News and Events

Apply by April 30 to take advantage of available grant fundingBusiness and property owners in downtown Opelousas are encouraged to apply for the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Program, a matching-grant initiative that supports the rehabilitation and improvement of commercial properties.April 30 is the deadline to apply for funding to enhance...Continue Reading

Have you been hearing about Artificial Intelligence but wondering what it is and how people are using it?St. Landry Economic Development, in partnership with the LSBDC at UL Lafayette, invites the community to join us for AI Coffee Talk.Come by for a cup of coffee and a one-hour introduction to...Continue Reading

The Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD) is excited to celebrate the 2025 Building Improvement Grant (BIG) recipients!Six local business and property owners have been awarded a total of $54,520.58 in matching grant funds to enhance and revitalize their buildings, supporting a stronger and more vibrant downtown.Launched in 2021, the BIG...Continue Reading

The 4th Annual St. Landry Student Arts Expo is coming to St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square in Downtown Opelousas on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This exciting event is hosted by the Acadiana Center for the Arts in partnership with the St. Landry Parish School...Continue Reading

The City of Opelousas officially broke ground yesterday on a major renovation project for the downtown library, marking an important investment in one of the community’s most vital public institutions. While this is a City of Opelousas project, the library is located within the Opelousas Downtown Development District corridor, reinforcing...Continue Reading

The City of Opelousas officially broke ground yesterday on a major renovation project for the downtown library, marking an important investment in one of the community’s most vital public institutions. While this is a City of Opelousas project, the library is located within the Opelousas Downtown Development District corridor, reinforcing...Continue Reading

Opelousas is preparing for what leaders believe will be a defining year in 2026, as continued infrastructure investments and community improvements position the city for growth.New businesses and residents are choosing Opelousas following a series of strategic projects designed to strengthen the community and enhance the quality of life. Recent...Continue Reading

Louisiana Public Broadcasting is currently airing a statewide travel series, LA 64, in partnership with Discover Louisiana Travel. St. Landry Parish was featured in an episode that aired on Monday, February 23, 2026.During their visit, the LPB team traveled throughout St. Landry Parish, highlighting communities including Arnaudville, Eunice, Grand Coteau,...Continue Reading

Ground was officially broken on Monday, February 9, 2026, for a new 18,000-square-foot, $4.6 million Opelousas Community Center located at South City Park. The facility is funded through the GUMBO 1.0 program and supported by ConnectLA.The new center will provide broadband-enabled, multi-purpose space designed to support workforce training, health services,...Continue Reading

The City of Opelousas will soon install new security cameras throughout the community to enhance public safety.This project is funded through a partnership with the Opelousas Downtown Development District following a formal request from the Opelousas Police Department for increased surveillance within the downtown corridor.The initiative builds on previous infrastructure...Continue Reading

Walmart has announced a $330 million investment to modernize its regional distribution center in Opelousas, bringing advanced automation, robotics, and technology to the facility. Economic development leaders say the investment highlights Walmart’s long-term commitment to Acadiana’s workforce and regional economy.Click here for the complete article.Continue Reading

OPELOUSAS, La. — St. Landry Parish continues to benefit from major private investment as Walmart announces plans to invest more than $330 million to modernize its regional distribution center in Opelousas, reinforcing the parish’s role as a critical logistics hub for Louisiana and the Gulf South.The multi-year phased modernization project...Continue Reading

The equine industry’s importance in Louisiana cannot be overstated. From the parish to the state level, horses are a critical component of Louisiana’s culture and economy. Per the 2024 Louisiana Summary on Agriculture & Natural Resources, put together by the LSU Agricultural Center, there are over 110,000 horses in the...Continue Reading

St. Landry Parish, LA, takes immense pride in being an ideal atmosphere in which to plant roots and raise a family. A primary element of that culture and identity is the quality education offered to the community’s children and young adults. Parents will find numerous public and private school options...Continue Reading