LMR_November
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Mayor James Bradford shows off Jonesboro’s latest piece of infrastructure.<br />
the team was able to successfully defeat adverse legislation and<br />
promote the passage of beneficial bills. Though the 2018 Regular<br />
Session was an overall success for LMA members, and despite<br />
aggressive opposition, SB 462, a preemptive measure that<br />
would have abolished the existing right of local governments<br />
to provide inclusionary zoning requirements in community development<br />
projects, passed and was sent to Governor Edwards<br />
for consideration. Because of the relationships that LMA has<br />
forged at the capitol, the Governor heard us and vetoed the<br />
bill with a one year “grace period” for locals to put inclusionary<br />
zoning to use. Since then, the New Orleans Office of Community<br />
and Economic Development has been working on behalf of<br />
the Mayor’s Office to study the feasibility and implementation<br />
of an inclusionary zoning policy to increase affordable housing<br />
in the city. They are aware of both the urgent need for more<br />
affordable housing in the community and the “grace period” that<br />
Governor Edwards has set. They are taking steps to analyze New<br />
Orleans’ market and identify the right mix of tools and financial<br />
incentives the city can leverage to support affordable housing<br />
without stifling development. Separately, the City Council has<br />
adopted a motion directing the City Planning Commission<br />
to consider a text amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning<br />
Ordinance (CZO) related to inclusionary zoning. They anticipate<br />
having a framework for an inclusionary zoning policy by the end<br />
of Q1 of 2019 ahead of the legislative session.<br />
These are just a couple of examples of the collective impact we<br />
make when our voices are heard at the capitol. From the smallest<br />
village to the largest city, everyone is impacted by decisions<br />
made in the legislature and LMA is right there, at the State Capitol<br />
and on Capitol Hill, fighting on behalf of our members.<br />
LMA Educates<br />
Nelson Mandela said, “Education<br />
is the most powerful weapon<br />
which you can use to change the<br />
world.” The LMA understands that<br />
municipal officials and employees<br />
who are well-informed on<br />
the law and best practices across<br />
the broad spectrum of municipal<br />
responsibilities will provide outstanding<br />
leadership and service<br />
to Louisiana citizens. Between<br />
our major training events such as<br />
conferences and district meetings,<br />
we are always working to<br />
Page 20<br />
<strong>LMR</strong> | <strong>November</strong> 2018
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