Places & Faces
JUST
IMAGINE TRANSFORMING SWLA:
SWLA
Southwest Louisiana’s vision for the future revolves around five visions: Collaborative Community Planning, Resilient Housing, Economic Development, Reliable and Resilient Infrastructure, and Natural and Cultural Resources. The topics in Just Imagine SWLA align with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Recovery Support Functions and are integrated into the Calcasieu Parish LongTerm Recovery Plan. This integration ensures a cohesive and strategic 50-year resilience master plan for Calcasieu and Cameron parishes, featuring 11 catalytic projects that are highly visible and can be funded and implemented within the initial decade to improve economic growth, infrastructure and quality of life. Collaborative Community Planning aims to improve Southwest Louisiana’s quality of life by enhancing accessible amenities such as shopping, dining and recreation connected via sidewalks, bike trails and pedestrian paths. This topic covers public-private collaboration, approval processes, and developmental oversight, with recommendations for zoning updates to support the 11 catalytic projects emphasizing walkability and bikeability. The Nellie Lutcher District and Strong Downtowns projects contribute to advancing Collaborative Community Planning. Resilient Housing focuses on creating 28
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • January 2024
11 CATALYTIC PROJECTS, 1 DECADE, 5 KEY TOPICS
affordable and accessible neighborhoods for all Southwest Louisiana residents. Recognizing the pressing need for quality, resilient and affordable housing, Just Imagine SWLA addresses rising costs that hinder many households from securing suitable homes, impacting the region’s growth. Recommendations tackle zoning updates, affordability protection strategies and initiatives to expand the housing pipeline, aligning with catalytic projects like Mid-City Neighborhood Transformation and Resilient Housing for SWLA to achieve goals of boosting housing construction, enhancing existing neighborhoods and promoting economically integrated housing. A Diverse and Strong Economy aims to create an adaptable, diverse and robust economy in Southwest Louisiana. Recognizing the importance of diversifying job opportunities and economic drivers, Just Imagine SWLA emphasizes the positive correlation between improved quality of life, attracting residents and businesses, and increasing tax revenue. The initiative’s ultimate goal is economic growth and proposed policies. Catalytic projects include the Waterfront Development, McNeese Area Resilience District and the Chennault & SOWELA Area Resilience District. Reliable and Resilient Infrastructure seeks to enhance Southwest Louisiana’s overall
well-being and safety. This vision focuses on upgrading existing infrastructure, addressing critical concerns such as drainage problems and inadequate roads, and implementing improved standards to strengthen resilience against future storms. The plan includes recommendations for new road connections, enhanced drainage and fortified utilities, with catalytic projects like Coastal Risk Reduction and Community Resilience Hubs contributing to the comprehensive approach for a more reliable and resilient region. Natural and Cultural Resources prioritizes celebrating and protecting Southwest Louisiana’s natural treasures, highlighting increased accessibility while preserving the region’s beauty. Enriched by local festivals, cuisine and music unique to Calcasieu and Cameron parishes, the initiative addresses gaps in awareness and access through recommended expansions in culinary, investments in cultural venues and effective waterway litter and debris management. The catalytic project Bayou Greenbelt aims to enhance the region’s natural and cultural richness. With a focus on short- and mid-term objectives, Just Imagine SWLA aims to make visible changes through the 11 catalytic projects, fostering a resilient, vibrant and sustainable future for the region. Visit www.justimagineswla.org to learn more.