2024

STATE OF THE CITY REPORT

Mayor’s Message

MAYOR’S MESSAGE
To the Esteemed Citizens of Baton Rouge and East
Baton Rouge Parish,

As we embark on this New Year, we do so with a

clear vision and steadfast determination. Our city
and parish are poised for significant growth and
development. We have a series of major projects
forthcoming, each carefully designed to enhance
the living standards and well-being of all Baton
Rouge residents. These initiatives are not just
plans; they are the building blocks of our future,
reinforcing our position as a key contributor to the
vibrancy and prosperity of Louisiana.

I am excited to share a few of these pivotal

projects with you, along with our many
accomplishments during 2023. They span across
various sectors, including infrastructure, education,
healthcare, and community development, all
integral to the sustainable growth of our city and
parish.

Together, let us embrace the opportunities

and challenges of 2024 with optimism and the
collective resolve that defines the spirit of our
great city and parish.

Buckle up Baton Rouge, our community is moving

forward and remarkable transformations are
underway!

Warm regards,

SHARON WESTON BROOME

Mayor-President Of Baton Rouge And East
Baton Rouge Parish

2| State Of The City Report-2024

Pathway to Progress

PATHWAYS TO PROGRESS
INCREASING COMMUNITY SAFETY
IMPROVING QUALITY OF PLACE & QUALITY OF LIFE
CREATING EQUITABLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
PRIORITIZING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL TO THRIVE

PROGRESS HIGHLIGHTS
OVER 2 YEARS ALL GUN VIOLENCE 2023 VS 2022

COMMUNITY Fatal 8.57%

SAFETY 34.15% shootings
Non-Fatal
shootings
24.57%
*BRPD and EBRSO

BLIGHT PRIORITIZING OPPORTUNITIES

141 FOR ALL TO THRIVE
condemned structures Mayor’s Youth Workforce

demolished 500 Experience provided mentoring,

financial literacy, dropout prevention,
Youth study skills & tutoring, leadership
1,250 Employed development, entrepreneurial skills,
tons of junk removed higher education prep and transition.

from 343 private

1000+
Within the last 2 years, funded
properties the development of over 1,000
homes and housing units for
Affordable
1,061 Housing
working families in neighborhoods
like Scotlandville, Howell Park,
lots mowed
Units Merrydale, Mid-City, and Eden Park.

ECONOMY
$10M Over $5 million in utility aid, assisting
more than 10,000 working families
$39.4 million awarded Social and preventing utility disconnections
in contracts and purchases to and another $5 million in emergency
Services rental assistance for 1,125
minorities, women, and veteran Assistance households.
certified businesses. to Families

3| State Of The City Report-2024

MyBR APP

MyBR APP
The MyBR app serves as a centralized and user-
friendly platform, offering a one-stop-shop solution
for residents to streamline their daily tasks. This
comprehensive app is designed to enhance the
user experience, providing a seamless interface
for accessing essential services and staying
informed about the dynamic developments
shaping the vibrant community. From city services
to real-time updates on local events and news,
MyBR empowers users with the convenience of
managing various aspects of their lives in one
place, contributing to a more connected and
engaged community experience.

Road closures.
Crime statistics.
Childcare services.
Elderly services.
Online bill payments.
Events and entertainment.
Mayor’s Newsletters and announcements.

4| State Of The City Report-2024

Pathway to Progress

INCREASING COMMUNITY
SAFETY
In Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish, enhancing community safety is a
priority, focusing on effective crime reduction and improved law enforcement.
This approach includes community outreach for deeper police-citizen
collaboration, advanced training in community policing, and the adoption of
technologies like body cameras for transparency and accountability. These
concerted efforts aim to create a safer, more trusting environment for all
residents.

PUBLIC SAFETY
Mayor Broome appointed Thomas S. Morse, Jr. as
the next Chief of the Baton Rouge Police Department
effective January 16, 2024. Chief Morse was the lead
trainer of the new training practices, and is one of two
officers in the department who have been certified in
implicit bias and procedural justice training. His 20-year
career spanned uniform patrol and tactical teams.

