Grenada County moves to add nearly 3,000 homes as job growth surges

08/15/2025

Grenada County is opening the door to major neighborhood construction over the next few years, seeking to add housing fast enough to keep pace with a surge in new jobs. A third-party analysis projects the county will need 2,983 new homes by 2030—about 2,012 for sale and 971 for rent—to meet demand. 

To jump-start supply, county leaders have issued a Residential Housing Development RFP inviting builders to propose phased projects across single-family, townhomes, duplexes, and apartments. Early phases that prioritize workforce and multifamily units are explicitly encouraged. Proposals are due Sept. 16, 2025, with selections expected in early October. 

What’s driving it

The housing study ties the build-out to a local economy expected to add 8,138 jobs in five years. Using historic “live-where-you-work” patterns and standard planning ratios, analysts estimate roughly 3,049 of the needed homes stem directly from job growth, and they recommend matching product and price points to Grenada’s current 68% owner / 32% renter mix. 

“We’ve had real success on the industrial side, but jobs only turn into community wealth when people can live here,” said Matthew Harrison, CEO of the Greater Grenada Partnership. “To our knowledge, no other community in Mississippi is taking a county-led, multi-site housing RFP approach with flexible 50–70% TIF tied to job growth. It’s a visionary, creative solution that—if we execute—could become a model for other counties.” 

How it affects residents

Schools and services. More families living in-county stabilize enrollment and broaden the property-tax base over time. The RFP allows Tax Increment Financing (TIF) of 50–70% of the new ad valorem created by these projects to pay for roads, utilities, and other infrastructure up front. As TIF districts sunset, the full value rolls onto the books for schools and local government. 

Hospitals and hiring. Shorter commutes and more rental options should help hospitals, clinics, and major employers recruit and retain talent, county officials say—one reason the RFP favors early multifamily and workforce phases. 

Retail, recreation, and small business. New rooftops typically lift local spending at grocers, pharmacies, restaurants, and home-service firms—and attract new amenities. “Rooftops drive retail and recreation,” said Keith Mitchell, chairman of the Greater Grenada Foundation for Economic Development. “As households and incomes grow here, we expect more stores, more dining, and stronger parks and trails—plus a deeper bench of local workers for new and existing employers.”

“We’re pairing speed and scale with fiscal responsibility,” said Chad Bridges, president of the Grenada County Board of Supervisors. “Using 50–70% TIF on the new growth helps us build backbone infrastructure while protecting today’s taxpayers—and growing the base for tomorrow.” Bridges added, “We’re not aware of another Mississippi community running a housing procurement like this. It’s forward-leaning, and it puts Grenada out front.”

What’s in the RFP

The county says it will consider a range of delivery models—from large homebuilders to modular/FHA-focused teams and public-private partnerships—and it may select multiple builders across different sites. Submissions must spell out phasing, product mix, unit counts by income band, pricing, schedules, and any requested incentives. 

What’s next

  • Intent to respond: Aug. 19

  • Proposal deadline: Sept. 16

  • Selections: Early October

The county will publish updates as proposals are evaluated and sites are identified. Developers can view the full RFP and submission details through the Greater Grenada Partnership.

Residential Housing Development RFP: Download RFP  |  Read Study 


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