Thompson’s first year: What we found, what we’re fixing

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Mayor Willis Thompson marked his first year in office this week with a public letter detailing what he described as a city government plagued by deferred maintenance, mounting financial obligations and untapped economic potential when he took office July 1, 2025.

“I want to do something I believe every leader owes the people they serve: tell you the truth,” Thompson wrote.

In an open letter, Thompson said his administration inherited aging streets, drainage and water and sewer systems, along with rising pension liabilities and independent audit findings calling for stronger financial oversight. He also pointed to the city’s natural gas utility, saying consultants had urged rate and procedural changes for years that went unaddressed.

Despite the challenges, Thompson said the city has posted early wins. He cited state legislative funding secured this session for an interpretive center and South Port expansion, along with a street paving project set to begin in the coming weeks. He also pointed to continued interest from major employers.

“I believe our community is fortunate to receive the investments of AWS, Entergy, and other investors that are considering Vicksburg,” Thompson wrote.

The mayor said his administration has implemented Key Performance Indicators to track departmental performance, expanded use of an internal auditor and pursued new grant funding, changes he framed as a break from past practice.

“We’re replacing reactive government with proactive leadership,” Thompson wrote. “We’re making decisions based on data rather than assumptions, planning instead of postponing, and investing in the future rather than simply managing the present.”

Thompson acknowledged the pace of change has drawn questions from residents but said the city’s problems developed over years and will take time to resolve.

“Lasting change is never accomplished overnight,” he wrote. “It is accomplished through steady progress, difficult decisions, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right rather than what is easy.”

The city is also finalizing a comprehensive plan addressing waterfront development and future growth, part of what Thompson called an effort to build “a Safer, Stronger, and Smarter Vicksburg.”

Thompson closed the letter with a pledge to continue the work.

“By the grace of God and with this community beside us, we’re going to keep writing the next chapter together,” he wrote.