Our Agency

The Acadiana Regional Development District is one of eight planning districts for the State of Louisiana dedicated to serve the people, businesses, communities, and local government units within the eight parishes (counties) of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion.  Established by Legislative Act in 1967, ARDD was organized to assist municipal and parish governments and has grown into an agency that focuses on business retention and creation in Region Four.

ARDD is a quasi-governmental agency governed by a twenty-one member Board of Directors.  Our directors are comprised of elected or appointed officials and business leaders from throughout the eight parish area.  They bring with them experience in commerce, education, transportation, agriculture, and finance. 

Funding

Our main source of funding comes from local membership/participation dues and grants.    These funds are utilized to promote economic development projects in the region.  Many of our programs focus on retaining businesses, technology, and a skilled workforce.  Basically, ARDD solves problems -- either by assistance with grants, or planning, that will solve problems, or by putting local people in contact with organizations or departments that can.  It is important to note that Louisiana is one of the few states that does not provide funding to its planning districts. 

Parishes and/or municipalities are billed Local Participation Dues annually. These dues are based on 10 cents per capita from the US Census of Population and Housing. Member parishes/municipalities are given discounts on many services and bonuses for grant funds. ARDD is currently invoicing for the 2009 Annual Dues. Your continued support is appreciated and allows ARDD to assist communities and/or organizations secure resources and mobilize a coordinated response to regional opportunities and challenges.

Our Mission

The Acadiana Regional Development District is organized for the primary purpose of furthering the economic development and social welfare of the Parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion, with emphasis on promotion and assistance to the growth and development of business concerns. The principal objectives of the Acadiana Regional Development District shall be to benefit the communities by fostering increased employment opportunities and expansion of business and industry for the citizens of Region Four.

A Regional Approach

With an ever fluctuating economy, it is crucial for economic developers, educational institutions, and local and parish governments to develop regional partnerships that incorporate the "Regional Approach" in their philosophy.  As one of the core members in the Acadiana Economic Development Consortium,  the district is one of the many service providers that assist small business, new businesses and expanding businesses in the region.  This collaboration of various providers, in short, makes the district "system" work. 

Parishes and municipalities stand to gain by supporting one organization that acts effectively and impartially for the member parishes and municipalities.