Mayors from cities across the Deep South came together in Jackson, Mississippi, for the inaugural DELTA FEST conference, signaling a unified commitment to long-term economic transformation. Hosted at the Jackson Convention Center, the three-day gathering brought together mayors, financial institutions, and economic development partners with a shared goal: launching a 10-year roadmap to create stronger, more prosperous communities throughout the Southern region.
DELTA FEST served as a platform for honest conversations about challenges, innovative solutions, and collaborative investment strategies aimed at uplifting historically underserved communities.
A Powerful Dialogue on Economic Opportunity
The conference’s Wednesday plenary session was moderated by Alaina Beverly, executive vice president of the Black Economic Alliance Foundation. The panel featured mayors from Jackson, Little Rock, Birmingham, and Montgomery, each sharing how their cities are confronting systemic challenges while building pathways to sustainable growth.
“Our Southern cities are home to Black communities whose legacies helped shape this nation and whose culture continues to drive it forward,” Beverly said. She emphasized that Southern cities offer real-world examples of how innovation, strategic investment, and inclusive economic policies can benefit the entire country.
Jackson’s Call for a New “Marshall Plan”
Jackson Mayor John Horhn, who assumed office on July 1, outlined his administration’s immediate focus: restoring trust and accountability. He acknowledged that Jackson has faced years of difficulty, including infrastructure failures, disputes over airport control, and widespread urban blight.
“We had challenges not just with infrastructure, but with accountability and execution,” Horhn said. “Our priority now is getting back to basics—delivering essential services and following a clear plan so residents know where we’re headed.”
Horhn proposed the need for a modern-day “Marshall Plan” for Jackson—an ambitious rebuilding effort that tackles blight, affordable housing shortages, and public safety. He also issued a direct invitation to investors and partners.
“If you have resources and you’re looking to make an impact, Jackson has opportunities you can see and be part of,” he said.
Little Rock’s Focus on Entrepreneurship and Inclusion
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. highlighted his city’s emphasis on economic inclusion, particularly through programs like BUILD Academy. The 12-week initiative equips entrepreneurs and small business owners with tools to scale their operations and succeed long term.
By prioritizing underserved neighborhoods, Scott said Little Rock has revitalized communities, strengthened partnerships, and positioned itself as a leader in job creation.
“Real transformation requires bold action,” Scott said. “We can’t be afraid to do what hasn’t been done before, especially when it comes to investing in people right now.”
Birmingham’s Investment in Housing and Education
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin addressed the growing affordable housing crisis and the city’s proactive response. Over the past five years, Birmingham has invested more than $16 million in housing repairs, new construction, and down payment assistance, including $4 million in partnership with HOPE Enterprise Corporation.
“These investments matter because they create opportunity and generational wealth,” Woodfin said. “Homeownership changes lives.”
He also pointed to Birmingham Promise, a program offering tuition assistance to graduates of Birmingham high schools attending public colleges or universities in Alabama. According to Woodfin, reducing student debt makes long-term financial goals—like buying a home—more attainable.
“This program levels the playing field and changes the trajectory for our young people,” he added.
Montgomery’s Small Business Revival
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed shared how partnerships with HOPE have expanded access to low-interest financing for small businesses, sparking revitalization across the city.
“When entrepreneurs know their city believes in them and is willing to invest alongside them, it builds confidence,” Reed said. “That confidence strengthens our economy and our community.”
DELTA FEST: Building an Ecosystem for Change
DELTA FEST was co-created by HOPE Enterprise Corporation and Yancey Consulting, with participation from major financial institutions such as Wells Fargo and Capital One. HOPE CEO Bill Bynum emphasized that while his organization has supported underresourced communities for more than 30 years, meaningful progress requires collaboration.
“We need a full ecosystem—technical experts, capital partners, and institutions willing to open doors and level the playing field,” Bynum said.
He noted that many Deep South communities have historically been overlooked when it comes to state and federal funding, which inspired the creation of DELTA FEST. One of the conference’s central goals is to connect bold economic ideas with the resources needed to bring them to life.
“Our vision is an economy where opportunity is not limited by zip code, background, or circumstance,” Bynum said. “If people are not equipped to thrive, none of us reach our full potential as a nation.”
A Shared Commitment to the Future
As Deep South Mayors Convene to Discuss Strategies for Building Prosperous Communities at Economic Growth Conference, DELTA FEST underscored a growing regional commitment to equity, innovation, and collaboration. Through shared leadership and sustained investment, these Southern cities aim to turn long-standing challenges into lasting opportunities for generations to come.
