Like Corpus Christi, every city examined is on the Gulf of Mexico and boasts beaches as an asset. But most decided beaches weren't enough. Tampa built its future on its Hispanic heritage. Galveston wants to partner with its metro neighbor, Houston. Biloxi created its extra asset, gambling, as did Fort Myers with an airport.
Cities compete for tourists and industry, and that means finding an edge.
Mobile gave its vision a name, String of Pearls. The name denotes the long-term development plan for downtown. Leaders articulated the vision, and have stuck to it over the long haul. So has Biloxi in following its vision of being a gambling mecca. And South Padre Island has followed its plan of being a border beach resort city.