A recently completed economic impact analysis shows the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) has an almost $1 billion annual impact on the state’s economy.
“This study demonstrates the significant role our Tribe plays in the economic health of Mississippi. We are proud of our contributions and remain committed to fostering growth and opportunities for all,” said Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben.
Mississippi State University recently completed the economic study to determine the Tribe’s impact on the state. The study examined spending from several categories, including new construction expenditures, commercial operations, government operations, human capital investment, and tourism spending.
Based on 2022 expenditures, MBCI activities, visitors, and graduates increased state output by $980 million, generating $227.2 million in personal income across that state. The MBCI economic activities spark spending that supports the employment of 6,696 people. In addition, the Tribe’s construction projects create another 3,079 nonrecurring positions, generate $209.3 million in personal income, and add $486.9 million to the state output over the lives of the construction projects.
Tribal Businesses
MBCI operates a wide array of businesses, providing goods and services across multiple sectors, such as casinos and hotels, recreation, food and dining, retail services, and more. During 2022, MBCI’s enterprises’ revenue was $323.5 million. MBCl’s business operations increased the output in the state by $489.8 million, increased income by $134.0 million, and supported 4,367 jobs.
During the study period, MBCl’s recurring tribal government expenditures totaled $225.7 million, which were used to pay employees, purchase goods and services, and carry out daily operations. MBCl’s tribal government operations increased production in Mississippi by $365.8 million, income by $61.3 million, and supported 1,271 jobs.
Tribal Scholarship Program
The Tribal Scholarship Program (TSP) was established to offer eligible members financial support to pursue education beyond high school. In 2022, 41 TSP graduates collectively earned $795,288 more than they would have without their degrees. Their higher incomes spark additional expenditures in the state economy. TPS graduates increased the income for others by $141,052, increased output by $535,611, and supported the creation of three additional jobs in Mississippi.
Pearl River Resort
The Pearl River Resort is a popular destination for visitors. World-class casinos, two award-winning golf courses, and the Southeast’s top water park attract visitors from across Mississippi and neighboring states, and their spending injects new money into the state’s economy. In 2022, out-of-state visitors’ spending on Mississippi businesses off tribal lands (catalytic expenditure) increased Mississippi’s output by $123.8 million. These impacts can also be described by the $31.8 million increase in income and the 1,055 jobs supported.
In 2022, MBCI had twenty projects under construction or planning phases, representing an investment of $310.6 million. These construction projects will increase the output in Mississippi by $486.9 million and personal income by $209.3 million. The MBCI construction will support 3,079 jobs over the life of these construction projects.
The MBCI is the only federally recognized Native American tribe in the State of Mississippi. It is a sovereign nation with more than 11,000 Tribal members and over 35,000 acres of Tribal land across Mississippi and Tennessee. Learn more at mschoctawbusiness.com.