Small towns across Mississippi are set to see new life breathed into their streets, parks, and businesses, thanks to an innovative revitalization program from Mississippi State University’s Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center. By combining thoughtful design with community-driven planning, the Small Town Revitalization program is poised to make a lasting impact on rural communities, fostering growth, improving quality of life, and attracting visitors and investment.
Led by Leah Kemp, director of the Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center, the program is supporting 11 communities—Booneville, Carthage, Columbia, Eupora, Falcon, McComb, Pascagoula, Ripley, Saltillo, Tunica, and Water Valley—with funding for projects ranging from master plans to pocket parks, street art, retail hubs, and more. Kemp emphasizes that the program’s mission goes beyond aesthetics, aiming to create tangible benefits for residents and strengthen the social and economic fabric of rural Mississippi communities.
“These projects are about much more than beautification,” Kemp said. “They’re about creating spaces that support local economies, bring people together, and instill a sense of pride in these communities. We’re excited to help towns realize their visions in a meaningful and lasting way.”
MSU's Meggan Franks speaks with Leah Kemp, director of the Carl Small Town Center, about her architectural work in communities.
The program, which received 27 applications, is made possible by funding secured through U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Hyde-Smith highlighted the importance of investing in rural communities, many of which face challenges they cannot overcome on their own.
“More importance must be placed on policies at all levels of government that support rural communities,” Hyde-Smith said. “These awards will help small towns enhance life for their residents, businesses, and visitors. I commend Mississippi State and its Small Town Center for coordinating this effort to uplift rural Mississippi.”
Kemp described the funding as a “game-changer” for the center and the communities it serves. “This support allows us to not only fund important projects but also work closely with these towns to design and implement plans that catalyze further growth and improvements,” she said.
The Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center, housed in MSU’s College of Architecture, Art, and Design, has a long history of providing design and planning solutions to small towns. Through the Small Town Revitalization program, it is helping communities create vibrant, sustainable public spaces that address local needs, improve quality of life, and spark future investment.
For more information about the Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center and its initiatives, visit http://www.smalltowncenter.msstate.edu .
