AGP Executive Report

Property Tax Push: House lawmakers are exploring ways to cut Mississippi property taxes and car tag fees, holding meetings with county tax collectors and the Department of Revenue to find “replacement revenue” that eases the homestead burden. Workforce Focus: The Mississippi Business Alliance’s Columbus-area tour stop found workforce availability is the top growth limiter for many business leaders, with MSBA pointing to WorkFuture as the bridge between employer needs and education/training. Ole Miss Drug Warning: Authorities investigating the deaths of two Ole Miss students found packaged kratom at both locations and urged the public to avoid kratom and any unprescribed substances while autopsies and toxicology tests proceed. Energy & Infrastructure: Florida Gas Transmission is seeking federal approval to expand an interstate natural gas pipeline segment that would add capacity through Mississippi and Florida, with construction eyed for late 2027. Crypto Regulation: The OCC continues granting national trust bank licenses to crypto infrastructure firms, including those building banking for AI agents, as stablecoin legislation faces shifting Senate support. Wendy’s Fallout: A major Wendy’s franchise operator filed for bankruptcy protection after the company moved to terminate its franchise agreement, citing large royalty and fee disputes.

Mississippi Business & Economy: Housing & local funding: Laurel is weighing an application to the Mississippi Home Corporation for about $6.6 million to rehab and reconstruct affordable homes, with a public hearing set at City Hall. Elections & business climate: Mississippi circuit clerks are now taking absentee ballot requests for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election, with in-person options on Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. Energy & fuel costs: Diesel prices are climbing again, with regional reporting tying the spike to export policy debates. Real estate investment: PlaceMKR says it expanded into Mississippi with a $31.85 million multi-state retail portfolio purchase, including At Home stores under long-term triple-net leases. Defense & workforce: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is hosting “Securing the Coast” (Sept. 29) to help local firms meet growing federal cybersecurity requirements. Public health & consumer costs: Multiple state attorneys general are urging consumers to file claims tied to a multistate settlement over illegal generic drug price collusion.

Mortgage & Housing Watch: ATTOM data show Mississippi has 6.4% of mortgaged homes “seriously underwater,” with underwater rates rising in 33 states—an equity check agents say matters before pricing. Power Reliability & Data Centers: Entergy-Mississippi told Attala County residents it’s boosting reliability spending by 50% to $1B over five years, with data centers covering the cost, aiming to cut outages 50%. Retail Finance Shock: Meritage Hospitality Group, which runs 314 Wendy’s in 15 states, filed Chapter 11 after Wendy’s moved to terminate its franchise—raising questions for workers and suppliers. Local Business Expansion: Planet hired Derek Vandlen as regional sales manager to grow mortgage production across Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama, with plans that include Mississippi. Healthcare Services: Sightpath Medical will bring expanded retina services to the AAO meeting in New Orleans, pitching a per-case model for hospitals and surgeons. Public Health & Basic Needs: A Mississippi op-ed argues diapers and period products should be treated as healthcare, citing diaper insecurity and period poverty risks. Energy Costs: Diesel hit record highs as Mississippi gas prices push closer to $4 a gallon, with lawmakers linking the spike to the Iran conflict. Community & Infrastructure: Baton Rouge extended the River Road Levee Trail to connect two major residential developments to the Downtown Greenway. Weather Outlook: NOAA says a “super El Niño” could bring warmer, wetter conditions to Missouri this fall, potentially easing drought-stressed pastures and late-planted crops.

Workforce & Local Economy: Mississippi State University Extension is rolling out “AI to Answers,” a USDA-funded training effort to help agricultural entrepreneurs and Extension professionals use AI for digital marketing and market access. Agriculture Costs: MSU Extension economist Josh Maples says transportation expenses and diesel costs are squeezing cattle producers heading into 2027, especially during peak hauling seasons. Maritime Jobs Pipeline: The Corn Belt Ports Rural Maritime and Logistics Training and Education Consortium was named a 2026 U.S. Maritime Administration Center of Excellence, boosting training for careers tied to the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway freight corridors. Energy Leadership: The Southern States Energy Board elected Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón as chair for 2026–2027, highlighting generation upgrades and resilience efforts aimed at attracting investment. Business & Hiring Tech: Ingalls Shipbuilding’s VR welding lab has trained more than 1,000 workers since opening in January 2025, supported by Navy and Mississippi workforce partners. Community & Culture: A Mississippi wildlife rescue is teaching abandoned baby raccoons survival skills through a “raccoon boot camp” program. Local Business Spotlight: Halsey Real Estate is expanding into Little Rock with a new commercial office and leadership appointment.

