MAYOR-PRESIDENT BOULET HIGHLIGHTS LAFAYETTE’S MOMENTUM AT 2026 STATE OF THE PARISH

More than 600 attendees gather as administration outlines progress and path forward

Lafayette, LA – Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet delivered the 2026 State of the Parish Address today before more than 600 attendees at the CAJUNDOME Convention Center, with many more joining online, outlining the progress underway across Lafayette Parish and reinforcing a clear message: momentum is building, and it’s just getting started.

Presented by Ochsner Lafayette General, the annual address placed a strong focus on the Boulet administration’s work over the past two years to stabilize, strengthen, and now accelerate progress across government operations, infrastructure, and quality of life.

The America250-themed program opened with a presentation of colors by the Lafayette Police Department Honor Guard, followed by the pledge led by active military members of the Lafayette Fire Department. Lafayette native Ava Mouton delivered a powerful rendition of the National Anthem, and kindergarten students from Broadmoor Elementary brought energy and pride to the stage with a performance of “America Song.”

“Today we celebrate more than just good headlines—we celebrate real progress,” said Mayor-President Boulet. “There is real momentum in Lafayette, and it belongs to every person, every partner, and every organization working together to move this community forward.”

In her remarks, Boulet reflected on the administration’s trajectory, from building a strong foundation in year one, to streamlining and improving efficiency in year two, to now delivering measurable results in year three. “And now, in year three, all that effort is paying off,” Boulet said. “We feel it, and I think you feel it too. There is real momentum in Lafayette, and it’s just getting started.”

The Mayor-President emphasized that this momentum is being driven by intentional investments and a commitment to removing barriers that have historically limited growth. “Momentum doesn’t happen on its own, it’s earned through action and commitment,” Boulet said. “We are building a parish that is stronger than the one we inherited—project by project, decision by decision.”

Boulet’s address highlighted key areas of focus for the administration, including:

• Infrastructure investments that power growth and unlock development
• Economic momentum marked by record job levels and business expansion
• Proactive drainage and resilience efforts to protect neighborhoods
• Continued investment in parks, connectivity, and quality of life amenities
• Public safety improvements and coordinated response systems
  

Throughout the address, Boulet underscored that Lafayette’s progress is rooted in the strength of its people and partnerships across the parish. “The real story of Lafayette Parish is what happens when an entire community decides its best days are ahead,” Boulet said. “Together, we are building a place our people are proud to call home.”

For those unable to attend or tune in live, the full 2026 State of the Parish Address is available to watch on LCG’s YouTube channel here. Residents can also explore Momentum Lafayette, a digital hub highlighting key progress and investments across the parish, including a downloadable highlights brochure, at www.lafayettela.gov/momentum.

As Lafayette Parish continues to build on this progress, Boulet closed with a clear message: “The best days of Lafayette Parish are not behind us,” she said. “The best days are just getting started.

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