1A_2017_AR

ONE ACADIANA
ONE ACADIANA
THE POWER TO PARTNER
Regional cohesion is an enduring strength of Acadiana, founded on
deep social and cultural ties, and reflected in the interwoven strands of
our economic fabric. Collaboration among Acadiana’s communities and
partner organizations reveals the most effective solutions to common
economic challenges, while leveraging our assets for greatest
complementary effect.
Building the Region Conference
ACADIANA STRONG
Looking to build regional cohesion, One Acadiana hosts a traveling, inter-region conference that puts the focus on different Acadiana
parishes each year. Since 2015, this conference has traveled through eight parishes.
Toured 8 parishes | 5 days | 130 + attendees | Priceless knowledge
Acadiana Day
This annual event brings together Acadiana business and civic leaders for a day at the Capitol. Seeing and
hearing from businesses, stakeholders, and constituents sends a message to Acadiana legislators to focus on
creating jobs and economic growth.
Statewide Partnerships
The Acadiana Planning Commission
announced their federal development district,
opening access to new resources and pathways
for economic expansion.
One Acadiana makes sure our business community is working alongside leaders in other regions to
advance a business-friendly agenda and initiatives. Through statewide coalitions like BUILD IT, we are
advocating for infrastructure investment. In 2018 we are joining partners to advance pro-growth
solutions to Louisiana’s fiscal cliff.
“The collaborative efforts of the Acadiana Planning Commission,
the University of Louisiana, One Acadiana, AEDC, and many other
agencies, position Acadiana as a leader in regional growth
and capacity building. Working together, Acadiana is strategically
leveraging local, state, and federal investments for advancing
common issues and building strong, resilient communities.”
Monique Boulet | CEO
Acadiana Planning Commission
STATEWIDE PARTNERSHIPS
“
Partnership with One Acadiana is important to me because it keeps me
informed about what’s happening in this region. I think we can achieve a lot
by working as nine parishes, instead of going at it alone. When we’re trying
to do it as a region, not only are the numbers better, but we have more of a
delegation that’s trying to help us.
”
M. LARRY RICHARD | President
Iberia Parish
ONE ACADIANA PARTNER
Regional Resilience
Following unprecedented 2016 flooding, Acadiana came together to tackle the long-term
challenge of water management. Resiliency, in all its dimensions, is a unifying theme guiding
the collaboration of federal, state, and local partners. Within the Vermilion River Watershed,
Acadiana leaders are forging cooperative approaches to identify regional solutions.
In August 2017, Acadiana leaders agreed to pool their individual hazard
mitigation dollars to focus on projects to improve drainage regionally instead of
each parish spending its grant money on small local projects. The Acadiana region is receiving
$25 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds, and the Acadiana Planning
Commission (APC) Board is allocating this funding to Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St.
Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes.
“Water doesn’t know parish boundaries. If one parish or community implements a drainage
project without consulting his neighbors, it might worsen flooding in adjacent parishes.”
Bill Fontenot | President
St. Landry Parish
Regional Cohesion
Acadiana’s identity is firmly rooted in the distinct character
of communities across our region. The individual
success of each and every place amplifies the success of
the region as a whole. Helping communities cultivate
their unique assets, including downtowns and main
streets, is an over-arching principle of One Acadiana’s
development strategy.
“Breaux Bridge is investing in projects that address needed
infrastructure improvements while enhancing the quality
of life and historic sense of place that makes us a destination
for residents and visitors alike.”
Glenn Angelle | Principal
Angelle Architects
“Opelousas recently took the bold step of reenergizing
and expanding its Downtown Development District and
implementing a new tax-increment funding tool to provide
sustainable revenues for ongoing redevelopment activities.”
Bill Rodier | Executive Director
St. Landry Parish Economic Development
$25 Million
dedicated to solving
flooding issues
THE POWER OF ONE - ONE ACADIANA
2017 ANNUAL REPORT - PAGE 7