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Explore Louisiana’s Rural Evolution

Across Louisiana, rural communities are collaborating with regional, state and federal partners to expand opportunities for the people and businesses based there. Governor Jeff Landry, Louisiana Economic Development and the Office of Rural Development are committed to sustaining this rural revitalization by attracting public and private investments that support business growth and job creation.

The Louisiana Office of Rural Development

The Governor’s Office of Rural Development represents a multifaceted, multidisciplinary outreach approach by Governor Jeff Landry to localities across Louisiana. All across this state, once-thriving communities have seen generations of young people leave in search of economic opportunities. The Rural Development team focuses on connecting federal, state, and local funding efforts to maximize the potential for community improvements. By building the systems necessary to sustain growth, this team is helping create new life and opportunity in Louisiana.

Gov. Landry has taken existing efforts to scale by pulling the Office of Rural Development under the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. This has created an integrated network of Regional Directors who serve the state in multiple capacities. Specific focus areas are economic development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, clean water, agriculture and forestry, workforce development, and broadband, as well as working to create opportunities with federal and regional grants and funding.

Team Members

Kyle Ardoin

Deputy Chief of Staff Intergovernmental Affairs and Rural Revitalization
Kyle.Ardoin@LA.GOV
225.506.6407

James ‘J.T.’ Hannan

Director of Rural Development
JT.Hannan@LA.GOV
225.506.6408

Region 1

James ‘J.T.’ Hannan, Regional Director (Acting), Region 1
New Orleans Regional Planning Commission
Parishes: Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, Plaquemines
JT.Hannan@LA.GOV
225.506.6408

Region 2

Alison (Ali) Bates, Regional Director, Region 2
Capital Region Planning Commission
Parishes: Ascension, EBR, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana
Alison.Bates@LA.GOV
225.481.3170

Region 3

Doug Cheramie, Regional Director, Region 3
South Central Planning and Development District
Parishes: Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, Terrebonne
Doug.Cheramie@LA.GOV
225.276.6315

Region 4

Acadiana Planning Commission
Parishes: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermillion

Region 5

Roby Dyer, Regional Director, Region 5
Southwest Louisiana Regional Planning Commission
Parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis
Roby.Dyer@LA.GOV
225.506.6392

Region 6

Azar Kayal, Regional Director, Region 6
Kisatchi Delta Regional Planning and Development District
Parishes: Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, Winn
Azar.Kayal@LA.GOV
225.405.3181

Region 7

Shane Cheatham, Regional Director, Region 7
The Coordinating & Development Corporation
Parishes: Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Webster

Region 8

North Delta Regional Planning & Development District
Parishes: Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, West Carroll

Programs

Louisiana prioritizes rural economic development, offering incentives and resources to empower small businesses, spurring growth, and fostering local prosperity.

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Partners

The Louisiana Economic Development (LED) team works in partnership with rural stakeholders, local, regional, and federal organizations to drive progress in rural communities across the state. In every effort, area, and initiative, we work to elevate and support community-led efforts to revitalize rural communities.

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News & Announcements

Click the tiles to read more about recent economic development program and project announcements affecting rural communities around the state.

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