News and Events

From the excitement of the racetrack to the specialized care that keeps horses healthy and performing at their best, Louisiana’s equine industry offers a surprising variety of career opportunities. On September 24th, 150 St. Landry Parish students experienced that world firsthand during Equine Day, a career exploration event for participants...

Understanding How CSLEDD Invests in St. Landry ParishAs discussion continues about the proposed expansion of the Central St. Landry Economic Development District (CSLEDD), residents and business owners deserve to understand how district revenue is used and what those investments accomplish.CSLEDD supports economic development by investing in infrastructure, strengthening existing assets,...

Opelousas, Louisiana - St. Landry Economic Development is proud to announce that Brittany Cretchain has been selected as an Inaugural 64 Parish Passport Directory Honoree, recognizing her contributions to economic development, community leadership, and service in St. Landry Parish.Cretchain will be recognized alongside other honorees during the 4th Annual Louisiana...

Economic development depends on more than recruiting new businesses. Communities also need reliable infrastructure that supports existing employers, accommodates growth, and strengthens their ability to compete for investment.That is why the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s $5.5 million project at U.S. 190 and LA 741 near Port Barre matters...

Opelousas has once again found itself on a national “best of” list, with World Atlas naming the city one of the “9 Best Places to Call Home in Louisiana in 2026.”The recognition adds to a growing list of distinctions bringing outside attention to Opelousas and its unique combination of history,...

Opelousas has once again earned a place on a national list, this time being named one of “9 Fairy Tale Small Towns in Louisiana” by World Atlas.While the title may sound whimsical, the recognition highlights something that has very real economic value: Opelousas has a story that people want to...

As the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association prepares for its annual sale, the event will once again bring breeders, owners, trainers, buyers and equine industry professionals to Opelousas, reinforcing the city’s growing role as a destination for Louisiana’s horse industry.The annual sale will be held Tuesday September 1, 2026 at the...

The announcement that SpaceX plans to invest $100 billion in a new Starbase Louisiana facility in Vermilion Parish is big news for Louisiana. It is also something St. Landry Parish should be paying close attention to. While the facility will not be located in St. Landry Parish, the impact of...

OPELOUSAS, La. – The Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Program, awarding $100,000 in matching grants to 12 local businesses and organizations for exterior building improvements that encourage continued investment in downtown Opelousas.The Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Program...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEIt is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Rodier, Executive Director and CEO of St. Landry Economic Development, whose vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment helped shape a brighter future for St. Landry Parish.Since assuming leadership of St. Landry Economic Development in May 2013, Bill...

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...

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...

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...