LCG Candidate Questionnaire 2023

Lafayette is losing young people. How well we address that issue will shape our community in the years to come.

We’ve spent the last several months asking young voters about the factors that shape their decisions to leave or stay in Lafayette. In all, we’ve heard from 450 voters and counting.

Through that process, we’ve learned that Housing, Quality of Life and Flooding are the issues that matter most to young voters.

This questionnaire is drawn from their feedback. You can read more about those issues through our Election Guide.

Guidelines

Candidates for Mayor-President, Parish Council and City Council are invited to participate
The response deadline is Friday, Sept. 22.
Responses will be published no later than Sept. 29
Please limit responses to 250 words

Questions? Email [email protected]

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Housing

Young voters say the cost of living in Lafayette is too high. LCG officials can address this through zoning policy and through public funding.

What changes, if any, would you pursue to Lafayette’s Development Code?

Changing Lafayette’s zoning codes could make housing development easier but risks changing the character of neighborhoods as they are.

Would you support using public funds for housing initiatives? Why or why not?

For example: rent assistance, loans for first-time home buyers, public subsidy for housing developments or other infrastructure related to housing supply

Quality of Life

Seeking jobs and opportunity are key reasons young people Lafayette. LCG can influence those outcomes through economic development and public investments.

What role should local government should play in economic development and the job market?

Jobs are a key reason young people leave Lafayette. LCG is a major employer and has invested millions in jobs-related projects like LUS Fiber.

Should Lafayette spend public dollars to finance quality of life programs and to what extent?

Some communities invest in quality of life infrastructure — parks, bike trails and walking paths, performing arts centers, etc. — as a way of attracting and retaining talent.

Flooding

Young voters are concerned about the risk of flooding, especially in light of climate change. LCG can address flood risk through planning and infrastructure policies.

Would you support stricter development standards to limit flood risk related to new construction?

Changing development standards to account for intensifying storms could make Lafayette more resilient, but higher standards could mean higher costs.

How would you prioritize spending on stormwater management and infrastructure in the future?

Lafayette has spent millions on drainage infrastructure in recent years, and tax money is always limited for local governments.