| 316 W. Commerce St. | Hernando, Mississippi | 38632 | 662-429-4414 | fax 429-0952 |  |
 |
A.W. Bouchillon Institute for Community Planning Formed to Provide Training Services
A new organization, designed to provide training to those in a position to change the physical, economic and social landscape of communities in North Mississippi has been formed in DeSoto County. The A.W Bouchillon Institute for Community Planning, which has as its mission “advancing the knowledge and sophistication of planning practice in North Mississippi”, is named for A.W. Bouchillon, DeSoto County’s first planning director. Although Mr. Bouchillon gives credit for the efforts to local elected officials, “Mr. Bush,” as he is affectionately known, was instrumental in establishing land use planning and zoning in DeSoto County and the two existing cities at the time. In DeSoto County, Mississippi History and Families, Mr. Bouchillon is quoted as saying “We recognized the growth patterns and decided we needed a plan… there was a real need for a county-wide road system, and the zoning regulations helped develop those roads. Business and industry needed to know that their investment would be protected.”
Mr. Bouchillon served as planning director for the county from 1958 until 1978. He is also credited with championing changes in state law that would allow counties to adopt much-needed life safety codes, like building, electrical, and plumbing codes, during his tenure.
Institute Board President Bob Barber, Director of Planning for Hernando, said this of Mr. Bouchillon, “Had he not been the person implementing the plan, it would not have survived. He showed incredible leadership. Anyone else would have felt discouraged and isolated, but he carried on without regard to even his personal safety. Because of his efforts, the people of DeSoto County live better lives.”
The Institute was formed primarily to provide training to planning commissioners, elected officials, historic preservation commissioners, design boards, and members of the development community. “There is a real need, especially for advanced training, for those who make decisions about land development. Decisions made by developers and the boards which regulate them have a significant impact on the future of our communities”, noted B.J. Page, Director of Planning for Olive Branch, and Vice President of the Institute Board.
Although the Institute is starting in DeSoto County, its geographic area spans all of North Mississippi. “It only makes sense that the first county in the state to have land use planning, and the fastest growing county in the state, should launch such an effort”, said
Anita Rainey, Director of Planning for Horn Lake, and Secretary of the Institute Board.
The Institute has already agreed to co-sponsor the second annual Sustainability Conference, to be held in Hernando on January 10 and 11 at the Hernando Performing Arts Center.
The Institute, which is a non-profit organization, has received pledges of funding from the Northwest Mississippi Association of Realtors, the North Mississippi Homebuilders Association, the DeSoto Civic Center and the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. Anyone wishing to provide financial support to the Institute may contact Whitney Choat, Director of Planning for Southaven, and Institute Treasurer, at 901-461-4425.