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH

• Parish-wide collaboration to reduce gun violence
OVER 2 YEARS ALL GUN with local, state, and federal law enforcement,
VIOLENCE community organizations and City-Parish.
• 13% increase in minority representation on police

34.15%
force over the last 5 years.
• Connect Blue Camera Share Program to utilize
privately owned security cameras at homes and
businesses: brla.gov/connectblue.
2023 VS 2022 • 40 additional License Plate Readers across city.
• Established drone program for air response.
Fatal shootings 8.57% • Participated in 450 community events and
relaunched Police Athletic League.
• 50% reduction in internal affairs complaints over the
Non-Fatal 24.57% last 5 years.
shootings • Goal to hire 50 additional officers in 2024.
*BRPD and EBRSO

5| State Of The City Report-2024

Public Safety

BATON ROUGE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Completed
23,857
fire inspections across the
city, ensuring the safety of our
residents and businesses.
• Investigated approximately 300 fires, arresting 33 individuals and clearing 88 cases
• Acquired five new pumpers, two rescue trucks, and two ladder trucks, and additionally purchased 230
self-contained breathing apparatus, rope rescue equipment, and extrication tools, strengthening our
firefighting capabilities.
• Launched the Community Connect Program, allowing citizens and businesses to upload essential
information to aid firefighters during emergencies at their respective addresses.
• Hired 48 new employees, strengthening our workforce.

COMMUNITY CONNECT saves live find out more at Brla.gov/connect

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY

& EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
This office oversees Over 70 training sessions and
comprehensive
exercises hosted for for City-Parish
emergency
management Departments, other local agencies,
planning, and community organizations
coordination of • First Responder Safe Room Safe Room
response efforts * The 16,580 square feet facility nears completion and is
intended to provide near-absolute life safety protection for
during crises, and an identified population of 704 critical/essential services
the implementation personnel during response to a land-falling hurricane.
of strategies to • Whole Community All Hazard Preparedness/Hazard Mitigation
Plan approved & adopted
safeguard the • Completed Emergency Management Accreditation Program
community. (EMAP) assessment and accreditation

6| State Of The City Report-2024

Public Safety

EAST BATON ROUGE

EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES
• Now using ProQA Dispatch system, which enables the 911
dispatchers to prioritize the severity of a call and send the
right response, to the right patient, at the right time. From
Sprint units, Basic Life Support Units, Advanced Life Support
Units, or a combination of them all.
• A Tiered Response System approach allows EMS to utilize
City-Parish resources more efficiently by answering the
most urgent calls first and lower priority calls next. EMS is
utilizing Paramedic Interceptor Units (PIT) which respond
alongside the Tiered Response Units to be more effective in
911 responses in the Parish.
• Constructing four new EMS stations: Indian Mound at
Liberty and Highway 64, Connells Village and Airline
Highway, Burbank Drive in the southwestern portion of the
parish, and Castille Road in the southeastern portion of the
parish. These stations are needed to expand coverage in
East Baton Rouge Parish.

7| State Of The City Report-2024

Building a Safe, Hopeful, Healthy Baton Rouge

BUILDING A SAFE HOPEFUL

HEALTHY BATON ROUGE
Safe Hopeful Healthy Baton Rouge is a coordinated violence
intervention and prevention program, implemented by Healthy
BR, the Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative. SHHBR is a connector,
convener, facilitator, and strategic partner for community
organizations, public safety advocates, and young leaders to
mobilize community led strategies like high-risk intervention,
group violence intervention, and a variety of street outreach
tactics that complement law enforcement.

