Initiatives

Through close interworking relationships with our business partners, community organizations, our residents, and subject matter experts, we’re building an information-backed, proactive program that aims to address the major challenges and evaluate opportunities that will strengthen our ability to attract business and talent. Additionally, we work in tandem with our regional partners and regional business leaders to focus on major issues that will define the economic future of the entire region. As a member of our community, you can play an integral role in driving the conversation on how we can improve our community and quality of life, while growing your business.

We can achieve progress with a purpose by advocating for policy solutions that will contribute to furthering our vision to make St. Mary Parish and the entire region one of the most high-quality, sought-after regions in the South for business and professional talent.

In collaboration with our local and regional partners, St. Mary Economic Development is developing strategic action plans to achieve our infrastructure priorities, including a long-term plan for completing I-49 South. The completion of I-49 South is not only a top priority for St. Mary Parish, but for the entire region. Running directly through St. Mary Parish, I-49 South would enhance a vital national link to “America’s Energy Corridor” and would provide a revolutionary investment for Louisiana. The potential benefits stemming from I-49 South includes economic development, safety, hurricane evacuation, and traffic congestion relief. Beyond I-49 South, there is an opportunity for St. Mary Parish to begin aggressively planning for additional connectivity improvements that would supplement the interstate assets of the parish.

The future economic success of St. Mary Parish hinges on our ability to cultivate a 21st-century workforce. As Louisiana’s workforce expands, there is a growing skills gap in critical fields requiring postsecondary education. Through targeted investments in workforce training, including more support in Louisiana’s higher education institutions, it will be possible to close this gap. By leveraging our existing postsecondary educational assets in St. Mary Parish and throughout the region, we can build a workforce pipeline that will be capable of supporting high-growth sectors and cultivating a diversified economy.

The cities, towns, and communities of St. Mary Parish are the most important assets that contribute to our Parish’s identity and fuels our economic opportunity. St. Mary Economic Development recognizes how essential each community is, and works with private investors, businesses, elected officials, and public agencies to implement successful strategies and new policies that will revitalize our communities, and create a catalyst for new developmental activity.

St. Mary Economic Development is committed to protecting and advancing gains in preK-12 education. Gains in student achievement are supported by public education reforms that raise standards, improve PreK, provide for parental choice, and empower school and district leaders. By advancing and sustaining the education policies and best practices that are supporting progress right now, Louisiana can increase the momentum of current student gains and better prepare future generations for college and career opportunities of the 21st Century.