrol areas of high tourist activity during peak seasons. Harrison County Sheriff ’s Department, Municipal Police Departments, and the De Soto National Forest

Action 2 Partner to increase the patrol of US Highway 90 and the sand beach during peak tour-ist season.

Harrison County Sheriff ’s Department, Sand Beach Author-ity, Cities

Action 3 Partner to plan for sand renourishment for areas of the sand beach impacted by wind-blown sand erosion.

Sand Beach Authority, Army Corps of Engineers

4G Action 1 Support the efforts of the Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers to remove debris from the bay, bayous, streams, and rivers.

Harrison County Engineer

Action 2 Develop a coordinated, sustained interagency debris removal plan. Harrison County Engineer


Strategy Goal 5: Enhance the built environment to create opportunities for healthy living. Responsible Parties Grant Funding Immediate Year 1 Short-term Year 2-5 Mid-term Year 6-10 Long-term Year 11-205A Action 1. Create a partnership to identify tax default properties appropriate to be reused for nat-

ural resource preservation, recreation, community gardens, or other public purposes.Harrison County Zoning Office, Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Cities

5B Action 1 Establish a task force devoted to creating walking, running, and canoeing/kayaking opportunities.


Action 2 Support efforts of the Heritage Trails Working Group for the development of county-wide blueway and greenway networks.

Harrison County Heritage Trail Task Force

Action 3 Develop and implement a comprehensive sidewalk plan to promote the establishment of bicycle and trail systems that connect residential, commercial, schools, and com-munity facilities.


Action 4 Identify opportunities to share resources in developing connecting trails. Harrison County Zoning Office, Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Cities

Strategy GOAL 6: Promote collaboration with organizations in the region to promote tourism. Responsible Parties Grant Funding Immediate Year 1 Short-term Year 2-5 Mid-term Year 6-10 Long-term Year 11-206A Action1 Strengthen relationships between nature-based tourism activities. Mississippi Gulf Coast Covention and Visitors Bureau, Har-

rison County, Gulf Coast Business Council

Action 2 Encourage the development of a common “brand” for development and promotion of nature-based tourism.

Harrison County, Non-Profits in Harrison County

Action 3 Examine the relationship between nature-based recreation activities. Harrison County, Cities

Action 4 Seek out opportunities for collaboration for development of nature-based recreation. Mississippi Gulf Coast Covention and Visitors Bureau

Action 5 Discuss creation of outdoor education facilities that focus on nature-based educa-tional opportunities.

Harrison County, Harrison County School District

Action 6 Support the efforts of the Gulf Coast Heritage Trails working group to establish greenways and blueways.

Harriosn County, Gulf Coast Heritage Trails working group

Action 7 Create county-wide maps of the greenway and blueway trail systems for distribution and advertisement of nature-based recreational opportunities.

Gulf Coast Heritage Trails working group, Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, Harrison County

Action 8 Establish partnerships to develop to agree upon funding mechanisms for improve-ments along the sand beach.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, Gulf Coast Business Council

6B Action 1 Lobby the State of Mississippi to create a coast-wide Tourism Promotion Commis-sion.

Harrison County, Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau

Action 2 Initiate conversations with Mississippi coastal counties to support the development of a coast-wide Tourism Promotion Commission.

Mississippi Coastal Commission

Action 3 Work to strengthen relationships with neighboring Hancock, Jackson and Stone coun-ties.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau

Action 4 Coordinate to develop water-based recreation in Harrison County. Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Missis-sippi Department of Marine Resources and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Action 5 Partner to enhance signage and a wayfinding system for sand beach tourism. MDOT, Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sand Beach Authority


Action 6 Work to develop bonfire parks along the sand beach. Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sand Beach Authority

Action 7 Partner to construct family-oriented destination attractions along the sand beach area. Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sand Beach Authority

6 C Action 1 Work to plant trees along the medians of state scenic byways. MDOT, Harrison County

Action 2 Develop intergovernmental agreements to ensure that state scenic byways maintain their scenic character.

MDOT, Harrison County

Action 3 Share and adopt consistent regulatory language to protect visual and natural resources along scenic byways and roadways that serve as gateways for tourists.

MDOT, Harrison County

Action 4 Coordinate to add additional amenities to the sand beach areas. Mississippi Coastal Commission

Strategy Goal 7: Eliminate Overlap of Public Services Responsible Parties Grant Funding Immediate Year 1 Short-term Year 2-5 Mid-term Year 6-10 Long-term Year 11-207A Action 1 Partner to jointly provide public services. Harrison County Zoning Office, Harrison County Board of

Supervisors, Cities

Action 2 Direct revenue streams for specific services to ntities primarily responsible for provid-ing the respective services.

Harrison County Zoning Office, Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Cities

Action 3 Focus revenues on governing bodies’ areas of excellence. Harrison County Zoning Office, Harrison County Board of Supervisors

Figure 10-9. Harrison County benefits from its relationship with many other governmental agencies, for example the Coast Transit Authority and the Mississippi Department of Transportation both of which make it easier for citizens of Harrison County to get around.

Source: Meghan Dunton

Chapter 10. Intergovernmental KEY ISSUES

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Transcript of Chapter 10. Intergovernmental KEY ISSUES