One Acadiana launches priorities for Lafayette

One Acadiana held a press conference to focus on accelerating the implementation of PlanLafayette – one of three key “Priorities for a Better Lafayette” the organization is advancing in the upcoming local elections.
The Lafayette-focused priorities follow the release of One Acadiana’s region-wide “Priorities for a Better Acadiana.”
The discussion on Wednesday at the Rosa Parks Transportation Center highlighted the importance of providing a clear vision and planning framework, based on community feedback and input. PlanLafayette is a long-range comprehensive plan laying out a vision to accommodate and manage Lafayette’s anticipated growth of 66,000 new residents between 2010 and 2030. The comprehensive plan outlines specific action items to address growth and development through four major focus areas: refining government, re-envisioning natural resources, revitalizing neighborhoods, and reinventing the Hub City.
Participants noted that while 200 of PlanLafayette’s 450 total action items were initiated or completed within year one, full implementation of the plan will require sustained political support, funding, and public participation. The upcoming parish elections for City-Parish President and Council offer Lafayette residents an important choice to shape the future of Lafayette.
“By focusing on key priorities and laying out a plan of action, we hope to build a more diverse, competitive economy where our families and businesses can thrive,” said Jason El Koubi, president & CEO of One Acadiana. “Our comprehensive plan provides, and will continue to provide, a vision for our future, serving as a community guidebook and helping local government to operate more efficiently in its decision-making processes. Finally, PlanLafayette helps to balance community goals with private interests, especially with regard to land use and community character.”
Cherry Fisher May, Publisher, IND Media and champion in the PlanLafayette process, said, “More than 2,500 people participated in 14 planning and educational events to ultimately develop PlanLafayette. The plan itself is not meant to be the final word on future development; rather, it provides a strategic framework for addressing the most pressing challenges.”
Participants stressed the need for the next city-parish president and council members to recognize the benefits of an ongoing planning process that includes public input.
The revitalization of the urban core is a key focus area of PlanLafayette.
Harry Weiss, vice president for Urban Revitalization and Development at One Acadiana, said, “Parish leaders should champion the cause of creating more mixed-use residential property in the urban core through the creative use of public-private partnerships and targeted incentives for developers and investors.”
Weiss added, “As part of this effort, we must ensure that the old Federal Courthouse is no longer a liability to local government. By putting the property back into commerce, potentially as a catalyst for stimulating new mixed use and residential development, this property can become a real economic generator.”
Another important aspect of PlanLafayette is the continued focus on improving the gateways leading into Lafayette. Improving the condition of key entry corridors gives visitors, prospective businesses, and residents, a more positive impression of Lafayette and induces a civic pride that complements Lafayette’s rich cultural identity.
One Acadiana will discuss the remaining two priorities for a better Lafayette at a press conference scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the South Regional Library, 6101 Johnston St., Lafayette.
More information about these priorities can be found by visiting OneAcadiana.org.
Gregg Gothreaux, president and CEO of Lafayette Economic Development Authority commented, “The strategy should be developed with significant stakeholder input and ultimately provide a prioritized plan for beautifying our key gateway corridors from I-10 and Lafayette Regional Airport in an appealing and efficient manner.”
State Rep. Vincent Pierre, District 44, Louisiana House of Representatives noted, “As we look to improve our community, our parish, and the region, it starts in the heart of our city. PlanLafayette is not a legally binding document, but rather a tool for guiding the overall growth and development of the physical development of both incorporated and unincorporated areas of Lafayette.”
Citing the need for widespread, sustained support for a continuing comprehensive planning effort, Anne Falgout, president of the 705 added, “Parish leaders must maintain current levels of staffing and funding for PlanLafayette, including a designated PlanLafayette office, a professional staff composed of six planners, and a strong Chief Development Officer.”
One Acadiana will discuss the remaining two priorities for a better Lafayette at a press conference scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the South Regional Library, 6101 Johnston St., Lafayette.
More information about these priorities can be found by visiting OneAcadiana.org.
One Acadiana is an economic development organization serving a nine-parish region in south Louisiana and the central business organization for Lafayette. With more than 1,200 investors, members, and partners, One Acadiana serves as the voice of the business community. The organization is located in Lafayette and serves a region of about 700,000 people with a vibrant culture and unique entrepreneurial spirit.