The city of Picayune is going on it’s 20th year as a certified retirement city.
Retirement Director Christy Goss said the city recently received recertification from the Mississippi Hometown Retirement Program, which was established in 1995. Goss said Picayune has been part of the program since its inception.
This year’s recertification process was a bit more complicated than years past, but now the city will be certified for five years instead of just one.
Part of the recertification process involves providing reports and proof of media coverage concerning what the city is doing to attract people to retire in their area.
One of the ways the city is attracting retirees involves researching which doctors residents travel out of town to see for care. Goss said the city will then use that information in conjunction with Highland Community Hospital to work towards recruiting those types of caregivers.
The city also works with the Senior Center of South Pearl River County to plan and advertise activities.
Some of the benefits the city receives from being a certified retirement community include exposure on the Mississippi Hometown Retirement Program’s website and brochures. Goss said she also attends seminars held by the organization, such as the most recent one in Chicago. There she talks to residents in those areas and tells them about all Picayune has to offer. Some of the perks of living in Picayune include the close proximity to the Gulf Coast, New Orleans, the low crime rate and the low cost of living.
Attracting senior citizens is considered a form of economic development, Goss said. Senior citizens typically have more expendable income, so they shop, play and purchase items and services.
“And they’re great volunteers,” Goss said.