Biloxi, MS

 Living the Coastal Life

With a Rich History and a Distinct Vibrancy, This City is Making Waves

 

Biloxi is the kind of place where history is not tucked away in a museum. It is visible in the working waterfront where shrimp boats still dock beside modern resorts, in long-held traditions like Mardi Gras that bring generations together, and in the way the city speaks about resilience as a lived experience rather than a slogan. With roots stretching back to 1699, Biloxi blends deep cultural identity with a modern economic engine driven by tourism, gaming, military influence, and a steady pipeline of redevelopment that continues to reshape the Gulf Coast city.

“Biloxi is nearly 327 years old, and we have a tremendous history,” Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says. “We are a mixture of what we call gumbo, different lifestyles and influences, but we are culturally tied to South Louisiana, and that shows up in our food, our events, and our outlook.”

Once known as the seafood capital of the world, Biloxi grew around its working waterfront, boat building, and seafood processing industries. While that heritage remains visible today, the city has successfully diversified its economy, leaning into tourism, hospitality, gaming, and military partnerships to sustain long-term growth.

“We transformed ourselves over the years,” Mayor Gilich explains. “We went from seafood and limited tourism to becoming a very strong casino gaming destination, and that continues to grow.”

Where Coast Meets Culture

Biloxi occupies a unique place within Mississippi. With beaches, fishing, and a coastal outlook more commonly associated with larger Gulf cities, Biloxi offers a lifestyle that feels distinct from much of the state.

“We sit in a unique spot as far as municipalities in Mississippi,” Mayor Gilich says. “We have tourism, beaches, fishing, and a different way of life.”

The city’s man-made beaches, developed beginning in the 1920s, remain a defining feature. Stretching along Highway 90, they serve as both a recreational asset and a key tourism draw. Combined with access to boating, golf, and dining, Biloxi delivers a coastal experience that attracts visitors year-round and appeals to residents seeking proximity to water and amenities.

This lifestyle is reinforced by Biloxi’s cultural connections to the broader Gulf Coast. Influences from New Orleans and Mobile are evident in food, music, and festivals, helping position Biloxi as part of a larger regional story rather than an isolated destination.

Tourism as a Year-Round Economic Driver

Tourism remains a cornerstone of Biloxi’s economy, supported by a diverse mix of attractions, events, and infrastructure. Casino gaming plays a major role, with eight casinos contributing to employment, tax revenue, and visitor traffic. Yet city leaders are intentional about ensuring tourism extends beyond casino floors.

“Mardi Gras is a big deal down here,” Mayor Gilich says. “It is part of the culture, and it brings tens of thousands of people into the city.”

Biloxi’s Mardi Gras celebrations include several parades with routes more than a mile long, with dozens to over 100 floats and significant regional participation. It is one of several signature events that anchor the tourism calendar.

Sports also play an important role. The Biloxi Shuckers, the city’s Minor League Baseball team, draws steady crowds downtown throughout the season, supporting local restaurants and businesses. In the fall, Cruisin’ The Coast transforms the region into one of the largest classic car gatherings in the country, drawing thousands of participants from across the United States and many from around the world.

Transportation improvements are expanding Biloxi’s reach. New Amtrak passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast allows visitors from New Orleans and Mobile to easily include Biloxi in day trips or longer stays.

“That rail service gives people an easy way to experience the coast,” Mayor Gilich explains. “They can get off the train, walk downtown, catch a game, and really see what we have here.”

Preservation as a Catalyst for Progress

Downtown Biloxi is central to the city’s growth strategy. Positioned near casinos, the waterfront, and historic neighborhoods, the downtown area is being reshaped to encourage walkability, exploration, and reinvestment.

“People come out of the casinos wanting to walk across the street and find something else to do,” Jerry Creel, Director of Community Development, says. “Downtown Biloxi offers history, restaurants, hotels, and a working waterfront all in one place.”

That working waterfront remains a powerful symbol. Shrimp boats docked near major resorts serve as a visible reminder of Biloxi’s roots and add authenticity to the visitor experience.

Several redevelopment projects illustrate the city’s approach. Sharkheads is planning a large beach gift shop and second retail development across from the Hard Rock Casino on Highway 90, activating a long vacant site left undeveloped since Hurricane Katrina. The Biloxi Yacht Club has recently relocated to the former Biloxi Public Library, transforming a historic building into a new civic attraction. The Saenger Theatre and the former Barq’s Root Beer building are also undergoing restoration, blending preservation with new commercial and residential uses.

