Creates the Avondale and Waggaman Economic Development District in Jefferson Parish

House Bill 447 creates the Avondale and Waggaman Economic Development District as a new political subdivision in Jefferson Parish by enacting R.S. 33:2740.70.11. The district encompasses the geographic area bounded by Highway 90 from the St. Charles/St. Bernard parish line to Lapalco Boulevard. The legislation establishes the district's purpose as promoting cooperative economic and community development, enhancing property development, creating employment opportunities, improving infrastructure, and advancing citizen welfare within the designated area. The district operates as a body politic and corporate with defined powers including the ability to sue and be sued, adopt corporate governance instruments, receive gifts and grants, enter into contracts and cooperative endeavors with public and private entities, appoint officers and employees, acquire property by purchase or lease, and perform ancillary functions necessary to carry out its objectives. Notably, the statute explicitly prohibits the district from exercising any taxing authority.

The district's governance structure establishes a seven-member board of commissioners composed of four representatives appointed by local civic associations, one state senator or designee, one state representative or designee, and one Jefferson Parish Council member from District No. 3 or designee. Members appointed by the civic associations serve staggered four-year terms determined by lot, with initial terms ranging from one to four years. The state and parish officials serve during their respective terms of office, with designees serving at the pleasure of the designating authority. The board shall elect from its membership a chairman, vice chairman, secretary-treasurer, and other officers as necessary, with the secretary-treasurer maintaining district records and managing finances. Board meetings require a majority quorum and shall follow applicable notice and conduct requirements through bylaws adopted by the board. Board members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses directly related to district governance.

The district operates within the framework of Louisiana constitutional provisions regarding political subdivisions and must comply with applicable state law. The board must prepare comprehensive plans detailing proposed public improvements, facilities, and services, including cost estimates, subject to public hearings and notice requirements. These plans may encompass any public services and capital improvements that Jefferson Parish itself is authorized to undertake under Louisiana constitutional and statutory law. The district shall adopt an annual budget in accordance with the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act and remain subject to audit by the legislative auditor. State officers and agencies are authorized to render services to the district and enter into contracts and cooperative endeavor agreements necessary to effectuate the district's purposes.