Grab the mic! 19 ideas to transform Lafayette

One Big Project asked nonprofits to dream big. We created a platform for the organizations that do the hard work in Lafayette to show how they would spend Lafayette’s $86 million slice of the American Rescue Plan Act. 

They delivered. By the time submissions for One Big Project closed, we heard 19 ideas for transformative projects that could improve our community and address the health and economic disparities exposed and worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The range of projects is wide in terms of ambition, application and scope. They tackle economic opportunity, housing, access to healthy food and access to democracy itself. 

Some ideas cost millions, others just a few thousand dollars. Some projects would overhaul how Lafayette deals with systemic problems. Others pinpoint simple but profound fixes. 

The McComb-Veazey Neighborhood envisions a Northside Innovation and Business Hub to spark entrepreneurship. American Legion Post #69 wants to create transitional housing for veterans. Affiliated Blind of Louisiana has an idea for connecting the blind, visually impaired and DeafBlind with job opportunities. Here’s the full list: 

• Elderly Housing & Beautification Project 
• Sun Wellness Center
• Multi-Agency Emergency Shelter Solution
• Lafayette Fresh Food Initiative
• Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
• T.E.A.C.H. (Technology, Employment, Adjustment, Community, Home) 
• Young Leaders of Lafayette 
• Northside Innovation and Business Hub
• Ochsner Lafayette General Mobile Medical Unit
• Building and Developing Community
• ABL Community Reach Out
• Paving Polls for Early Voting Souls
• From Sacrifice to Support — Transitional Housing Complex for Veterans 
• Convenience Centers for Large Waste Items 
• The Girl Scout Leadership Experience 
• Hearts of Hope Center for Sexual Trauma
• McComb Neighborhood Duplex 
• A Demonstration of Strength in Unity 
• Acadian Brown Cotton – Preserving the Past and Creating the Future

This collection paints a vivid picture of what’s possible — and it represents more ideas than LCG will fund with ARPA. 

That’s where you come in. If you’re inspired by these projects, advocate for them. We’re making it easy for you. 

Look through the showcase and fall in love with some big ideas. Then tell council members about them. 

Each project post includes an easy link to email all 10 City and Parish council members. The link automatically opens a message in your email client and generates a pre-written message. You can revise the message however you want. 

Of course, you can contact your council rep on your own too. Search your address to see who your rep is. We’ve listed their email addresses below. 

Nonprofits delivered a vision — 19 ways they could make our community better. Now the opportunity belongs to you. 

Step up to the mic.