• 141 Current Participants in Case

103 Management Services

• 51 Families served Wraparound
Services/Support
Dispatches • 160 Trainings, In-services, and Town Hall
Meetings

95
• 39 Partnered Events and 131 Events
Attended
• Safe Hopeful Neighborhoods, cleanups,
Community events and projects
• SUMMER OF HOPE
Violence * Partnered with 430 organizations
Intervention * Hosted 250 events
* Over 6,000 participants engaged
Interactions * Canvassing: over 100 canvassers
across 12 zip codes in east baton
• 70 interventions, preventions, & mediations rouge parish 4 days per week
• 61 Community Walks in 70802 & 70805 during ‘summer of hope’ offering
• 153 In-School inventions, preventions, & mediations vital resources such as employment
• 57 Referrals: education, job placement, mental health opportunities, job training, and housing
assistance

8| State Of The City Report-2024

IMPROVING QUALITY OF
PLACE & QUALITY OF LIFE
In Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish, efforts to
improve quality of life focus on four key areas: enhancing
affordable housing, revitalizing urban spaces, improving city
services, and effectively addressing homelessness. These
initiatives aim to create a more inclusive, vibrant, and livable
community for all residents.

RAISING CANE’S RIVER

CENTER

RAISING CANE’S
In 2023, the Raising Cane’s River Center and Theatre made
significant strides, with a number of facility upgrades and
a renewed focus on sports and live entertainment. The
introduction of the Baton Rouge Zydeco hockey team was
RIVER CENTER 2023
a huge success, attracting crowds of enthusiastic fans. ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Altogether, the venues hosted more than 250 events,
from high school tournaments to sold-out concerts. • Zydeco Hockey
Facility upgrades this year included new roofs, seating, • 250+ events
carpet, and climate control. In 2024, there will be more • New LED Video Scoreboard & Digital
enhancements and entertainment, including Cirque du Signage
Soleil, Riley Green, the Turnpike Troubadours, and more! • New Basketball Court
• Updated Locker Rooms

9| State Of The City Report-2024

Mayor’s Office of Community Development & Housing

MAYOR’S OFFICE
OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
We are also improving living standards
for working families. The Mayor’s Office
Through over 30 Public Private
of Community Development supports Partnerships, we’ve served over
the construction of affordable quality
housing close to our workplaces. 50,000 residents and families
Within the last 2 years, funded
the development of over 1,000
in 2023
housing units for working families
in neighborhoods like Scotlandville,
Howell Park, Merrydale, Mid-City, and
Funded the development of
Eden Park. over 1,000 + housing units for
Furthermore, OCD partnered with working families
DHDS provided $5 million in utility
aid, assisting more than 10,000
working families and preventing utility
disconnections. In addition to $5 million 1,413 served rental assistance
in emergency rental assistance for
1,125 households.

DEPARTMENT OF
INFORMATION SERVICES
• Upgraded network infrastructure for Baton Rouge City
Court; City Constable; Downtown Development District;
Finance; Emergency Medical Services; HeadStart; Baton
Rouge Police Department (BRPD); Environmental Services;
and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jewell J. Newman, and
Chaneyville community centers. Named Top 10 Digital City
• IS conducted 21 presentations and events reaching 1,200+
residents.
for the ninth consecutive
year by the Center for
Visit brla.gov/opendata for more information Digital Government

10 | State Of The City Report-2024

Department of Development

DEPARTMENT OF
DEVELOPMENT
In East Baton Rouge Parish, the Department of Development is responsible for blight enforcement and
construction permits. The department plays a crucial role in preserving neighborhoods and contributes to
the responsible urban development of the area.

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT
ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2023
BLIGHT ENFORCEMENT 2023:
• $2.2 Million ARPA Funds Invested in Blight Enforcement
• 13,493 Blight Investigations
• 2,870 Violation Letters
• 833 Properties Referred to Blight Court
• 141 Condemned Structures Demolished
• 343 Properties cleaned of 1,250 Tons of Junk & Trash
• 1,061 Lots Mowed for Weeds & Tall Grass
• 78 Junk Vehicles Referred to Law Enforcement
• 36 Buildings Secured
• 11 Swimming Pools Secured
CONSTRUCTION PERMITS AND
INSPECTIONS 2023
• Performed over 1,100 construction plan
reviews
• Average plan review was 6 days
• Nearly 9,000 construction permits issued
for $7.9 Million of Commercial & Residential
Construction Projects
• Performed over 52,000 building inspections

11 | State Of The City Report-2024

CREATING EQUITABLE
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
In an effort to foster inclusivity and equal opportunities, City-Parish is
dedicated to creating equitable business opportunities through programs
targeting Socially & Economically Disadvantaged Small Businesses. These
initiatives focus on ensuring that these businesses have fair access to City-
Parish contracts and procurement processes, thereby promoting diversity and
economic growth within the local business community.

