Empowering Communities for Competitive Growth and Sustainability
Dozens of communities across the state have participated in the LDRC Program since it was launched in 2009. Active LDRC communities have successfully leveraged their strategic plans to enhance their potential and secure investments. The process includes engagement with economic development partners, a comprehensive evaluation of the community’s assets, and public input, resulting in a plan that best positions a community to compete.
Benefits
- An LED Team Member experienced in community and economic development that provides on-going coaching and professional guidance during the facilitation of the strategic planning process.
- “Roadmap to Readiness”, to include timelines, survey questions, and templates.
- LED’s Business Intelligence Department will provide each selected community with a current economic and demographic base analysis saving hours and hours of looking for the most current data.
- Ready-to-go, online survey available for use and guidance on how to conduct a successful survey.
- LED Resource team member to visit the community to help evaluate sites, buildings and provide a chance to “test-drive” a sales pitch in a relaxed environment while receiving valuable feedback.
- A publicized celebration of each community’s successes will be held to applaud and thank each for their partnership both with LED and their involved volunteers.
Eligibility
This program is for Louisiana towns, villages cities or parishes of all sizes. If a community just needs to update their plan, they will benefit from the structure of the program and the encouragement to move forward quickly with implementation. If a village or town has never done a strategic plan, the LDRC Team member will provide assistance all the way, from start to celebration!
Applications must be filled out completely and include all requested information in order to move forward in the program. The number of municipalities selected for each year’s class is based upon the availability of resources to adequately support the program.
Communities selected to participate in the program have to agree to plan and implement essential, best practice “development ready” elements on a tight schedule including:
- Completion of the Economic Development Capacity Indicators score sheet
- Community & Economic Strategic Plan includes:
- Leadership Development
- Education
- Workforce Development
- Infrastructure
- Marketing / Communications
- On-going Implementation
This is an aggressive program requiring significant work and investment by the participating community, steering committee, regional & local EDO and LED.
Valued partners include the LMA, AEP/SWEPCO, ALEC, CLECO, Entergy, and Police Jury Association of Louisiana.
Getting Started
Applications must be filled out completely and include all requested information in order to score well. The number of municipalities selected for each year’s class is based upon the availability of resources to adequately support the program.