Nissan Manufacturing: Nissan is weighing a third production shift at its Tennessee plant as the first U.S. hybrid Rogue launches, which could lift U.S. output to about 1 million vehicles from roughly 487,000 in 2025; the automaker also runs a Mississippi plant in Canton producing the Altima and Frontier. Mississippi Agriculture: Mississippi State Extension economist Josh Maples says August cattle placements fell 9% year over year, hitting the lowest August level on record, pointing to tighter supplies as fewer calves move into feedyards. Flood Insurance Risk: FEMA’s updated flood maps are pushing more homes into high-risk flood zones, triggering a 45-day requirement to secure flood insurance in affected communities—an issue that can hit Gulf Coast homeowners hardest. Local Community Impact: Rotary volunteers in Biloxi helped build 50 beds for children in need through Sleep in Heavenly Peace, with donated bedding and books supporting the effort. Education Policy: U.S. public school spending hit a record $17,619 per student in fiscal 2024 even as enrollment keeps falling, intensifying debate over how districts use resources.

Airport Construction Update: Meridian Regional Airport says the new terminal is mostly complete, but the north parking lot is closed for remaining construction and paving; travelers will still use the southern entrance and will gain more lobby space plus restrooms on the other side of security. Regional Business Expansion: Develon is adding three Southeastern dealerships—Premier Equipment, Team Boone, and TraxPlus—expanding new/used equipment sales, parts inventories, and rental plus shop and field service for contractors across the region. Maritime & Seafood Economy: Mississippi oyster reefs are rebounding ahead of the 2026-27 season, with the state estimating nearly 400,000 sacks of oysters versus about 275,000 last year after limestone and shell restoration on 236 acres; season opens Oct. 1. Local Culture & Tourism: The Mighty Roots Music Festival returns Sept. 25-26 at Stovall Farms near Clarksdale, featuring 12 bands, multiple stages, food trucks, and Delta Council’s Future Delta program. Shipping & Commodities: A surge of high-value African copper shipments is backing up New Orleans marine terminals, with logistics firms rerouting metal up the Mississippi by barge as congestion delays loading.

Interstate 14 Push: A planned “Forts to Ports” Interstate 14 corridor from Georgia to Texas would connect Mississippi cities like Meridian, Laurel and Natchez—and link to Gulfport—yet construction has stalled, with only 25 miles completed in Texas so far and no dedicated federal funding, meaning states may have to foot much of the bill. College Football & Local Economy: The Ole Miss–LSU showdown in Oxford brings major business impact to central Mississippi, with top-10 stakes and Lane Kiffin’s return driving travel, spending and heightened security planning. Supply Chain Crime Watch: Federal charges tied to an organized cargo theft ring targeting a Memphis Nike logistics center highlight how losses ripple into Mississippi businesses and families, with a Mississippi senator urging stronger federal tools to prosecute retail cargo theft. Education & Demographics: Communities across the country are weighing school closures and consolidations as declining birth rates shrink enrollment and strain budgets, with pandemic funding roll-offs adding pressure. Local Business Calendar: Jackson’s Holiday Market returns to the Mississippi Trade Mart after a spring fire cancellation, bringing 125+ merchants and added security measures.

Mississippi Business & Economy: Holiday Market of Jackson: The Holiday Market of Jackson returns Sept. 18-20 to the Mississippi Trade Mart with 125+ merchants after a Spring Market cancellation tied to a March fire, and organizers say added security will be in place. Local Housing Watch: Zillow home values: Simpson County’s typical home value rose to $162,451 (+0.5% YoY) while Jefferson County fell to $97,256 (-17.5% YoY), underscoring uneven housing momentum across the state. Workforce & Learning: MGCCC AI Summit: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will host the inaugural Gulf Coast AI Summit next week, aimed at small businesses and everyday professionals learning how AI could change jobs and operations. Business/Community Giving: Taco Bell Foundation grant: K-MAC Enterprises’ $50,000 grant supports the Boys & Girls Club of Magnolia’s “Own Your Future” program as part of a record $32M national foundation effort. Public Health: Hand soap recall: The FDA upgraded a Class II recall for certain hand soaps sold in 15 states due to possible bacterial contamination.

