Report on Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Economic Performance and Investment

The city of Hattiesburg is experiencing a significant phase of economic expansion, marked by substantial investment in local infrastructure and commerce. This growth aligns with the principles of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on economic vitality and resilient communities.

• Capital Investment: According to the Area Development Partnership (ADP), the region has over $400 million in projects that are recently announced, under construction, or newly opened.
• Contribution to SDG 9: This level of investment is a direct contribution to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), which encourages building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
• Economic Growth: The influx of new investment and the expansion of businesses, such as the new Vie Pilates Studio on Highway 98, are key drivers for sustained economic progress, supporting the objectives of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Labor Market Dynamics and Employment

Hattiesburg’s economic growth has translated into a robust and positive labor market, characterized by consistent job creation and low unemployment rates. This performance is a testament to the city’s progress towards ensuring stable and fair employment for its residents.

1. Job Creation and Workforce Growth: The local labor market, comprising approximately 70,000 people in the metro area, has expanded by about 400 jobs over the last year. This positive trajectory is a core target of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
2. Low Unemployment Rates: The region consistently outperforms the national average unemployment rate of 4%.
   • Forrest County: 3.7% unemployment rate.
   • Lamar County: 3.3% unemployment rate.
3. National Recognition: The Hattiesburg metro area has been recognized for its employment success, at one point ranking number one in the nation with an unemployment rate of 1.7%.
4. Skills Development: New businesses contribute not only to employment but also to skills training. The Vie Pilates Studio’s teacher training program is an example of local enterprise fostering vocational skills, which supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting lifelong learning opportunities.

Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Community Development

The success of Hattiesburg’s economy is not incidental but the result of a coordinated strategy involving multiple community stakeholders. This collaborative model is essential for long-term sustainable development.

• Collaborative Governance: The ADP credits the consistently low unemployment rates to the effective cooperation between elected officials and a healthy business community. This approach exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve sustainable development.
• Building a Sustainable City: By working together, community leaders are transforming Hattiesburg into a “vibrant college city.” This effort directly aligns with the aims of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• Future Outlook: The city is preparing for a further boost to its workforce with the return of college students, reinforcing its dynamic economic environment and its commitment to providing opportunities for all residents.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  This is the most central SDG in the article. The text focuses extensively on job creation, economic investment, and the reduction of unemployment in Hattiesburg. It highlights the city’s positive job growth, the establishment of new businesses, and the overall health of the local economy. Specific mentions include “$400 million worth of projects,” the addition of “about 400 jobs over the last year,” and the city’s low unemployment rates, all of which are core components of SDG 8.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article discusses the growth of Hattiesburg as a “vibrant college city.” It mentions the expansion of businesses “all the way down Highway 98” and the role of the Area Development Partnership (ADP) and elected officials in managing this growth. This points to efforts in urban planning and creating a sustainable, economically productive urban environment, which is a key aspect of SDG 11.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article’s reference to “$400 million worth of projects either recently announced or under construction or recently opened” suggests significant investment in local infrastructure and industry. Furthermore, the focus on new business creation, such as the Vie Pilates Studio, aligns with the goal of fostering innovation and supporting small-scale enterprises.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.

   The article directly supports this target by showcasing the results of what it calls a “healthy business community.” The establishment of a new small business, Vie Pilates Studio, is a clear example of entrepreneurship. The role of the Area Development Partnership in fostering an environment where “$400 million worth of projects” can thrive also points to the promotion of development-oriented policies.

2. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.

   The article’s primary focus is on employment. It explicitly states that “the rate of unemployment continues to slow” and that the “local labor market has added about 400 jobs over the last year.” The mention of specific low unemployment rates for Forrest County (3.7%) and Lamar County (3.3%) demonstrates progress toward this target.

3. Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.

   The article implies this target is being addressed through the coordinated efforts of the Area Development Partnership (ADP) and “elected officials.” Their work to ensure the city grows as a “vibrant college city” with a “healthy business community” represents a form of regional development planning aimed at managing urban growth and its economic impacts.

4. Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises… to financial services… and their integration into value chains and markets.

   The article uses the story of Lindsey Massey opening her small business, Vie Pilates Studio, as a central example of the city’s growth. This highlights the support for and success of small-scale enterprises within the local economy, which is the essence of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators:

• Unemployment Rate:

  This is a direct indicator for Target 8.5. The article provides specific data: “Forrest County averages a 3.7% unemployment rate, and Lamar County is at 3.3%,” both of which are “below the national average of 4%.” It also mentions a past achievement where the “Hattiesburg metro area was ranked as number one in the nation, with the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 1.7 percent.”

• Job Growth:

  This is an indicator for Targets 8.3 and 8.5. The article states, “The local labor market has added about 400 jobs over the last year, which is in-between a half and one percent.”

• Value of New Investment:

  This is an indicator for Targets 8.3 and 9.3. The article quantifies new investment by stating, “we have over $400 million worth of projects either recently announced or under construction or recently opened.”

• Labor Force Size:

  This provides context for employment data (Target 8.5). The article notes, “The ADP said the Hattiesburg labor force is made up of about 70,000 people in the metro area.”

• Establishment of New Businesses:

  This is a qualitative indicator for entrepreneurship (Target 8.3) and support for small enterprises (Target 9.3). The opening of “Vie Pilates Studio” is used as a specific example.

4. Summary Table of Findings

Source: wdam.com