Departments

337.407.1551
299 Hangar Road,
Opelousas, La 70570

337.948.6184/337.501.9100
255 Hangar Road
Opelousas, La 70570

337.407.0950
1939 W. Landry Street
Opelousas, La 70570

Director: Nicki Pastorick

337-948-3651
1065 Hwy 749
Opelousas, La 70570

337-407-1806
1939 W. Landry Street
Opelousas, La 70570

337.948.7177
780 Hwy 742
Opelousas, LA 70570

Director: Van Reed

337.948.3688
118 South Court Street
Opelousas, LA 70570

Director: Amanda Cain

337.948.3688
118 South Court Street
Opelousas, LA 70570

Director: Candace Miles

337.662.5260
178 Sunset Strip
Sunset, LA 70584

Clinic Director: Lisa Miller

337.942.5678
5367 I 49 S. Service Road
Opelousas, La 70570

Executive Director: Dr. Emma Bush

337.948.0388
308 West Block
Opelousas, La 70570

Permit Officer: Karia Rami

337.407.0950
1939 W. Landry Street
Opelousas, La 70570

337.826.5211
417 Solid Waste Road
Washington, LA 70589

Director: Richard Lebouef

337.942.6863
P.O. Box 100
Opelousas, Louisiana 70571

Council Clerk: Sherrell Jordan

337-942-5606
118 S. Court St.
Opelousas, LA 70570

Clerk of Court: Charles Jagneaux
Deputy Clerk: Lisa Doyle

Download 2025 Meeting Schedule
2024 Sexual Harassment Report

Utilize Louisiana geauxBIZ.com to complete the legal steps necessary to start a business, register for a revenue number and apply for an unemployment insurance tax account number all in one visit to the website.  The site includes a live chat feature as well as business license checklist which guides users through all the steps necessary to complete the required filings and provides contact information for the proper permits.

SCORE offers free and confidential counseling, workshops on management and a resource index for businesses.  

ASBDC is an award-winning center providing consulting training and information resources to help grow and strengthen Acadiana regional business by offering the following services:

• Business Plans
• Financing:  Debt & Equity
• Sales & Marketing
• Management
• Taxes & Accounting
• Human Resources
• International Trade
• Risk Management
• Technology Commercialization

MEPOL provides a myriad of services to Louisiana’s manufacturers, including lean manufacturing, product development services, and business growth services. The non-profit promotes growth and retention in manufacturing throughout the state utilizing the expertise of internal staff, an extensive third-party provider network of business professionals, and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership national network.

LA PTAC was established to generate employment and improve the general economy of Louisiana by assisting business firms in obtaining and performing under the U.S. Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local government contracts.  For a full list of Procurement Technical assistance services please visit their website via link provided above.

Starting a business can be overwhelming.  Please see multiple resources you may need listed here.  Our job is to help you succeed.  Let us help you with questions navigating permits and government process and any other issues that may arise.  Our network of information sources, databases, contacts, and programs can help you launch your business successfully.  Call St. Landry Economic Development now at 337.948.1391.

 I-49 Midway Corridor Strategic Growth Plan

The I-49 Midway Corridor is halfway between New Orleans and Shreveport, connecting communities throughout Louisiana with Arkansas, Missouri and Texas. This creates significant opportunities for communities within the region to attract investment and business expansion projects.

The Challenge

Much of the focus on transportation in Acadiana is geared towards playing catch up in areas south of I-10 to try and make up for decades of planning and investment in transportation infrastructure. The tide of growth continues to turn in Acadiana with development moving to the north. I-49 North forms the backbone of the infrastructure for this growth. Unfortunately, there are no serious efforts underway to proactively look at and plan forAcadiana’s northern growth corridor along I-49. 

The Solution

I-49 Midway Corridor Strategic Growth Plan –The scope of this plan would encompass a multi-jurisdictional effort that looks at the future of the I-49 Corridor beginning at the I-10 –I-49 intersection and proceeding north toExit27in St. Landry Parish. The scope of the plan would include some of the following overarching objectives:Gather existing plans/phase studies done on any/all portions of the I-49 corridor and put into a consolidated geographic format listing that runs from south to north through the plan area. Take a comprehensive look at each major intersection on the I-49 Corridor, which with the listed boundaries would include ten off/on ramp interchanges. Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities associated with each interchange. Identify the needs for infrastructure improvement at each interchange, put on cost on the improvement and prioritize the need.Evaluate the frontage roads through the entire geographic study area. Identify where land use exists, where it is absent and where it needs to be upgraded and by which governing authority. Evaluate blighted, or eyesore priorities that should be addressed. Provide an assessment on highest and best use of available frontage property. Evaluate the future growth of the corridor, which should lead to a long-term plan that prioritizes a project to add additional lanes to I-49 through a phased process. 