Ole Miss-LSU Weekend Economy: Oxford is bracing for a massive crowd as Lane Kiffin returns to campus, with fans packing local restaurants and gear sales and Mississippi tourism leaders expecting a big economic lift tied to the rivalry. Housing & Rent Pressure: Ocean Springs officials say a long-running cap on short-term rentals hasn’t stopped rising prices, while Starkville renters face voucher uncertainty as HUD participation changes threaten affordability. Medicaid Drug Pricing Push: President Trump says “most favored nation” drug pricing is now available to Medicaid in all 50 states, with Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves among governors backing the plan aimed at lowering costs. Mississippi Policy & Community: The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus holds its Delta retreat in Greenville, focusing on voting, education, health care, economic opportunity and infrastructure ahead of the 2027 session. Port Legal Fight (New Orleans): A judge allowed a lawsuit over Port NOLA’s Mississippi River container terminal jurisdiction in St. Bernard Parish to proceed to trial. Transportation Politics: Sen. Chuck Younger says he plans to run for Northern District transportation commissioner in 2027, teeing up a leadership shift for Mississippi’s highways and transportation funding. Fuel Costs: AAA reports diesel in Illinois hit an all-time high, a reminder of how energy prices ripple into regional business costs.

Mississippi Jobs & Economy: Mississippi employment hit a record high in August as unemployment fell to 3.4%, signaling continued labor-market strength. Manufacturing & Energy Investment: Hitachi Energy is committing $528 million to expand Mississippi transformer operations in Copiah County, with plans to add 654 jobs. Local Development: A Pass Road “possibilities” tour in Biloxi is helping spur new investment as developers buy and renovate long-vacant buildings along the corridor. Retail & Campus Growth: Shaq’s Big Chicken is set to open at Jackson State University, adding a new lunch option for students and the public. Public Health & Policy: Trump announced Medicaid “most favored nation” drug pricing access for all 50 states, aiming at major Medicaid savings. Community & Civic Life: A new Clinton Executive Director Council is bringing local government, business, and nonprofits together to coordinate projects and partnerships. Corrections & Workforce Re-entry: Stone County’s Pathway Home 5 re-entry program is seeing growing demand, with a waitlist forming for the next cohort. Business Events: Holiday Market returns to the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson after last spring’s fire, bringing 125+ merchants for a weekend of shopping.

Mississippi Student Debt: WalletHub ranks Mississippi No. 1 for student loan stress, with average debt topping 54% of median income and the nation’s highest default rate—highlighting weak job/internship access for borrowers. Healthcare & Pharma: The Trump administration plans to expand Medicaid “most-favored-nation” drug pricing to all 50 states, aiming at major savings for states and the federal government. Local Business & Jobs: LSU’s Fall Career Expo drew about 2,000 students and 258 employers, including new companies and recruiters from law, finance, and STEM. River Economy & AI: Mississippi River mayors are coordinating on how to evaluate data center proposals, focusing on water and utility impacts as AI demand accelerates. Manufacturing Investment: Hitachi Energy is expanding in Copiah County with a $528M transformer factory plan, adding to Mississippi’s push for grid and industrial capacity. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Mississippi’s transportation politics see a new bid as Sen. Chuck Younger files for Transportation Commissioner, aiming to apply highways and agriculture experience to road and bridge priorities. Community Tech in Healthcare: Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center installed Philips Rembra CT to speed emergency imaging and expand advanced diagnostics access.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Hitachi Energy is moving ahead with a $528 million transformer factory in Mississippi, a major expansion aimed at boosting U.S. grid capacity and local manufacturing. Workforce Development: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is expanding skilled trades programs with $1.7 million from the Lowe’s Foundation, adding tools, scholarships, and an evening electrical track to help close a growing labor gap. State Policy: Gov. Tate Reeves signed a shared stewardship agreement to strengthen Mississippi forests, coordinating state and federal agencies on forest health, wildfire risk reduction, and support for the timber economy. Retail & Growth: Toys “R” Us is returning to the Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl, alongside new Spirit Halloween and Clarks locations, with openings expected by late 2026. Local Economy: Oxford businesses are bracing for a major LSU-Ole Miss weekend, with tourism officials estimating unusually large crowd and spending impacts. Consumer Watch: FDA recalls multiple Tex-Mex products and hand soaps sold in several states due to potential bacterial contamination, urging shoppers to check lot details. Insurance & Courts: A Dallas County jury awarded a Mississippi family $1 million in an underinsured motorist case against Progressive tied to hearing loss claims after a 2021 crash. Elections: Absentee voting opens Monday in Lauderdale County ahead of the Nov. 3 election, with specific eligibility rules and extended weekend hours.

