Tupelo, Mississippi—home to nearly 38,000 residents and serving as the commercial and employment hub of a regional population approaching 140,000—has grown steadily in recent decades due to its strong manufacturing base, healthcare sector, and cultural identity as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. We found that the city’s stability and regional pull have created both opportunities and challenges: rising housing demand, uneven growth patterns, aging commercial corridors, and gaps in mobility, connectivity, and neighborhood investment. At the same time, the city is rich in assets—an active downtown, robust parks and recreation system, a strong school district, major medical and industrial employers, and a tradition of civic leadership. Public engagement revealed that residents want more walkable development, safer and better-connected streets, reinvestment in established neighborhoods, protected natural areas, and thoughtful growth that strengthens community character.

​

Through this comprehensive plan, the team recommended a clear framework organized around five themes: Livable, Connected, Inclusive, Vibrant, and Sustainable. We recommended focusing future growth into walkable centers and corridors, strengthening downtown with infill housing and public space improvements, and expanding mixed-use opportunities that support daily needs within shorter trips. We proposed a connected mobility network built around complete streets, trail and greenway expansion, improved pedestrian safety, and more intuitive street hierarchies. To support thriving neighborhoods, we recommended diversifying housing types, reinvesting in older areas, enhancing parks and recreation, and expanding access to community services. We also outlined strategies to sustain economic competitiveness through industrial modernization, targeted redevelopment of aging commercial sites, and strategic infrastructure upgrades. Across all recommendations, we emphasized equity, environmental resilience, and long-term implementation—positioning Tupelo to grow as a more inclusive, connected, and opportunity-rich city.