The Process

Discussions have been held with some relevant public and private sector parties and there seems to be sufficient interest move forward with further feasibility vetting.Once in agreement, there must be a lead entity identified that would assume that applicant/administer/compliance role in a what would likely be a federal grant program that is utilized to pay for all, or a prorated percentage of the project. 

Cost Estimates

Preliminary cost estimates on this project are 500K, with timeline estimate of 9-12 months.

The Process of Developing the I-49 Midway Corridor Project

The I-49 Midway Corridor project is a collaborative group effort led by the St. Landry Economic Development and the Acadiana Planning Commission, local leaders, stakeholders and community members. 

For full screen, click here.

View additional maps here.

Funding the Development of the I-49 Midway Corridor

The I-49 Midway Corridor initiative is poised to make a significant impact on the future of the entire region. Community leadership is working on funding mechanisms to help pay for (or contribute to) the following needs:

• Performance Land Use
• Regional Planning Commission
• Consistent, district Branding/Marketing plan
• Coalition-Building

Funding is likely to come from a combination of government grants and investments made by strategic partners and businesses.

The I-49 Midway Corridor is halfway between New Orleans and Shreveport. The I-49 is an important transportation route connecting Louisiana with Arkansas, Texas and Missouri. Along the Corridor are communities rich in culture, focused on innovation and welcoming of new businesses looking to capitalize on the I-49 Midway Corridor’s strategic location. 

 For full screen, click here.

Within the I-49 Corridor there are existing infrastructure assets that makes the area primed for further development. These include:

• Utilities
  • Sewer
  • Water
  • Electrical
  • Fiber
• Hazardous waste sites
• Drainage locations
• Land Division Parcels
• Land Use Plans
  • Local Regulations for Development and Land Use

In addition there are cultural assets and resources that make the I-49 Corridor an excellent location for placemaking initiatives, housing development, and the creation of entertainment and dining centers. These include historic structures and landmarks, parks, open spaces and public access areas. 

View Available Properties 

Use our mapping tools to view properties that are available along the I-49 Corridor.

Why invest in the I-49 Midway Corridor? Because the I-49 Midway Corridor is halfway between New Orleans and Shreveport, and is a growth engine for the entire region. Investing in the Corridor today will yield long-term benefits for the economies of every adjacent community. 

For businesses, a central location along the I-49 provides access to an important transportation route connecting Louisiana with Arkansas, Texas and Missouri. This prime location offers access at a price that is far more affordable than nearby major metropolitan areas. While it is easy to reach major cities, the I-49 Midway Corridor doesn’t have their traffic or high property costs. That makes it easier to do business here. Plus, our workforce is skilled and ready to add value to any organization.

The DDD map identifies the district boundaries as well as the parcels that have been identified as the spending districts:

The City of Opelousas, LA in partnership with St. Landry Economic Development and The Acadiana Planning Commission is pleased to issue this Request for Proposals (‘RFP’) for the redevelopment of the New Life Center and associated parcel of land (‘NLC Redevelopment Site,’ ‘Site,’ or ‘Project’) located in Downtown Opelousas, Louisiana under the jurisdiction, custody, and control of the City of Opelousas.

The New Life Center Redevelopment Site is in the heart of Downtown Opelousas and offers tremendous potential for a mixed-use redevelopment and advances the goals of the Opelousas Downtown Development Districts Master Plan.

• New Life Center RFP
• Appendix A Downtown Opelousas Master Plan
• Appendix B Opelousas New Life Center Reuse Visioning
• Appendix C Invest-Opelousas OZ Prospectus
• Appendix D New Life Center Phase I ESA
• Appendix E New Life Center Phase II ESA
• Appendix F LFLP Opelousas Community Action Plan

The Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), an economic development district in St. Landry Parish, is preparing a Downtown Master Plan to guide the future development and design of Opelousas’s downtown. Creation of the plan will be based on the shared vision of Opelousas’s residents and stakeholders.

