Gilich: We want to be a data-driven city

Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, who was sworn in one year ago today before family and friends at the Biloxi Visitors Center (days ahead of his formal inauguration on May 20), spoke about the importance of being a data-driven city during his “Breakfast with the Mayor” presentation this morning.

“If you can measure it, you can manage it,” Gilich told the Biloxi Chamber audience of about 200 at Edgewater Mall this morning. By measuring progress on any number of issues – whether it’s temporary paving in east Biloxi or traffic speeds with upcoming digital speed limit signs – a city can be more responsive to quality-of-life issues.

Gilich also outlined progress on temporary paving, refinancing of city bonds that saved more than $2 million, the pending opening of the Margaritaville Resort in Biloxi, and new technology on the way in the Biloxi Police Department.
See photos from the gathering this morning
See the swearing-in of Andrew “FoFo” Gilich, May 18, 2015
City Desk: Infrastructure work and increased police presence

 

News and notes

Paving progress: The thunderstorms on Tuesday shut down temporary paving operations in east Biloxi for a day, but Warren Paving crews resumed work today, on Bohn Street which they expect to wrap up this afternoon. Then, it’s on to Reynoir, Lameuse and Main streets, with each thoroughfare expected to take a day. Of course, Porter Avenue and the western end of Division were paved earlier this week. Acting City Engineer Christy LeBatard speaks about the temporary paving and infrastructure in this week’s City Desk podcast. To listen click here.

Mutzie at Kroc Center: Mutzie, the award-winning Christian comedian, will perform at the Salvation Army Kroc Center on Sunday at 8 p.m. The show is free, but the Army will be taking up a “love offering.” For more information on the show, call the Kroc Center at 228-207-1218. For a video dash of Mutzie, click here.

Planning Commission: The Biloxi Planning Commission meets Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Municipal Building on MLK Boulevard. Among the items on the agenda: Former City Councilmember Lucy Denton will seek a permit to establish a short-term rental on her beachfront property. To see the agenda, click here.