An influx of spending related to hurricane recovery and federal coronavirus stimulus is masking a still struggling economy.
Economy
Lafayette councils approve bullish budget for 2022
Lafayette’s city and parish councils made minor changes to the administration’s budget, approving the mayor-president’s spending plan and revenue projections unanimously.
5 min read
LEDA selection committee repeatedly violated Open Meetings Law
The committee charged with finding Gregg Gothreaux’s replacement repeatedly broke the state’s Open Meetings Law, leaving the public in the dark about the entire process.
5 min read
What can Lafayette learn from Colorado Springs about its homelessness response?
Coordination and public resources have fueled a scaled-up approach in Colorado Springs, a city on the radar of those working on the issue Lafayette.
8 min read
OPINION: Uncertainty is at an all-time high. Lafayette needs a fiscally responsible budget.
The roles have reversed from the 2020 budget cycle, and now the City Council ought to play budget hawk.
9 min read
Councils take control of Lafayette’s rescue money. Now what?
Much of the spending in Guillory’s plan was of questionable eligibility, and the administration struggled to make the case for moving ahead now with so much uncertainty.
7 min read
OPINION: Guillory’s proposed ARPA budget is a bad deal for the parish
Too many of the proposed projects deliver questionable returns, create unfunded maintenance liabilities, and inexplicably use parish dollars to pay for city responsibilities.
6 min read
Conversation: Is Lafayette better off since the 2016 flood?
It’s clear most locals think stormwater management is our most pressing need. But do you think we’re on the right track? Is Lafayette tackling rising waters the right way?
1 min read
8/17 Council Preview: Showtime for Guillory’s ARPA budget; flood control projects; COVID testing for LCG employees
Here’s a selection of items on the agendas for this week’s meetings of the City and Parish councils.
4 min read
How Should Lafayette spend its ARPA funds? Here’s what readers had to say — so far.
Readers want to see ARPA funds go toward keeping the city afloat (literally) and its residents housed.
3 min read
OPINION: Guillory’s first proposed budget was too bearish, his second is too bullish
Projecting historically big increases in sales tax revenue, he is championing a quarter billion dollar increase in the city’s five-year capital outlay plan, including $132 million of new debt.
6 min read
OPINION: Lafayette’s councils should reject Guillory’s proposed Rescue Plan budget and start over
The lack of engagement might be forgivable if the proposal was amazing, but it’s not. We need to start over from scratch.
6 min read