The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is the state of Mississippi’s lead economic and community development agency. Established by state legislature, the MDA works to strengthen the state’s economy through business recruitment, retention, and expansion. The organization operates under the executive branch of Mississippi’s state government and is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. The MDA provides various services including business financing programs, workforce training initiatives, export assistance, and tourism promotion. Through its Global Business Division, the agency actively recruits domestic and international companies to establish operations in Mississippi, offering tax incentives, site selection assistance, and customized workforce solutions. The authority manages several key programs including the Tourism Division, which promotes Mississippi as a travel destination, and the Energy Division, which oversees energy-related economic development initiatives. The MDA also administers federal grant programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to support local infrastructure and community development projects. The organization works closely with local economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and other state agencies to coordinate economic development efforts. The MDA maintains international offices and representatives in key markets to facilitate foreign direct investment and trade opportunities for Mississippi businesses.