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Ouachita Parish forms Master Plan Steering Committee amid anticipated growth
Summary
The Police Jury on Sept. 2 established a Master Plan Steering Committee and an internal steering committee to guide a 10–20 year comprehensive plan, citing expected growth tied to the Meta AI Development Center and authorizing partnership with Atlas Community Studio and Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
The Ouachita Parish Police Jury adopted Resolution No. 25-34 on Sept. 2 to establish a Master Plan Steering Committee to guide a comprehensive plan for growth and development over the next 10–20 years.
Toni Bacon introduced the resolution, which cites anticipated growth and economic opportunity tied to the Meta AI Development Center being constructed in nearby Richland Parish. The resolution directs the parish to work with Atlas Community Studio and Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., and names a roster of community members and officials appointed to the Master Plan Steering Committee, including Dr. Alberta Green; Dr. Bret Sanders; Ms. Stephanie Smith, Ouachita Parish Tax Assessor; Mr. Doug Mitchell, North Delta Regional Planning Authority; Mr. William Smart of the Monroe Housing Authority; Chief Robert Moore; Ms. Alana Cooper of Discover Monroe‑West Monroe; Ms. Shelia Kay Downhour of Ouachita Green; and Dr. Carrie Castille, president of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
An Internal Steering Committee of parish officials was also established, with appointments through May 1, 2026: President Shane Smiley; Police Juror Toni Bacon; Police Juror Larry Bratton; Parish Engineer Kevin Crosby; and Parish Attorney Jennifer Johnson. The minutes state the committee will work to maximize community engagement on land use, housing, infrastructure, transportation, economic development and quality‑of‑life priorities.
The resolution was adopted Sept. 2, 2025. The minutes record the committee’s stated purpose and the parties designated to work with the parish; funding sources and a detailed scope for the master plan are not specified in the meeting minutes.
