The John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development last week released a final report of its First Impressions program that provides an in-depth assessment of Downtown Tunica, along with the community’s assets and opportunities.
The program’s findings, which were initially reported to town officials on November 17, were the product of multiple secret visits to Tunica by the Mississippi State Community Action Team between spring and mid-summer 2011.
“They come unannounced,” explained Tunica Main Street Manager Lynn Ryals, who contacted the Stennis Institute to request a First Impressions visit. “They come three different times to your community, and you don’t know when they’re there.”
According to the report, which Ryals received in printed form last week, members of the MSCAT team found Tunica’s downtown to be quaint and attractive, with its greatest assets being its parks, landscaping and attractive buildings.

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