Issues

Fighting for Ward 4’s Future
As your Councilman, Rusty Walker is tackling the issues that matter most to Gulfport families—delivering results through conservative leadership and a deep commitment to our community.

Policing and Safety First
Rusty knows a safe Ward 4 is the bedrock of our community. He’s advocating for stronger support for our police, ensuring they have the tools to protect our streets while respecting our rights. Through community policing and crime prevention, Rusty is working to keep Gulfport safe—always defending our Second Amendment freedoms, a cornerstone for Mississippians.

Infrastructure That Builds Our Future
Rusty’s leadership has brought real improvements to Ward 4’s infrastructure. He’s secured $54 million for paving projects, $20 million for the Airport Road extension, and $8 million for a new commerce corridor—enhancing our roads and boosting local commerce. High-speed internet now connects Ward 4 families and businesses, keeping Gulfport competitive without raising taxes. Working with the council, Rusty has also outsourced streets, drainage, water, sewer, and building permit reviews to private partners, ensuring better services at lower costs.

Recreation for Every Family
Rusty is passionate about creating spaces where families make memories. He’s led transformative projects like the Gulfport Aquarium, upgrades to Bayou View Ball Fields and parks, enhancements at the Harbor, and improvements to other recreation facilities—ensuring every generation has a place to play. His work on Centennial Plaza brought two hotels, a water park, a 36-hole putting experience, and a 200+ game arcade, while the Harbor Lights Winter Festival, now one of America’s Top 10, draws thousands to downtown, supporting our hotels and restaurants during the off-season.

Rusty with youngest grandson enjoying holiday lights at the MS Aquarium in Gulfport.

Fiscal Responsibility—Your Money, Your Values
Rusty believes in keeping more money in your pocket. He’s worked with the council to outsource critical services—streets, drainage, water, sewer, garbage collection, recycling, waste collection, Sportsplex management, and even building permit reviews—to the private sector, where efficiency drives savings. The private market delivers better results than government, and Rusty’s proven it, cutting costs for taxpayers while improving quality, all without raising taxes.

Supporting Local Businesses and Jobs
Rusty is a champion for economic growth, leading on projects like the Island View Casino expansion, Markham Hotel development, Blue Tech incentives, and the Gulfport Aquarium—initiatives that create jobs and keep Ward 4 thriving. By reducing red tape and supporting local entrepreneurs, Rusty ensures Gulfport remains a great place to live, work, and grow a business.

Protecting Our Mississippi Way of Life
As a lifelong Mississippian, Rusty stands firm for our traditional values—faith, family, and freedom. He’s committed to preserving our way of life, opposing overreach from Jackson or Washington that threatens our conservative principles, and ensuring Ward 4 remains a place where our values are honored.