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As our mayor, Jake Windham has worked to improve public safety in Pearl by supporting the Police and Fire Departments with better equipment, higher pay, and more resources to keep our community safe.

Successful Leadership

Financial Strength

Positive Growth

Transformed a negative $924,000 fund balance in 2017 to a positive $18,258,999.

Stronger Credit:

Achieved an A3 "investment grade bond" rating from Moody's, up from a Ba2 "junk bond" in just six years.

Conservative Financial Practices

Departments focus on needs over wants, ensuring wise use of taxpayer dollars.

Increased Net Worth

The City's net worth has grown to $65 million since 2018.

Efficient Operations

Internal controls are periodically assessed, monitored, and improved to ensure the City operates efficiently and complies with laws and regulations.

Building Infrastructure for a Better Pearl

Improved Roads

Paved over 130 miles of streets in seven years.

Flood Mitigation

Constructed one regional detention pond, with three more planned; installed large double box culverts near the Roses parking lot on Highway 80 to reduce flash flooding.

Upgraded Water Systems

  • $1.9M allocated to replace aging water lines. 
  • $11M in water system improvements underway including: 
  • A new 1,500 GPM water well and 1M-gallon elevated tank for capacity and fire protection. 
  • 34,000 linear feet of new pipe.
  • A comprehensive water system map and model being built. 
  • $2M in grants received, with $2M more being pursued


Sewer Enhancements



Inspections

Using CCTV inspections to identify and repair problematic sewer lines.


Funding

  • $6M from MDEQ and $6M in ARPA funds are funding four major sewer projects.
  • Secured a $3.8M Community Funding Grant from the EPA for the N. Pearl Sewer Interceptor, benefiting over 4,500 households.

Public Works Productivity

Completed 13,000+ work orders since 2021, supported by modern equipment that saves taxpayer dollars.



Major Projects

  • West Rankin Parkway: Under construction connecting Pearson Road to Treetops Blvd.
  • Old Whitfield Road Overlay: Completed in 2022.
  • Pearl-Richland Intermodal Connector Bridge: $16M project providing emergency access and supporting industrial park expansion.
  • East Metro Corridor Segment 3: Completed in 2023 with a new traffic signal at El Dorado Road.
  • Raised medians will be installed on major roads starting Spring 2025.

Public Safety First

Police Department (PPD)

  • Reduced felonious crime by 15% over seven years.
  • Resource officers installed at all five Pearl Public School campuses.
  • Starting officer salaries raised to $50K to attract top talent.

Fire Department (PFD)

  • Constructing two new fire stations and purchasing a new ladder truck in 2024.
  • Fire Rating improved to 4.
  • 24 paramedics on staff, with ongoing training.
  • Starting firefighter salaries raised to $50k.

Parks & Recreation



Renovated Facilities

Updated baseball/softball fields, restrooms and concession stands at City Park, Jenkins Park, Bright Park, and Center City.

Enhanced Parks

Added new playground equipment, shade structures, and turf improvements for soccer fields.

Expanded Access

Parks & Recreation Building is now open on weekends.

Growing Opportunities & Success


Residential Expansion

552 new homes since 2021, with 440 more planned.



Business Growth

  • 52% increase in businesses and 39.8% sales tax revenue growth over seven years.
  • 200+ new businesses established since 2017.
  • Pearl ranks among the top 10 cities in Mississippi and top 3 in the Jackson metro area for sales tax revenue.

Economic Development Tools

New housing developments attract businesses and new residents.



Revitalization Efforts

Established a Redevelopment District for the US Highway 80 corridor.

Operational Enhancements

Transparency & Efficiency

Broadcast board meetings on Facebook and post audit/board minutes online.


Community Events

Achieved Mississippi Main Street designation, enhancing city activities for residents.

Upgraded IT

Developing a comprehensive plan with new digital infrastructure to maximize efficiency.

Energy Savings

Converted all Entergy streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs, saving taxpayer dollars.

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