MONROE, La. – Louisiana Economic Development has recognized the City of Monroe as a Louisiana Development Ready Community, the 59th parish or municipality to receive state certification of local investment readiness since the program began in 2009.
The LDRC program helps participants become more competitive for new investment and jobs by guiding selected communities through the process of creating and implementing a strategic economic development plan. By following its plan for multiple years, participants leverage local assets and address unique challenges to empower business growth in their communities.
“LED has certified nearly 60 communities through the LDRC program and we are proud to have the City of Monroe join the ranks,” said Stacey Duvic, LED senior director of community competitiveness. “Congratulations to the city and all the partners who came together to craft this plan to build a stronger Monroe through economic and community development.”
To secure the designation from LED, the city and a designated committee did a thorough community assessment, conducted both online surveys and public meetings for community input and held meetings to set achievable, measurable goals for Monroe’s specialized economic development strategic plan. The plan aims to bolster the city’s economic development opportunities and guide the administration and local leadership through positive growth.
“The City of Monroe is excited to achieve the designation of a Development Ready Community by Louisiana Economic Development,” said Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis. “Our collaboration with LED can mean new employment opportunities for our residents and encourages prospective business investments in our community. By actively investing in our infrastructure, we are preparing for the current and future growth of the City of Monroe and Ouachita Parish. It’s imperative that our community is responsive to the needs of established and potential businesses. This designation sends a strong and clear message to those ready to invest that we are serious about creating a sustainable environment for them to thrive.”