Keesler JLUS Executive Summary keesler_exec_summary

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY What is a Joint Land Use Study? A Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) is a cooperative planning effort conducted as a joint venture between an active military installation(s) and surrounding JLUS Partners – the cities of Biloxi and D’Iberville, Harrison County, state and federal agencies, organizations, and the public – to identify and address compatibility issues. The Keesler Air Force Base (AFB) JLUS was funded through a grant from the Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment with financial support from the Mississippi Development Authority and the City of Biloxi. The JLUS was developed under the guidance of three main objectives: COLLABORATION. Promote collaborative planning between the JLUS Partners in order to facilitate a consistent approach in addressing compatibility issues. UNDERSTANDING. Increase communication and understanding between the military and JLUS Partners about the economic and physical relationship between Keesler AFB and its neighbors. ACTIONS. Develop applicable recommendations for avoiding or reducing the impacts of incompatible land uses on the community and military operations. Advisory Committee - Assisted in the identification and assessment of technical issues, provided feedback on report development, and assisted in the development and evaluation of implementation strategies and tools. Technical Committee - Assisted with local and technical knowledge and provided information for the development of strategies relative to their expertise and experience. „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ „ The Keesler AFB JLUS collaborative planning effort included the following project partners: „ „ Gulf Regional Planning Commission „ „ City of Biloxi „ „ Keesler AFB Collaborative Planning The JLUS planning process was designed to create a locally relevant study that builds consensus and obtains support from the stakeholders involved. The public was involved in the development of this JLUS by providing their perspective and feedback, both in the JLUS public workshops and the use of the project website: www.keeslerjlus.com. The development of the project was also guided by three committees composed of JLUS Partner representatives: Policy Committee - Provided project oversight, guidance, and decision-making approval of the study design, policy recommendations, and draft and final JLUS documents. City of D’Iberville Harrison County Harrison County Development Commission Mississippi Development Authority Mississippi Power Biloxi Chamber of Commerce Biloxi Housing Authority Gulf Coast Housing Initiative/ Back Bay Mission „ „ Mississippi Department of Marine Resources „ „ Mississippi Department of Transportation Why Is It Important to Partner with Keesler AFB? It is important to partner with Keesler AFB on relevant and long range planning projects to ensure viability and sustainability of the of the military training mission and economic impact that the base provides now and into the future. As the largest Gulf Coast employer, Keesler AFB employs over 10,000 military and civilian employees and contributed over $1.67 billion to the economy in 2015. Keesler AFB is the Air Force’s Electronics Training Center of Excellence responsible for training and educating over 20,000 airmen annually in electronic and computer systems, air weapons control and air traffic control, as well as cyber systems operations and cyber security. Employees at Keesler AFB invest in community outreach and support, participating in community causes and educational programs throughout surrounding areas. 114,094 $125M $1.67B 281,596 Keesler AFB extended population on Gulf Coast including workforce, retirees, and dependents (estimated Fiscal Year 2015) Estimated value of jobs created in the community for Fiscal Year 2015 Total annual economic impact of Keesler AFB for Fiscal Year 2015 (payroll, contracts, estimated value of all jobs and local spending) Number of Keesler AFB volunteer hours dedicated to a variety of community service projects in 2015