LAFAYETTE, LA — In her annual State of the Parish address on Wednesday, Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Monique Boulet presented an optimistic outlook for the future, spotlighting a series of transformative projects designed to reshape the community. Delivered at the Cajundome Convention Center, the speech emphasized key infrastructure developments and plans for economic growth in the region.
A centerpiece of Boulet’s address was the revitalization of Bertrand Drive, which is set to break ground later this year. The project will create a 12-foot, tree-lined sidewalk along the Deano’s side of Bertrand, linking Moncus Park to Cajun Field. Boulet highlighted that this will be the first major connection in a broader urban trail system, with over ten additional sidewalk projects already underway or nearing construction. Together, these projects aim to form the foundation of a comprehensive network that will improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity throughout the city.
“The Bertrand Drive revitalization project is just the beginning,” Boulet said. “This will not only make it easier to move around Lafayette but will also serve as the first link in a citywide trail system.”
As the region’s economy continues to grow, with the job market seeing its best year since 2015, Boulet pointed to these infrastructure improvements as key drivers of economic opportunity. “As the population grows, so is our economy,” she said. “The urban trail system will provide a tremendous economic boost for businesses across the area.”
The proposed urban trail system is designed not only to enhance connectivity but also to link some of Lafayette’s most significant landmarks. Boulet laid out an ambitious vision to connect Moncus Park, Cajun Field, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Oil Center, and Downtown. The long-term goal is to extend this network to surrounding communities, including Carencro, Broussard, Youngsville, Scott, and Duson, creating a safe and accessible pathway for pedestrians, cyclists, and families with strollers.
“It’s time for Lafayette to connect our greatest assets,” Boulet explained. “This is about creating safe, accessible pathways that enhance both the community’s mobility and its quality of life.”
In addition to the urban trail system, the Mayor-President shared plans for further improvements to another major corridor: Johnston Street. Boulet revealed that the city would be working with a firm to develop a new vision for Johnston Street, stretching from Ambassador Caffery Parkway to I-10. The plan is to break the street into segments, each with its own unique vision, in hopes of transforming the area into a vibrant and cohesive part of the city’s landscape.
“This is an exciting project because it has the potential to be transformational,” Boulet said of the Johnston Street vision. “It will provide a new look and feel for one of Lafayette’s most traveled streets.”
Boulet also touched on the return of several major events in the coming months, including the highly anticipated July 4th Celebration in Downtown Lafayette, which is expected to draw large crowds and offer a significant boost to local businesses.
As the Mayor-President closed her address, she reaffirmed her commitment to the continued growth and development of Lafayette Parish. With a clear vision for the future, Boulet expressed confidence that these projects would pave the way for a more connected, vibrant, and economically strong community in the years to come.