FDA Recall: The FDA classified a recall of six hand soap products distributed in 15 states, including Mississippi, after potential bacterial contamination (including Pseudomonas and Serratia) was flagged; the recall covers thousands of cases tied to Intercon Chemical and includes Laura Lynn soaps sold through Ingles in parts of the region. Mississippi Wealth: Forbes’ latest “richest 400” list includes only two Mississippi billionaires—the Duff brothers of Hattiesburg—ranked among the top U.S. fortunes with a combined net worth around $4.5 billion each. Local Talent Pipeline: Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science and Heritage Academy each placed students on the National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalist list, highlighting continued academic strength feeding future workforce needs. Big Employer Watch: Hitachi Energy’s $528 million transformer factory push in Mississippi (plus 654 jobs) keeps the state in the spotlight for grid and manufacturing investment. Education & Demographics: A national report warns declining birth rates are forcing more K-12 school closures and consolidations, a pressure Mississippi districts will likely feel too.

Meta Settlement Spending Plan: Mississippi AG Lynn Fitch laid out a consent-decree plan to direct $189M from the national Meta lawsuit into child-focused programs, routing more than $18M a year across three state agencies for a decade. Grid & Data Center Costs: The U.S. House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act to stop data centers from shifting electricity and grid upgrade costs onto other customers, though state-level hurdles still remain. Major Manufacturing Investment: Hitachi Energy says it will invest $528M to expand transformer manufacturing in Mississippi, with construction starting late 2026 and production targeted for 2029, adding hundreds of jobs. Public Health Alert: The FDA issued a Class II recall for six hand soap products sold in 15 states over potential bacterial contamination, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Rural Economy Watch: A new report on the farm economy downturn highlights rising bankruptcies across the South and lays out recovery guidance from economists and extension partners. Education Recognition: Mississippi’s STAR Program enters a new era as the Cook Foundation takes over management of the long-running student-teacher achievement awards. Local Business & Community: A Petal pharmacist was sentenced to federal prison and probation after tax offenses tied to employee payroll taxes, while Mississippi tourism leaders reviewed a strong summer season and pointed to fall events.

Transformer boom in Mississippi: Gov. Tate Reeves says Hitachi Energy will invest $528 million to expand its Copiah County transformer operations, with construction starting later this year and 654 jobs expected as production ramps toward 2029. Local governance & growth pressure: Mississippi supervisors are weighing how to handle the fast-moving data center buildout, balancing jobs and tax revenue against community concerns like water and power. Energy & infrastructure planning: A community input process is underway for an $800 million I-55 bridge project, with officials discussing timelines and impacts for drivers and commerce. Public health & business risk: Mississippi’s pharmacy access gap is highlighted as a statewide issue, while a national report notes Mississippi’s high prostate cancer death rate—a reminder that health outcomes can shape workforce stability. Community cleanup: Volunteers with Xcel Energy removed several hundred pounds of trash from the Mississippi River shoreline in Monticello, showing how local businesses and employers can support riverfront quality. Child custody law shift: Mississippi and Louisiana are among states moving toward 50-50 custody as a default in divorce cases, a change that could affect legal services demand and family court operations.

Hitachi Energy Expansion: Gov. Tate Reeves announced a $528 million investment in Copiah County to expand transformer manufacturing, expected to create 654 jobs, with construction starting later this year and production targeted for 2029. Rural Healthcare Funding: Reeves also unveiled the first round of Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Program awards totaling $104.1 million, including $3 million for Ochsner Rush Health to upgrade patient monitoring, nurse call, and infant security systems. Education & Business Legacy: The Cook Foundation has assumed responsibility for the STAR Program, keeping the long-running state recognition for top students and teachers moving forward. Local Government & Data Centers: Mississippi county supervisors are getting a crash course on data centers as the industry expands, with questions focused on jobs, tax revenue, utilities, and water impacts. Ocean Aero Jobs: Ocean Aero is expanding its Gulfport facility with a $4 million project adding 20,000 square feet and 45 jobs to meet demand for its Triton underwater vehicle. Tourism Win: The Henry Smith House in Picayune earned a statewide destination venue award from the Mississippi Small Business Center Network. Gas Prices Watch: Diesel and gas prices remain volatile, with GasBuddy reporting Mississippi County’s lowest diesel at $5.19 (week ending Sept. 5) and national diesel averaging $6.23. Ag Tech: Mississippi State’s Ag Autonomy Institute director says AI is moving toward plant-level detection and targeted inputs, but connectivity and support will decide who benefits.