The Broussard City Council adopted Resolution 838-25 on May 27 to appoint a study committee to investigate a proposed historic district and pursue Main Street Louisiana accreditation.

Millicent, the city’s tourism director, asked the council to support the resolution, saying the committee is “a critical step towards achieving official recognition from Louisiana Main Street, which we will unlock valuable grant opportunities aimed at preserving and improving our historic properties.” She described the proposed committee as advisory and said the council would retain final approval over any actions.

Mayor Ray Statham added that the committee is part of the accreditation requirements: the state requires an advisory committee and the city is positioning the committee as an investigative body that will provide recommendations. He and other staff said the committee would not have enforcement authority but would provide restoration and maintenance guidance for property owners.

Why it matters: Main Street accreditation can open grant opportunities for property owners and provide a structured advisory process for preserving downtown character without imposing mandatory controls.

Details from the meeting:
- The planning committee is already established; the proposed study committee will investigate and assemble recommendations that could feed into the planning committee’s later review.
- Millicent and the mayor said the advisory board will offer recommendations that property owners may follow; there is no enforcement power in the advisory role.
- Council approved the resolution on a voice vote with unanimous affirmative responses from the council districts present.

Discussion vs. decision: The council voted to approve the resolution (motion approved); this was a formal action to create the study committee. No implementing ordinance was presented at the meeting. The council emphasized that final approval on any historic-district actions would remain with the council.

Next steps: The city will convene the study committee to prepare findings and recommendations in support of a Main Street Louisiana accreditation application and to identify potential grant opportunities for downtown property owners.