The Governor’s Office of Rural Development represents a multifaceted, multidisciplinary investment in the improvement of rural Louisiana. All across this state, once-thriving communities have seen generations of young people leave in search of economic opportunities. The intent of this council is to foster those opportunities closer to home. By building the systems necessary to sustain growth, this council will create new life and opportunity in rural Louisiana.
The advisory council is comprised of 37 key state and local stakeholders appointed by the Governor. This council will be chaired by retired chief of staff and former Senator Ben Nevers. Membership includes designees of the president of the senate, as well as the speaker of the house, the chairman of the rural caucus, and the chairman of the black caucus. Other members are drawn from state government, higher education, nonprofit leadership, and the private sector.
The Council is required to develop and submit a comprehensive strategic plan to the Governor by January 5, 2021 as well as annual progress reports thereafter. The duties of this council are to advise the Governor on issues of concern to the citizens of rural Louisiana. This council will maximize its efforts by discovering and harnessing state, federal, and private resources in bold new ways. The council will diligently work to identify practices from other states and bring those to Louisiana through executive or legislative efforts to best achieve the goal of rural revitalization. Additionally, the Council on Rural Revitalization will be responsible for identifying the needs and solutions in eight areas of focus: economic development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, clean water, agriculture and forestry, workforce development, and broadband. It is a comprehensive improvement to these key areas that will create lasting and sustainable growth.
Noble Ellington, Executive Director
318-282-2582
Noble.ellington@la.gov
Ali Jones, Executive Assistant and Communications Director
225-252-8234
Ali.armstrong@la.gov
1. Regional Planning Commission
Diane Hollis, Regional Director
225-481-3144
margret.hollis@la.gov
2. Capital Region Planning Commission
Major Coleman, Regional Director
225-328-3692
major.coleman@la.gov
3. South Central Planning and Development District
Michelle Eroche, Regional Director
225-481-3145
michelle.eroche@yahoo.com
4. Acadiana Planning Commission
Emily Stine, Regional Director
225-328-1643
emily.stine@la.gov
6. Kisatchi Delta Regional Planning and Development District
Lindlay Howell, Regional Director
225-324-9216
lindlay.howell@la.gov
7. Coordinating & Development District
Carlos Jones, Regional Director
225-329-7419
carlos.jones@la.gov
8. North Delta Regional Planning & Development District
Bubba Chaney, Regional Director
225-324-9351
charles.chaney@la.gov