Urban core revitalization is a central pillar of One Acadiana’s Vibrant Acadiana initiative, recognizing that a vibrant urban core helps the region compete for business investment and professional talent.
Through our Urban Revitalization & Development (URD) Committee, One Acadiana convenes leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to engage on the projects and initiatives shaping Lafayette’s urban core.
During the second quarter, committee discussions focused on long-range planning for the Bayou Vermilion District, public housing redevelopment, how active transportation can support urban tourism and quality of place, and priorities for the 2027 Big Towns conference.
April Meeting: Planning for the Future of Bayou Vermilion
The April URD Committee meeting featured an update on the Bayou Vermilion District (BVD) Master Plan, the first comprehensive update to the plan since 1985.
Representatives from Freese & Nichols and HDR presented findings from the first phase of the planning process, which included stakeholder engagement, focus groups, community surveys, and economic development analysis. The presentation emphasized the interconnected nature of water quality, recreation, cultural preservation, and economic development along the Bayou Vermilion corridor.
The consulting team also previewed the next phase of work, which will examine opportunities across distinct segments of the river corridor and help establish a long-term vision for stewardship, public access, recreation, and economic activity. Committee members provided feedback on the plan and discussed the bayou’s role as a natural, cultural, recreational, and economic asset for the region.
May Meeting: Housing Redevelopment and Exploring Lafayette by Bike
At the May meeting, the committee received an update from the Lafayette Housing Authority (LHA) on its Asset Repositioning Strategy and a newly released Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking a Master Developer Partner for the redevelopment of the Irene Street community and adjacent Maintenance Shop site.
LHA Executive Director and CEO Latweeta Smyers outlined plans for a phased, mixed-income redevelopment approach designed to modernize aging housing stock while minimizing disruption for current residents. The proposed strategy would begin with construction on the Maintenance Shop site before redevelopment of the existing Irene Street property, allowing residents to move directly into replacement housing as new units become available.
The committee also heard from Matt Mick, founder of Rouler Bike Tours, Lafayette’s first guided bicycle tour company. Mick discussed the creation of tours through Lafayette’s urban core neighborhoods and highlighted the role bicycling can play in both tourism and quality-of-life initiatives. The conversation touched on how active transportation, neighborhood connectivity, and experiential tourism contribute to a more vibrant and accessible urban environment.
June Meeting: Learning from Big Towns
The committee’s June meeting focused on Big Towns, an annual conference in downtown Lafayette that brings together civic leaders, planners, business innovators, and community builders from across the country to share ideas and solutions for mid-sized communities.
Following a brief recap of the 2026 conference, committee members reviewed survey feedback and participated in a roundtable discussion aimed at shaping the agenda for Big Towns 2027. The conversation explored potential themes, speaker ideas, and areas of focus for next year’s event, with an emphasis on topics relevant to Lafayette’s urban core.
Get Involved
One Acadiana members in good standing are invited to participate in the URD Committee. To get involved, contact andre@oneacadiana.org.