Lafayette seeking resident input on ‘vision statement’

LAFAYETTE — City-parish government is asking residents to comment on a proposed “vision statement” that will guide the development of Lafayette’s long-term growth plan in the coming months.

The vision statement emerged from comments during a series of public meetings in April that attracted more than 600 residents.

The statement is written to describe what the ideal Lafayette might look like in 2035 — a wish list for the future that touches on everything from culture and economic development to parks, education and transportation.

The statement will be used as the starting point for a detailed, long-term plan for growth and development that city-parish officials say will take shape over the next year.

Residents are asked to complete an Internet survey on the vision statement by Monday.

The statement is scheduled to come before the City-Parish Planning Commission for endorsement on July 23 and before the City-Parish Council on July 24, said Carlee Alm-LaBar, who works in City-Parish President Joey Durel’s office.

“We want to hear from every person who is interested in providing input on this vision statement, and we believe that every person’s views are important,” Durel said in a new release. “This statement represents another step toward a shared destination and guides the development of the comprehensive plan to come.”

Alm-LaBar said another round of community forums is tentatively scheduled for late September. Residents can begin considering how best to achieve the goals outlined in the vision statement at the forums.

“That is really where the work is going to begin,” she said.

City-parish government awarded a $1.2 million contract to the planning firm of Wallace, Roberts & Todd to oversee the creation of the comprehensive plan.

To view the vision statement and take the survey, visit http://www.lafayettela.gov/comprehensiveplan.