Lafayette Parish

Lafayette Parish, in the heart of Acadiana, is known for its unique cuisine, Cajun and Creole cultures, music, and outstanding hospitality.  Early in Lafayette's history, a rich French heritage blended with Spanish, American Indian and African influences to create the extraordinary mixture of tradition and progressiveness evident today.  Currently home to approximately 200,000 residents, the parish has a diversified economy. Important sectors include the oil & gas industry, agriculture/aquaculture, mining, leisure & tourism, manufacturing, and technology resources.

A top priority among parish leaders is the ability to provide quality services and a high quality of life to all Lafayette residents. While Lafayette Parish was fortunate in not experiencing a direct hit from either storm, critical needs were exposed as a result of each.  In particular, the estimated 8.25% increase in population since August 2005, or roughly 15 years of projected population growth, has overloaded existing infrastructure.  In addition to daily traffic congestion, these storms have amplified the need for more adequate and efficient evacuation routes to service Lafayette Parish and those southerly Parishes that must travel through Lafayette to evacuate. Further, parish officials are focusing on providing quality housing and community development options as a key component for the recovery of the entire state.