Bulletin for June 27, 2023

Comprised of six municipalities, Jefferson is the second largest parish in Louisiana and contributes the most in dollars to Louisiana’s economy. President Sheng provided an update on parish administration priorities and projects: First on the list is attempts to resolve what she referred to as an insurance crisis reporting that federal legislation has recently set aside $45 million for incentive programs to attract new insurance companies to write policies in Louisiana. Homeowners and business owners can get certified for a fortified roof by properly sealing and re-enforcing the roof with construction type improvements resulting in a discount by the insurance company. The Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety is a non-profit run by insurance companies that can provide information on how to fortify/certify your roof. Water and Sewer system: Updates to the water and sewer system are being done by rehabilitating water towers and upgrading lift systems. Litter Abatement: Photo enforced landfill sites to ensure that trucks are fully tarped to keep litter from ending up on streets. Public Health Services: Jefferson Parish has partnered with Ochsner and LCMC to provide some public health services, such as COVID testing and vaccinations as the increase in aging of parish citizens continues without an increase in younger people. The Parish is the most diverse parish in the state but has recognized an uptick in homeless numbers. Road projects take time: She referred to the Severn Avenue project that started in 2012 and that road projects take many years to complete. Multiple improvements to streets continue throughout the parish.

Future projects:  sports complexes like pickle ball courts, Lafreniere Park recently completed a class one soccer field, and the Alario Center recently hosted a regional cornhole tournament that attracted people from 38 states who used hotels, ate in restaurants and visited the French Quarter and helps to make Jefferson a perfect fit with NOLA tourism. Recreation facilities: to facilitate the change in demographics, older recreation facilities are being reimagined with six playgrounds targeted for re-vitalization. Technology: New technology is being implemented to manage the fleet, updates to the website, and the installation of rail cameras at railroad crossings along with  online apps for purchases. Sheng announced a successful pilot program that will roll out soon called “Beyond Books – Library of Things” where items can be rented. In closing, President Sheng encouraged business owners to consider partnering with JPAWS from Hope to Home program to adopt animals.

Ms. Sheng, Parish president for Jefferson Parish since January 2020, is the first female parish president for Jefferson Parish. She has led Jefferson Parish through COVID-19 pandemic and an active 2020-2021 hurricane season. She continues to take Jefferson Parish to the next level, encouraging new ideas, technology and is running a more efficient government.

Members: Visit the archive to view Jen’s complete presentation.