The Time is Now

Opelousas is at a pivotal point in history. The I-49 project is creating new opportunities and a wide variety of stakeholders and investors are taking an active interest in the further development of Opelousas. This master plan project will set a collaborative vision for what the community will become over the next 20 to 30 years and will address issues like infrastructure, greenspace, walkability, beautification and also identify catalyst projects that can be used to propel growth. We encourage community members at all levels to take part in creating the future of Opelousas.

The nine-month planning process offered a variety of opportunities to become involved and give input in this important project. This ordinance is going to be a catalyst to revitalizing our downtown area.

Download the Approved Ordinance Regulating Non-Residential Vacant Structures in the City of Opelousas

View the Final Master Plan

Meeting Dates

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Opelousas Downtown Development District

Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 12:00 pm
5367 I 49 S. Service Road
Opelousas, LA 70570

May 15, 2021
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
St. Landry Parish Courthouse
118 S. Court Street
Opelousas, LA 70570

February 27, 2021
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
St. Landry Parish Courthouse
118 S. Court Street
Opelousas, LA 70570

November 07, 2020
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
St. Landry Parish Courthouse
118 S. Court Street
Opelousas, LA 70570

March 3, 2020
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Opelousas Civic Center
1638 Cresswell Lane
Opelousas, LA 70570

DDD stands for a Downtown Development District. It is a board authority that is created through the state legislature.

The DDD for Opelousas will be made up of seven appointed members. These members will be non-paid board appointees. They are appointed as follows:

• One -- State Senator, District 24
• One -- State Representative, District 40
• One -- St. Landry Parish President
• One -- City of Opelousas Mayor
• One -- Opelousas Council
• One -- Vision St. Landry
• One -- St. Landry Economic Development

The future success of Downtown Opelousas is important to not just Opelousas, it is important for the future of St. Landry Parish. By getting appointments from a large diverse group, the downtown effort will get more support from state, regional and parish resources.

Some members must be, depending on the appointment, but all must St. Landry Parish residents.

In some cases, yes, for example, one must have a background in engineering, community planning, or a related field.

The DDD is required to invest in projects and improvements that will make a more secure, more appealing and an overall better business and living climate within its boundaries.

The DDA is identified as a very specific area to which funds can be invested through the DDA. Please see the highlighted boundaries on the DDA map, Exhibit A. This boundary is highlighted in yellow. Special Taxing Districts are highlighted separately but are included in the overall DDA Boundary.

The DDD is funded by one percent being added to the sales tax within the identified DDA Special Taxing Districts within the boundary.

Only the businesses in the special taxing districts will collect the one penny on sales and remit it through the normal sales tax collection process

No, all existing city and parish sales taxes are collected and distributed in the same manner.

No, these funds are collected by the parish designated tax collection authority and deposited into a separate account for dedicated local use.

No, the one extra penny will be collected by the parish tax collection authority and deposited into a separate account for dedicated local use.

Eight percent of the funds are allowable to be spent for administrative operation of the DDA board and economic development. The DDA must spread all other money in their area, ninety-two percent.

Some examples are roadway improvements, which in many cases may have matching grant funds available through state and federal DOTD. Infrastructure improvements, such as replacing water and wastewater lines under Landry Street as part of a needed resurfacing project. More and better quality lighting that will provide enhanced security. Streetscape projects; accessible sidewalks and improved parking are just some of the things that will be improved on the downtown corridors.

St. Landry Economic Development will be charged with establishing, maintaining and operating the structure of the DDD board. This includes bearing all administrative costs, such as office and overhead expenses, bookkeeping and accounting, audits, legal, staff support, etc. Once established, the DDD can begin to take over some of these functions but is not required to do that.

There is no time limit on the DDD being in place. Many of the projects they will be investing in will be long-term initiatives, so it will be important to build a quality leadership driven board over time.

Yes, the DDD will be a quasi-public body so its board meetings will be open to the public input.

Yes, getting business input and participation from in the district will be important priorities for the DDD to be effective. At least one of the board appointees must be a business owner in the district.

Yes, getting input and participation from organizations such as Main Street and Opelousas Tourism will be another important priority. At least one of the board appointees must be a representative of at least one of these existing downtown groups.

There are only six existed businesses that are included in Special Taxing Districts.