SHREVEPORT, La. – On Saturday, August 3, the Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA) honored 26 municipalities across the state for their exceptional improvements and accomplishments during the 2023 calendar year. The awards were presented during the Community Achievement Awards ceremony in Shreveport, recognizing outstanding contributions in categories such as Community Development, Economic Development, Basic Services, and Technology & Creativity.
The highlight of the evening was the City of Scott receiving the prestigious ‘Best of Show’ award for its “Apollo Road Extension Project.” This project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and drive economic development, aligning with Scott’s Comprehensive Master Plan-Scott 2032. The project is expected to improve infrastructure and community aesthetics in line with the Apollo Road Corridor Plan.
“I want to congratulate all our Community Achievement Award winners,” said LMA Executive Director Barney Arceneaux. “There were some incredible entries that will be of great benefit to individual communities, surrounding areas, and the state as a whole.”
Award Winners by Category
Community Development Category
3,000 and Under Population:
- Winner: Village of Ida (New Town Hall)
- Honorable Mentions: Town of Sarepta (Town Square Beautification) and Town of Stonewall (Recreation and Shade Projects)
3,001 to 10,000 Population:
- Winner: City of Plaquemine (Plaquemine Riverfront Recreational Trail)
- Honorable Mention: City of Bastrop (City Parks Improvement)
10,001 to 25,000 Population:
- Winner: City of Gonzales (PACE Center Project)
- Honorable Mentions: City of Pineville (Hot Time in the City) and City of Youngsville (Veterans Memorial Park)
25,001+ Population:
- Winner: City of Lake Charles (Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park)
Economic Development Category
3,000 and Under Population:
- Winner: Town of Grand Isle (Grand Isle Pier Restoration Project)
3,001 to 10,000 Population:
- Winner: Town of Ball (Ball Economic Development Initiative)
- Honorable Mention: City of Patterson (Small Business Incubator Project)
10,001 to 25,000 Population:
- Winner: City of West Monroe (West Monroe Downtown Revitalization)
Basic Services Category
3,000 and Under Population:
- Winner: Town of Woodworth (Velocity to Vitality: Advancing Basic Services in Woodworth)
- Honorable Mentions: Village of Loreauville (New Fire Station) and Town of Jean Lafitte (The Rosethorne Tidal Levee Project)
3,001 to 10,000 Population:
- Winner: Town of Addis (Sugar Hollow Drainage Improvements)
- Honorable Mentions: City of Carencro (City-wide Water Main Rehabilitation Construction Phase) and Town of Franklinton (Bene Street Well)
10,001 to 25,000 Population:
- Winner: City of Ruston (Ruston Animal Shelter)
Technology & Creativity Category
3,000 and Under Population:
- Winner: Village of Grosse Tete (Smart Meters, A Smart Move)
- Honorable Mention: Town of Lake Arthur (Beaux, The Mischievous Elf Adventures)
3,001 to 10,000 Population:
- Winner: City of Franklin (Historic Downtown Pocket Park Mural Project)
10,001 to 25,000 Population:
- Winner: City of Gretna (Gretna’s 2023 and Beyond Plan)
25,001+ Population:
- Winner: City of Monroe (Monroe Murals Project)
The Community Achievement Awards ceremony concluded the LMA’s annual 2024 Convention. Entries were judged by a committee from the Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association, Capital Region Planning Commission, and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal.
For more information, contact Charlotte Smith at [email protected] or 225-650-3281.