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Just a few weeks back in Natchez and the trusty reporter’s notebook is filling up with scribbles and observations, notes and questions. That means it’s time to share them with you, as well.

We’ve all heard the saying, “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” And that adage came to mind during a conversation with the Very Rev. Aaron Williams, as we talked about Catholic Charities of Jackson’s decision to shut down to the Guardian Shelter, a regional haven for victims of domestic abuse. Sadly, the Natchez shelter will no longer be available to provide resources for these women and children, and as a community we will face the challenge of how to connect victims with help. Yet, as Fr. Aaron, pointed out, maybe this time gives us a chance to talk about other needs in the community as well, specifically addressing a shelter or services for the homeless. It’s an important discussion we need to have. Since returning to Natchez, I’ve had multiple conversations with people about the homeless encampments in our community – from residents who are wary about going to Walmart at night for fear of encountering a homeless individual to law enforcement officials who see the need but do not have the resources or authority to resolve the issue. Less than two weeks ago, a badly decomposed body was found in the woods near Natchez High School, likely an unhoused person who had been living in the area. For religious leaders, like Fr. Aaron, the response is one of concern and compassion, a desire to help those in need regardless of their willingness to ask for that help.

I have no solutions to offer, and am not even sure I’ve formed the right questions to ask about this situation. But I simply offer this for consideration: As a community, we have an issue or, depending on how you see it, an opportunity. What we do about that is up to us, and maybe we should consider that a window is opening.

At a Natchez Now meeting earlier this week, Natchez Inc. Executive Director Chandler Russ offered a candid and comprehensive update on the work on economic development work in our community over the past year. We know the challenges and opportunities are ever-evolving, and it’s encouraging to see the strength of the Natchez Now effort to continue to support the work of economic development in Natchez. While it may be tempting to measure success simply by the announcements of new or expanding industrial projects, that would be an incomplete measure. Economic development is an ongoing process – from having the resources and spaces available for potential new projects to promoting the community to workforce development. And often overlooked are all the ancillary factors that go into building and maintaining a community that appeals to prospective employers – from educational opportunities to tax rates, infrastructure to quality of life, and so many more.

The Natchez Inc. update provided a wealth of information to unpack and understand about our community, but two statistics are worthy of note. First, for the first time in maybe 40 years, the U.S. Census is projecting population growth in Natchez and Adams County through 2030. We’ll be digging into that Census information and sharing more with you in coming weeks, particularly as we look at what that means for our community.

Second, sales tax data and other factors show a $50 million growth in local economy dollars from 2019 to 2024. That means more money circulating in our local economy, being spent in stores and restaurants and going into local paychecks. That’s the type of tangible growth that our local market needs.

And speaking of local markets, we honored the Best of the Miss Lou Reader’s Choice award winners this week with a reception at the Natchez Convention Center. The annual event truly is a highlight of our year and a highlight for the award-winners. This year, readers cast more than 75,000 votes in a two-week period, making the honors a humbling experience for many business owners and professionals. If you need a dose of joy in your life, I highly recommend being able to watch winners from all walks of life pose for photographs with their certificates in front of a step-and-repeat banner. The smiles are infectious, and for just one night the pressures of running a business and serving the community are forgotten as they bask in the recognition of their community. What a gift.

 

Stacy Graning is publisher of The Democrat. Email her at stacy.graning@natchezdemocrat.com.