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HB 447

DISTRICTS/ECONOMIC DEVEL: Creates the Avondale and Waggaman Economic Development District in Jefferson Parish

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Delisha Boyd and 8 co-sponsors

Creates a new non-taxing economic development district along Highway 90 in Jefferson Parish to plan, fund, and implement community and infrastructure projects in collaboration with

Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs.
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Bill Summary · HB 447

Legislative Bill Summary – HB 447 (2026) – Louisiana

Title

DISTRICTS/ECONOMIC DEVEL: Creates the Avondale and Waggaman Economic Development District in Jefferson Parish

Purpose and Intent

HB 447 creates a new, non-taxing economic development district in Jefferson Parish, named the Avondale and Waggaman Economic Development District. The district’s purpose is to promote cooperative economic and community development among the district, the parish, the state, and property owners within the district. It aims to enhance property development, improve infrastructure, and expand employment opportunities in the designated area along Highway 90.

Boundaries

  • The district boundaries cover the area along Highway 90 from the St. Charles/St. Bernard parish line to Lapalco Boulevard.

Governance and Membership

  • The district is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners.
    • Four members appointed by local civic associations:
    • Avondale Civic Association (1 member)
    • Waggaman Civic Association (1 member)
    • S1 Civic Association (1 member)
    • Kennedy Heights Civic Association (1 member)
    • Three ex officio/representative members:
    • A member or designee of the Louisiana Senate representing the district’s area
    • A member or designee of the Louisiana House of Representatives representing the district’s area
    • The Jefferson Parish governing authority member representing District No. 3 or their designee
  • Terms:
    • The four civic-association appointees serve four-year terms, with initial terms staggered (1, 2, 3, and 4 years to be determined by lot at the first meeting).
    • The Senate, House, and Parish representative serve for the duration of their respective terms or as designees.

Powers and Duties

  • The district has the authority to:
    • Sue and be sued; adopt a corporate seal; adopt bylaws and regulations.
    • Accept gifts, grants, donations of money or property from the U.S., state, political subdivisions, or individuals/entities.
    • Enter into contracts or cooperative endeavors with the state, local entities, public/private entities, or individuals.
    • Appoint officers and employees, prescribe duties, and set compensation.
    • Acquire property by purchase, gift, grant, donation, or lease as needed to fulfill its objectives.
    • Perform other necessary acts to carry out its powers under state law.
  • The district does not have taxing authority.

Planning and Budget

  • The board must prepare a plan or plans outlining proposed public improvements, facilities, and services to be provided or developed within the district. The plan may include projects funded and authorized for Jefferson Parish under state constitutional and legal authority.
  • Plans must include an estimate of annual and total costs for acquiring, constructing, or providing the proposed services, improvements, or facilities.
  • Public hearings are required, along with notice and information dissemination to the public.
  • The district may cover public services and improvements that are in addition to those currently provided by the parish.
  • Budgeting: The district must adopt an annual budget in accordance with the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act and is subject to audit by the Legislative Auditor.

Financial and Administrative Provisions

  • The district has no power of taxation.
  • State officers and agencies may provide services to the district as requested, and the district can enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with state agencies or other entities to accomplish its purposes.

Procedural/Timelines

  • Notice of intention to introduce the Act has been published.
  • The bill’s action history shows favorable committee reporting (April 16, 2026) and prior readings/lies over as of late March 2026.

Impact Overview

  • Creates a new, politico-administrative body focused on economic and community development in a defined Jefferson Parish corridor along Highway 90.
  • Establishes a governance structure linking civic associations and elected representatives with a district board.
  • Enables targeted planning and potential partnership opportunities (grants, contracts, public-private initiatives) without granting tax authority.
  • Requires transparent budgeting and planning processes, including public hearings and cost estimates.

If you’d like, I can compare HB 447 to similar district models in Louisiana or draft a concise one-page briefing for stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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