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Jefferson Parish--Priority Issues

Economic and Workforce Development

The economic recovery of the region is severely hampered by the lack of available and affordable housing. Addressing housing needs is a major economic development issue.
Provide financial and technical assistance to help retain existing businesses and attract new ones
Diversify the economy by developing new industries and job opportunities in sectors such as tourism, film, and technology
Provide business opportunity sites and develop the structural and financial infrastructure to support them
Provide business responsive programs to train displaced workers for new careers and to prepare the workforce for opportunities in the post-Katrina economy
Rebuild the seafood industry, including vessels, docks, and processing plants

Provide financial assistance to remediate air, soil, and water contamination.
Support alternative sources of transit and economic development to provide environmentally friendly options.

Restore coastal wetlands for hurricane protection, flood control, and the stability of our coastal economy.
Preserve and restore barrier islands as the first line of defense against future storms and wetlands loss.
Retain a greater share of the offshore oil and gas revenues for use in coastal restoration projects and for the betterment of the residents of Louisiana.

Repair schools that have been damaged and mitigate where appropriate
Policies and incentives should be emphasized to upgrade schools that do not meet state educational goals
Professional development and incentives for teachers should be made available
A safe and environmentally friendly atmosphere should be available for each school
As the parish population expands, Jefferson Parish schools should be linked to planning and workforce development

Place wells on hospital property for emergency situation
Raise hospital generators to category 5 hurricane levels and increase generating power
Build long-term programs to bring the hospital workforce back to the pre-Katrina total of 9,000 employees.

Upgrade the communication system with a capacity to communicate with first responder agencies
Take measures to insure all citizens have communities that are safe places to live and work
Training to respond to disasters should be made a high priority in each community

Create additional road networks interconnecting the parishes to assure efficient and safe evacuation, in addition to revitalizing economic development plans for the region
Upgrade all water/sewer/storm drainage service systems to operate better during a hurricane event
Upgrade all storm protection levees to resist a category five hurricane event, and allow access for revenue generating recreational and economic opportunities
Develop a regional transit/rail system to assist in evacuation and contribute to a more efficient, environmentally-friendly and convenient mode of commuter transportation throughout the region
Upgrade telecommunications and expand signal technology, fiber optics, and variable message board networks to facilitate evacuations, withstand a category five hurricane event and safely manage congestion and special events on a daily basis
Upgrade the electrical network to withstand a category five hurricane

Increase homeownership opportunities for people whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed and for renters who wish to return as homeowners
Streamline the permit process to shorten the time period required for residents to return to their homes
Provide housing rehabilitation and re-building assistance to bring damaged homes up to current building codes and safety standards
Facilitate a variety of public and private investments and incentives to provide housing that meets the needs of all parish residents
Incorporate the principles of energy conservation and green building standards in the rehabilitation and construction of homes to create healthy environments and decrease operating and health costs for residents
Explore avenues for increasing housing density through zoning changes that address infill housing and multifamily housing
Increase the capacity of non-profit housing developers and the CDBG offices to develop, expand, and implement housing programs and opportunities