LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux delivered his parishwide address Thursday night at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.
 
The main topics Robideaux discussed were:
– Jobs and diversifying the economy
– LUS and LUS Fiber
– Drainage
– Downtown Development.
– Lafayette Animal Shelter ‘No Kill’ by 2020
 
He discussed the opportunities and challenges the community has seen in recent years, along with the important issues facing Lafayette Parish right now and in the future.
 
“How we honor our legacy, and how we make the most of our opportunities, is the topic of tonight’s Robideaux Report,” said a video introduction into the Mayor-President’s speech.
 
“When we’re all on the same page, we’re able to compete for investment, top level talent, and the top technology businesses in the world,” said Robideaux.
 
A message of unity in Lafayette Parish, was one of the underlying points of the 3rd annual Robideaux Report.
 
“About what we can achieve, when we have vision, drive and we all work together,” said Robideaux.
He discussed a variety of topics, including jobs and diversifying the economy.
 
“CGI, WAITR, LHC Group, Stuller, Acadian Companies, PHI, Schumacher Group and now Copter, chose to locate here, plays a significant role in telling our story,” said Robideaux.
 
A huge part of Lafayette’s story is the sucess of Lafayette Utilities System.
 
“As new technology continues to emerge and mature, LUS Fiber will have to expand and diversify its revenue stream,” said Robideaux.
 
He discussed revitalizing the heart of the Hub City.
 
“More development Downtown, means more Parish property taxes for our schools, the Sheriff, LCG and other governmental agencies,” Robideaux stated.
 
Another big topic was drainage.
 
“$21.5 million towards drainage without raising your taxes, but we have to acknowledge there’s more work to be done,” Robideaux said.
 
Along with making the Lafayette Animal Shelter a ‘No Kill’ shelter by 2020.
 
“We’ve made adoptions easier through the Council, and we’ve seen a 153% increase,” the Mayor-President said.
 
“It’s always inspiring to look back and seeing the work we’ve done in 2018 and what we can look forward to in 2019,” said Liz Web Hebert, Lafayette City-Parish Council Member for District 8.
 
“I found it encouraging, upbeat and I just happened to see him a little earlier tonight and said, let’s get together and talk,” said Bruce Conque, Lafayette City-Parish Council Member for District 6.
 
Robideaux ended the speech saying that on Friday his administration will dust off the old plans, to look into building a world class new animal shelter facility.
 
He really wanted to echo in his speech his opinion, that hte Parish is building momentum into the future.
 
Following the Mayor-President’s Address, was the ‘Community Showcase.’
 
It celebrated the elements that make Lafayette Parish a great place to live, work and play.
‘Showcase’ attendees were treated to live music, a number of local food vendors and interactive presentations, with displays from organizations and individuals across the Parish.