ECONOMY
A report from the Louisiana Workforce Commission
highlights that, despite having less than a quarter of the
state’s population, our area is expected to generate nearly
a third of Louisiana’s new jobs in 2024.

The majority of jobs in our region are right here in East

Baton Rouge Parish. This includes the opening of an
Amazon fulfillment center in mid-2024, the establishment
of the Burrell Aviation air cargo hub at the Baton Rouge
Metropolitan Airport, and various industrial construction
projects.

OFFICE OF SUPPLIER
DIVERSITY
Reduced payment contractor time
from 77 days to 27 days
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive economy for small businesses. We established the City-Parish
Office of Supplier Diversity with high inclusion standards to ensure businesses owned by women, minorities,
and veterans have opportunities to compete in the market and participate in our public investments. More
than 200 small businesses have been certified in our program, with $39.4 million awarded in contracts and
purchases.

Additionally, the Purchasing Division is responsible for purchasing supplies, and materials, and handling
contractual services for all user agencies of the City-Parish government. In 2023, the time it took for
payments to contractors to be processed was reduced from 77 days to 27 days.

12 | State Of The City Report-2024

EmployBR

EMPLOYBR
EmployBR, integral to the Workforce Development System
in East Baton Rouge Parish, provides extensive workforce
development services, focusing on career development, job
placement, and supportive services for both employers and
job seekers. Their programs, aimed at fostering sustainable
employment and economic growth, include career training,
education assistance, and resources for young adults facing
MAYOR’S YOUTH
barriers to employment​. WORKFORCE
EXPERIENCE
372 EmployBR participants
in 2023 MORE THAN 500 YOUTH
• 76% of participants increased their viability in the job EMPLOYED
market through skills, certifications or education
• 197 adults & youth enrolled in Industry Based Certification
Training with a 79% obtainment rate
• 162 adults & 35 youth received job training in industries like 85 WORKSITES
healthcare, truck driving and skills & crafts
• 45 adults in transition received permanent job placement 240% increase over
• 88 worksites recertified previous summer
• In 2023, EmployBR focused on partnerships in the
community to ensure that our citizens have access to
comprehensive services and information. Focus on mentoring,
financial literacy,
dropout prevention,
study skills & tutoring,
• Big Buddy summer youth partnership to ensure all leadership development,
interested young citizens are served regardless of eligibility entrepreneurial skills,
• Christian Outreach Center for adult job readiness
• Coalition with G.R.O.W.T.H., Capital Area Reentry Coalition higher education prep and
(CAPARC), and Christian Outreach transition, etc.
• Center to create a pathway of training + employment for
formerly incarcerated citizens
• Directed Analytics for an Integrated Employment Systems
that will demonstrate the effectiveness of a connected
employment ecosystem
• Rosebud Academy and The HEART Group for customized
training program + employment entry for Certified Nursing
Assistants
• North Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce to promote
services and opportunities to member businesses

13 | State Of The City Report-2024

DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE
ENVIRONMENT &
INFRASTRUCTURE
The initiative to build a sustainable environment and infrastructure focuses
on integrating structures into East Baton Rouge Parish. This endeavor aims
to ensure long-term sustainability and a better quality of life for future
generations.

DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES
The Department of Environmental Services is vital to East Baton Rouge Parish, managing the garbage
and wastewater services. In 2023, the department consolidated locations into a new facility on Florida
Boulevard, invested millions of dollars in sewer improvements, and implemented GPS and camera
monitoring technology to ensure high performance for pump station management and garbage collection.

