Barker, along with city staff and tourism partners, were joined by the Vicksburg group that was made up of Flaggs’ office and his departments across Parks and Recreation, Human Resources, I.T., Police Fire and Visit Vicksburg.
The group was broken up into three sections after a welcome and photo with Baker, to discuss operational practices and ideas across a wide range of topics and key buildings that help expanded those conversations:
- Group A: Administration/I.T./Human Resources – Hattiesburg City Hall
- Group B: Event Planning with Partners and Logistics – Historic Hattiesburg Saenger Theater
- Group C: Public Safety – Hattiesburg Public Safety Complex
We’re grateful for the opportunity to drive over and learn from our counterparts in the Hub City.”
According to the City of Hattiesburg’s Chief Communications Officer, Samantha McCain, A.P.R., the visit was something both mayors wanted to accomplish in 2022 but was pushed back due to the holiday season.
Barker and Flaggs, both of whom are former legislative colleagues and now-mayors, have both pushed for transparent city government and believe that making ways to improve the quality of life for residents take thinking bigger and leaning on best practices where necessary.
I believe strong neighborhoods make strong cities, and strong cities make strong states. Sharing and collaborating on what has worked for us doesn’t make us less competitive. It helps us elevate the playing field.”
McCain said the morning of breakout sessions and facility tours were followed by an afternoon hosted by VisitHATTIESBURG, who directed the visitors through lunch, a presentation about Quality of Place, walking tours through the city’s Public Art Trail, a visit to the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum and a stop at a local shop.
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