Curated By Brad Goins
Goins: I gather your growth so far has been pretty brisk. Why are people so interested in your group? Is your group meeting some need that has gone unaddressed?
APG: Your question goes to the heart of our group. In the past, individuals have been apprehensive about being seen as confrontational for questioning policies. Prior to APG, there has not been a formalized group representing such a variety of growth-related groups. Apathy was the unfortunate result, as most of our members were busy running their businesses and simply did not have the time to get involved.
One of the reasons for the rapid growth of the APG is that we have provided a platform for the business community to review and comment on proposed policy. It is our goal to open up a dialogue with the administrations and elected officials that is smart, strategic, and keeps long-range planning in mind; a dialogue that allows them to consider unforeseen consequences of proposed policy.
While there have been some efforts of this sort, a coordinated, effective mechanism was needed to effect true change. A prime example is the proposed changes to the drainage ordinance by the Police Jury. APG submitted 33 well-thought-out comments.
Goins: What are the three or four main things the group hopes to accomplish in the next six months?
APG: First, our ordinance committee and drainage committee have taken a deep dive into and will continue to work with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury regarding (Chapter 26) Draft Development Code changes for drainage. Already, these efforts have yielded positive results. Our actions have demonstrated that we want to work WITH government to achieve positive results. We especially look forward to working with all governmental entities to improve processes to expedite infrastructure and development.
Second, we are in the early stages of forming a committee to review and analyze the proposed sewage ordinance as we feel the lack of sewage is one of the major obstacles to development. It is extremely important for us to have a long-term plan.
Third, our Pledge/Scoring Committee is working to meet with City Council members, candidates and police jurors to discuss the mission and goals of APG and ask them to sign our Pledge. Readers can review the pledge in the Committee section of APGrowth.com. A policy to determine items that are worthy of being scored is in the review stage now.
Fourth, we will continue the growth of our membership and increase the size and scope of our board of directors. There are numerous other items on our agenda that go beyond the next 6 months, but much of that depends on funding, so we are concentrating on achieving our goal of 200 members by the end of the year. Because our objectives are long-term, our members have committed to a 5-year pledge. Our original goal was 200 members and $200,000 by the end of this year. As of June 15, we have 100 members and have raised $153,000.
Note that our “reach” includes greater numbers, as our membership structure, outlined on APGrowth.org, allows a designated number of representatives per membership category. For example, our Founder level members are each allowed 20 members. This means that over 170 people receive our updates and reminders regarding local and parish matters. An election is planned for August or September to expand our board of directors.
Fifth, within the next several months, our Economic Research Committee will be gathering more data and sharing it with the public and public officials. At our last meeting, the committee shared several examples emphasizing the positive effect on property tax dollars generated by development. We will also work with McNeese in this regard, most likely using the RIMS system to provide data-driven information to evaluate projects.
Goins: Does the group have a central purpose that can be described in 25 words or less?
APG: The APG is an organization of professionals in the fields of real estate, development, construction and all other interested parties working together to promote strong, beneficial growth in Southwest Louisiana.
Goins: Do you see major challenges to business that will be specific to or unique to Southwest Louisiana in the next year?
APG: Yes. The cost to develop, in part due to regulation and the permitting process, is a major concern as that affects everyone, especially homebuyers. Creating affordable housing is a named issue by the same governmental authorities that contribute to the increase in prices due to overregulation, such as increasing ROW requirements and forcing developers to pass along government-imposed fees and mandates.
Goins: Are there any areas in which the Lake Area is failing to or being slow to address economic, housing or other difficulties that are being created by the boom?
APG: Yes. And we want to help in this regard. Coordinated, long-term planning is needed to achieve public utilities, especially in those areas that are within the city limits but remain without public sewer and water.
We hear elected officials from municipalities and the parish discuss the need to work together. While we applaud the recent joint effort between the Parish and the City regarding the extension/improvements to W. Prien Lake Road South of Cove Lane, APG wants to hold all elected officials accountable for more projects of this nature.
We see the need for a strategic, parish-wide growth plan.
Goins: How does one join the APG and when and where are your meetings held?
To join, either contact Jeannie Weise at 337-602-6788 or e-mail jeannie@apgrowth.org or complete the membership application online at apgrowth.org. The next scheduled membership meeting is at 10 am on July 20 at the Seed Center. The business community is welcome to attend.
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