The City of Natchitoches has completed a Draft Master Plan with a keen focus on the future and continued growth of our historic city. Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. noted, “This transformative plan is a framework to address the city’s housing needs, enhance our quality of life, continue the development of our economic corridors, make major infrastructure improvements along our university edge, and renovate the medical district.”

Over the past 18 months, a steering committee of representative stakeholders have collaborated to provide crucial insight, advice, and feedback throughout the development of the Draft Master Plan. This plan, aptly titled, “Natchitoches Next,” will be implemented over the course of the next 10 years and will be highly influential in major decisions concerning the City of Natchitoches.

With strategic investment and ceaseless dedication, the members of the Natchitoches Next steering committee wholeheartedly believes implementation of the master plan will help to reverse population decline, build wealth in our community, reduce poverty, and enhance and protect our existing assets.

Natchitoches Next is a draft master plan. The input of residents is vital to the successful implementation of this plan. “This plan is more than just a blueprint; it is a vital and strategic shared vision, and it will not be complete without honest input from the community at large,” said Laura Lyles, Chamber President and Executive Director of the Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance. Residents of the Natchitoches community are strongly encouraged to attend one or more of the following public input meetings:

• Tuesday, October 10 from 5:30-7 PM
• Wednesday, October 11 from 11:30 AM – 1 PM
• Wednesday, October 11 from 5:30-7 PM

All public input meetings will take place at the Natchitoches Events Center, located at 750 2nd Street in Natchitoches.

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