SANITARY SEWER AND STORMWATER

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2023
SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM STORMWATER COMPLIANCE

$7.3 Million $3.5 Million

Invested
• 491 Sewer pipe repairs
• 1,320 Sewer manholes repaired & 1,600
manholes inspected
• 616 sewer valve inspections & repairs
• 370,000 Linear feet of sewer pipe cleaned &
735,000 Linear feet inspected
Invested
• 202 Stormwater pipe repairs
• 307 Stormwater catch basin repairs
• 281 Stormwater roadside drainage issues
completed

14 | State Of The City Report-2024

Department of Transportation

DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
& DRAINAGE
The Baton Rouge Department of Transportation
& Drainage is tasked with capital improvements
Bridge Replacements 2023:
for City-Parish infrastructure. Initiatives under this
• Invested $12,405,076
department include MOVEBR, Road Rehabilitation
• Chevelle Street Bridge
(repaving/restriping), bridge replacements, and
• Sarasota Street Bridge
channel clearing for drainage.
• Twin Oaks Bridge
• Alphonse Forbes Bridge
• Moss Side Lane Bridge
• Bob Pettit Bridge
• Congress BIvd Bridge

For more info visit movebr.brla.gov Channel Clearing

MOVEBR 2023
Drainage Projects
• Ben Hur Realignment
• South Choctaw Drive • Invested $12,168,056
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) • 35,120 tons of debris removed
Enhancement Projects • Comite River (Amite River to Hwy 64)
* Chippewa Street • Bayou Fountain (Bayou Manchac to Burbank
* Evangeline Street Drive)
* Fairfields Street • Jones Creek (Amite River - O’neal Lane)
* Florida Blvd • Claycut Bayou (Amite River- Floynell Drive)
* Fuqua Street • Ward Creek Bayou (Pecue Lane- Siegen Lane)
• Elbow Bayou Channel
• Amite River (in 2024)
MOVEBR PROJECTS BEGINNING IN 2024

Road Rehabilitation Program

• Plank Road
• Old Hammond Highway Seg. 1 & Seg. 2
• McHugh Road (North Section)
• Mall of Louisiana (Phase II)
• Dijon (Midway- Bluebonnet)
• Pecue Lane Project (Bridges and Train Crossing
Relocation)
• Hooper Road (Joor Rd - Sullivan Rd)
• MacHost Road (Hwy 64 - Pride Port Hudson Rd)
• Jones Creek Rd (Roundabout and Jefferson Hwy
Area)
• Groom Rd (Phase I Plank Rd - McHugh Rd)
• Jefferson Hwy at Corporate Blvd Intersection
• College Drive Corridor Enhancements
• Nicholson Drive (Brightside - Gourrier)
(Repaving/Restriping)
• 2023: Completed 21.8 miles of major repaving
& 66 miles of micro-surfacing
• 2024: Begin 50 miles of repaving and 192
miles of restriping ($23 million): Plank Road,
Foster Drive, 72nd Avenue, Hollywood Street,
Evangeline Street, Highland Road, Jefferson
Terrace, College Drive, Joor Road, Spanish Town
Road, Hundred Oaks, Barringer Foreman Road,
and many more.

15 | State Of The City Report-2024

Department of Maintenance

DEPARTMENT OF
MAINTENANCE
East Baton Rouge Parish isn’t just being maintained; it’s getting a serious upgrade, thanks to the dedicated
efforts of the Department of Maintenance. It’s about creating a city-parish we can all be proud of, where
our streets are smooth, our drainage is reliable, and our landscapes are a testament to community pride.
So, here’s a salute to the team, and community members working behind the scenes to Brighten Up Baton
Rouge!

The Department of Maintenance is the foundation of City-Parish’s work to keep our public spaces in
top shape. In 2023, the Department of Maintenance responded to over 8,000 citizen service requests,
excavated ditches equivalent to the length of 243 football fields, all while making sure our corridors are
maintained from corner to corner. This department rolled out a whopping 1,889 tons of asphalt for repairs,
making sure every ride is smooth and enjoyable.

Over nine tons of litter gathered during weekly cleanups

HOW WE STOOD – that’s saying goodbye to a mountain of trash.
UP TO THE
Salute to Keep Tiger Town Beautiful for rounding up
CHALLENGE ON volunteers to handle a staggering 14,000 bags of litter
LITTER disposed of by City-Parish.

