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Council confirms first Lafayette Downtown Development Authority members; mayor appoints business and property representatives
Summary
Mayor Mongat nominated and council confirmed seven initial members of the newly formed Lafayette Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The board will have seven seats (one councilmember, four property owners/residents and two business owners) with staggered initial terms.
The Lafayette City Council on March 4 confirmed the mayor’s appointments to the city’s newly formed Lafayette Downtown Development Authority, the authority established to oversee downtown redevelopment and business-support initiatives.
Appointments and structure
Mayor Mongat nominated the seven-member board and council confirmed the appointees on a voice vote. The appointees and initial term expirations are:
- Councilor Tim Barnes — council representative (no fixed initial term; serves at the pleasure of council) - Faith Rogers — term expires 06/30/2025 - Janae Layko — term expires 06/30/2025 - Ian Mundy — term expires 06/30/2026 - Tom Hardy — term expires 06/30/2026 - Ty Hubbard — term expires 06/30/2027 - Joanna Kagan — term expires 06/30/2027
State statute requires an initial set of staggered terms; after the initial cycle members will serve four‑year terms. The mayor and staff noted the 06/30/2025 expiration dates are short because state law ties the first expirations to the June following ordinance enactment. The mayor said he expects to reappoint the short‑term positions if those members wish to continue.
Recruitment and selection
Bridget Keating, the city’s economic development director, described the recruitment process: staff opened applications in January, closed them in early February, and interviewed 11 candidates on Feb. 10; Councilor Barnes joined the mayor and staff for interviews. Selected members include downtown business owners and property representatives as well as non‑profit and arts sector experience.
Board duties and next steps
The DDA will begin meeting in April. The board’s initial priorities as described in the ordinance and the city’s plan of development include support for downtown business vitality, streetscape and public‑realm improvements, and coordination with property owners on redevelopment opportunities. Staff will provide the board with a governance packet and the DDA’s first meeting is scheduled for April 14.
Ending
Councilors praised the diversity of experience among appointees and encouraged early coordination with downtown businesses and property owners.
