Mayor Ray Bork touts growth, water investments and downtown redevelopment in Broussard State of the City
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Summary
In his State of the City address, Mayor Ray Bork highlighted Broussard's population growth to just over 17,000, a roughly 4% rise in sales tax revenue, $13,000,000-plus in planned water-system investments, downtown and transportation projects, and plans to expand the sports complex.
Mayor Ray Bork delivered the City of Broussard's State of the City address, saying 2025 was "another great year for the city of Broussard" and spotlighting population growth, business openings and a series of infrastructure investments.
Bork said Broussard is "a safe city. We're a clean city. And we're an affordable city," and presented the "Broussard Blueprint" as the city's roadmap focused on public safety, quality of life and economic development.
The mayor reported fiscal gains and business activity: "Sales tax revenue increased approximately 4% from the previous year," he said, and the city issued 78 new business licenses in 2025, including Central Pizza, Loft 18, 37 Barbecue, MoveRx Physical Therapy and Christian Brothers Automotive. He also pointed to incoming retailers such as Tractor Supply and the forthcoming Caffrey Road Shopping Center.
Bork described downtown work and transportation projects intended to support that growth. Contractors completed the Envision Broussard Downtown redevelopment plan and the city is finishing Phase 2 of Main Street to replace failing sidewalks, lighting, drainage and utilities. He noted new pavement art — the "Broussard gears" — at Main Street and Morgan Avenue as a nod to the city's industrial past. He also called the opening of the Broussard–Youngsville connector a "great accomplishment," saying it joins four state highways to improve traffic flow and economic opportunity.
The city has been named an official Louisiana Main Street community, Bork said, which "opens the door for historical properties to obtain grants and tax credits" and supports planned renovation of the Valson Broussard home.
Citing demographic data from Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU Ag) and the state treasurer's office, the mayor said Broussard's population is "now just over 17,000," a 28% increase since 2020. He linked that growth to the need for added infrastructure and services.
On water systems, Bork said the city earned favorable grades from the Louisiana Department of Health and that the city "has dedicated more than $13,000,000 to upcoming investments in water production and storage capacity," including rehabilitation and repainting of two water towers.
Bork pointed to public safety metrics, saying Broussard ranked eighth-safest in Louisiana for 2024 according to SafeWise.com and credited low crime rates to the work of the police department under Chief Vance Olivier and community vigilance.
The city completed acquisition of about 3.6 acres on Madison Street, including the old Broussard Elementary School and adjacent buildings, to become a new city hall and municipal complex. Bork also highlighted the Broussard Sports Complex at St. Julian Park, saying it ranked in the top 100 nationally, drew about 1,000,000 visitors last year and generated more than $21,000,000 in direct business sales for the area. He announced plans to expand the complex in 2026 with new tennis facilities, pickleball courts and a veterans memorial.
Bork closed by reiterating Broussard's low-tax, pro-growth approach and urging continued partnership to sustain planning and execution: "the state of our city is strong."