DEPARTMENT OF MAINTENANCE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2023

STREET LANDSCAPING DRAINAGE

MAINTENANCE
• Closed 2,822 • Closed 3,119 citizen requests • Closed 2,703 citizen requests,
citizen requests • Cleaned after 40+ events including:
• Used 1,920 bags of concrete including parades • 73,021 linear feet of roadside
and 1,889 tons of asphalt for • Collected 9 tons of litter during ditch digging
repairs weekend clean-ups (243 football fields long)

• Partnered with Keep Tiger • 1,522 storm drains cleaned

Town Beautiful to dispose
another 14,000 bags of litter

16 | State Of The City Report-2024

Department of Development

PRIORITIZING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
ALL TO THRIVE

We believe in a holistic approach,

encompassing social services,
education, and economic strategies to
bridge the gap between poverty and
prosperity, while also emphasizing the
importance of mental and physical
health. This comprehensive strategy
is designed to create an inclusive
environment where every individual has
the support and resources needed to
flourish in various aspects of life.

17 | State Of The City Report-2024

Division of Human Development and Services

DIVISION OF HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT AND
SERVICES
In 2023, the Division of Human Development and Services made significant strides in supporting working
families and individuals in Baton Rouge. DHDS oversees critical programs like the EBR Head Start initiative,
focusing on comprehensive early childhood development, and the Ryan White Program, providing essential
assistance to those living with HIV/AIDS.

Looking forward to 2024, DHDS, in partnership with BRPD, plans to launch two mobile units to enhance
outreach for families. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to uplift families out of poverty,
responding to the increasing statistics since the pandemic and underscoring the ongoing need for
comprehensive and expanded support.

OFFICE OF SOCIAL SERVICES • Prevented Disconnection or Restored Utilities:

Electrical and Water Utility
Assistance: 10,020 Households,
$4.99 Million
2,803 Households, $1.03 Million
• Free Tax Preparation: 1,000 Individuals, $1.56
Million in Tax Returns
• Free Tablets & Internet Access: 300 Households

RYAN WHITE • Housing Assistance: 305 assisted for $360,000

• Emergency Financial Assistance: 642 assisted
6,008 services for persons living with for $307,000
• Primary Medical Care: 300 assisted for $344,000
HIV/AIDS, totaling $5.1 million

• 807 Received Dental Care

HEAD START PROGRAM • 692 Received Immunizations
• 485 Parents Received Tablets with Internet
813 Children Enrolled in Classes • Daily Nutritional Breakfast and Lunch
• Fatherhood Initiative helped fathers support their
811 Received Health Insurance child’s education
Coverage • Head Start program provided enrichment backpacks
to all children with workbooks

18 | State Of The City Report-2024

Mayor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs:

MAYOR’S ADVISORY COUNCIL

ON VETERANS AFFAIRS:
Recognizing that veterans comprise approximately 10% of East Baton
Rouge’s residents, the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs
(MACVA) plays a crucial role in advocating for these individuals who
have served and continue to serve our nation. The immeasurable service
and sacrifice offered by veterans demand unwavering support, and
MACVA, takes proactive steps to express gratitude. Throughout the year,
MACVA orchestrates various events, initiatives, and allocates resources
to honor veterans and their families. This commitment ensures that the
contributions of veterans are acknowledged not only by the nation but
also by the local community, fostering an environment of appreciation
and support.

Lower annual fees for veteran-owned businesses

in East Baton Rouge Parish

Veteran-owned businesses that generate

revenue below a specific threshold will not have
to pay any occupational license taxes
Veterans have access to free bus transportation
through local VA clinics

Veteran designated parking spaces and reduced

parking fees

Flag Retirement Program has collected hundreds

of old American Flags from citizens
• Raising Cane’s River Center a designated Purple Heart Building.
• City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge officially a Purple
Heart City.
• Annual RedStick Veterans Week to honor our Baton Rouge Veterans.

19 | State Of The City Report-2024

 CONTACT US:
Mayor@brla.gov
225-389-3100
20 |State Of The City Report-2024