State of North Lafayette Inaugural Meeting

LAFAYETTE, La.–The Affordable Housing Alliance understands building and rebuilding a community takes a village. To see a room filled with Black developers, realtors, contractors, investors, advocates, culture bearers, and others shows community care and effort.

Historically, Lafayette natives and rural Black families from smaller surrounding towns were heavily concentrated in North Lafayette due to Jim Crow segregation laws and affordability.

Over the last 25 years, some generational families have left the area, attracting interest from onlookers and outsiders. The state’s minimum wage of $7.25 sets a low standard for encouraging businesses to give employees fair raises and livable wages and salaries.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Policy Development and Research, the average sale price of a new home is $255,800 and for existing homes $198,800 (a 12% increase to 2020).

Rental rates have also risen, forcing residents to move to surrounding areas like Scott, Broussard, and Carencro. In addition, the lack of tenants’ rights subjects residents to neglect and financial predatory behaviors from landlords and property managers.

Organized and hosted by Dr. Chris Williams and the Greater Southwest Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce at Lafayette’s Downtown Convention Center, the “State of Louisiana Inaugural Meeting” discussed the challenges Northside Lafayette faces, coalition building, and action plans to rebuild the Northside.