“Business brings business,” Creel says. “When you restore a building and activate an area, it changes perceptions and creates momentum.”

Leadership Through Partnership

Biloxi’s progress is driven not only by projects but by relationships. City leadership emphasizes a collaborative culture that values communication, trust, and problem-solving.

“One of the things I had to learn when I moved here is that everything in Biloxi is about developing trusting relationships,” Creel says. “We work closely with developers, banks, real estate agents, and others, and we communicate constantly about opportunities.”

That philosophy extends to City Hall. Creel describes a development environment in which proposals are evaluated with an emphasis on feasibility and shared benefits.

“We have a mayor who is very open-minded,” Creel says. “He looks at job creation and economic impact, but he also asks what needs to happen to make a project work.”

Mayor Gilich highlights long-term fiscal stability as a key part of Biloxi’s value proposition. “We have not touched ad valorem taxes in 28 years,” he says. “That stability matters to investors and residents alike.”

Institutional partnerships also shape Biloxi’s economy, particularly with Keesler Air Force Base. Established in 1941, the base brought rapid growth during World War II and remains one of the city’s most important anchors.

“Keesler changed everything,” Mayor Gilich recalls. “People come through here from all over the country, and many of them come back years later because of that connection.”

Balancing Lifestyle and Affordability

As tourism and development increase, housing has become a central focus. Biloxi is seeing renewed interest in downtown living, townhomes, and single-family neighborhoods, reflecting a desire for both walkable lifestyles and traditional residential options.

“We are seeing people interested in living downtown again,” Creel says. “They like being able to walk, use public transportation, and be close to amenities.”

Several adaptive reuse projects have converted former commercial buildings into residential units, helping demonstrate demand for downtown housing. Townhome developments are emerging near the peninsula and major retail areas, while single-family construction remains strong north of Interstate 10, where affordability and lower flood risk align with market demand.

“People want to live close to what we offer, but they also want housing they can afford and space for families,” Creel explains.

On the peninsula, zoning changes are aligning development with flood realities. Areas once dominated by single-family zoning have been reclassified to support hospitality and commercial uses that can better absorb the costs of elevation and storm standards.

“We changed zoning to community business in key areas,” Creel says. “It makes more sense for coastal conditions, and it has already generated strong interest.”

Rebuilding for Resilience

Infrastructure is one of Biloxi’s most significant commitments. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the city embarked on a comprehensive rebuilding effort that is now nearing completion.

“We are finishing up a $344 million infrastructure rebuild,” Mayor Gilich says. “That includes water, sewer, drainage, streets, and sidewalks throughout the peninsula.”

A major component of the work has been transitioning to gravity-fed sewer systems, reducing reliance on lift stations that can fail during storms. The city has also invested heavily in drainage improvements and road upgrades to enhance safety and functionality.

Transportation projects are equally important. Extending Popp’s Ferry Road to Highway 90 will improve traffic flow, support evacuation planning, and enhance access to major venues such as the Coliseum and Convention Center. This project is currently under construction, with completion expected by the end of the year.

“This corridor improvement is critical for residents and visitors,” Mayor Gilich explains. “It will improve access and reduce congestion in key areas.”

Building Community Stability

Alongside physical development, Biloxi places strong emphasis on community support and social services. The city works closely with nonprofits, veterans’ organizations, and healthcare partners to assist residents facing housing insecurity or other challenges.

“We have relationships with groups that help people in need, including veterans,” Mayor Gilich says. “We connect the dots when help is required.”

Creel notes that this collaborative approach mirrors the city’s economic development philosophy. “The same relationship-driven culture applies here,” he says. “Organizations know they can come to City Hall, talk with the mayor, and work together.”

One example is the Steps Coalition, which is advancing plans to build affordable housing in East Biloxi, addressing a critical need while reinforcing neighborhood stability.

A Simple, Lasting Vision

As Biloxi moves into 2026 and beyond, city leadership remains focused on completing infrastructure projects, improving transportation corridors, supporting redevelopment, and maintaining the coastal character that defines the city.

“My goal is simple,” Mayor Gilich says. “Keep Biloxi safe, friendly, and beautiful.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Biloxi, MS

What: A Gulf Coast city defined by its coastal lifestyle, resilient infrastructure, tourism-driven economy, and a collaborative community culture.

Where: Located along the Mississippi Gulf Coast on the Gulf of Mexico, positioned between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama.

Website: www.biloxi.ms.us