Boulet Administration, Lafayette Councils Adopt FY26-27 Budget, Advancing Infrastructure for Lafayette's Future

BOULET ADMINISTRATION, LAFAYETTE COUNCILS ADOPT FY26-27 BUDGET, ADVANCING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LAFAYETTE’S FUTURE
Budget builds on foundation of stability, accountability, and sound financial management with strategic investments to prepare Lafayette for continued growth

Lafayette, LA – The Boulet Administration and Lafayette City and Parish Councils have adopted Lafayette Consolidated Government’s (LCG) Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating and Capital Budget, advancing approximately $830 million in investments focused on preparing Lafayette Parish for the growth and opportunity ahead.

The FY26-27 budget marks a shift from strengthening LCG’s financial and operational footing to putting that foundation to work. With Lafayette continuing to grow, the budget prioritizes the roads, drainage, public safety, parks, and other critical infrastructure needed to support residents today while building capacity for the future.

“When we came into office, our priority was to build a stronger, more accountable and transparent government,” said Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. “We’ve done that work, and today we’re in a position to look ahead and invest with purpose. Lafayette is growing, and this budget puts that foundation to work by investing in the infrastructure and services we need today while preparing for the growth we know is coming.”

FY26-27 Budget Highlights

The adopted budget prioritizes investments that keep Lafayette moving, build for growth, protect communities, and strengthen everyday quality of life. Key investments include:

• Approximately $29 million for drainage maintenance and flood mitigation infrastructure, along with $1 million for continued home elevations, buyouts, and neighborhood drainage improvements.
• $11 million in capital improvements for parks and recreation facilities, along with an increase of more than $600,000 in PARC operating funding.
• $750,000 to begin design and engineering for the widening of E. Broussard Road, advancing a major transportation priority.
• More than $500,000 to improve pedestrian safety near schools and $1 million to optimize traffic signals throughout Lafayette Parish.
• Continued investment in public safety, including the first phase of a two-year Police and Fire compensation plan, tripled funding for firefighter training, and additional support for volunteer fire departments.

Together, these investments reflect a broader focus on preparing Lafayette Parish for continued residential and economic growth while addressing the infrastructure and services residents rely on every day.

A Collaborative Budget Process

Adoption follows months of development, review, public hearings, and collaboration among the Boulet Administration, Lafayette City and Parish Councils, LCG’s Office of Finance & Management, and departments across the consolidated government. Throughout the process, proposed investments were reviewed and refined to balance immediate community needs, long-term priorities, and responsible stewardship of public dollars.

“This budget represents months of hard work, not only by the Councils during our review process, but by the Mayor-President, her administration, Finance and Management, and every department that works to put together a responsible plan for the year ahead,” said Lafayette City Council Chair and City Finance Committee Chair Kenneth Boudreaux. “As Councilmembers, one of our most important responsibilities is to take that proposed budget, look closely at how the people’s money is being spent, ask the necessary questions and make sure the priorities reflected in it are serving the people we represent. I’m especially proud of the collaboration we saw between the City Council, Parish Council and administration throughout this process. Everyone came to the table committed to doing the work, having productive conversations and arriving at a budget that responsibly moves Lafayette forward. I believe what we adopted reflects that shared commitment and gives us a strong foundation for the year ahead.”

“This was my first budget process serving as Parish Council Chair, and I’m proud of how we came together to get the work done,” said Lafayette Parish Council Chair Donald Richard. “It was a true collaboration, and I appreciate everyone who contributed to a smooth and productive process. I’m excited about what’s ahead and what these investments will mean for the people of Lafayette Parish.”

Boulet also recognized the extensive work of LCG’s Office of Finance & Management and employees across the organization for the extensive work required to develop departmental budgets, analyze revenues and expenditures, prepare supporting materials, respond to Council questions, and work through revisions throughout the process.

“A budget of this size and complexity represents an incredible amount of work behind the scenes,” Boulet said. “I’m especially grateful to our Council members, Finance team, and employees across LCG who spent countless hours preparing, reviewing, and refining this budget. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and stewardship of public dollars are essential to this process and to our ability to deliver for Lafayette.”

Budget Takes Effect November 1

The FY26-27 budget takes effect November 1, 2026, when departments will begin implementing the programs, projects, and investments authorized through the adopted budget.

As projects funded through this and previous budgets move forward, LCG will continue sharing progress and giving residents greater visibility into how public investments are translating into improvements throughout the community.

“We have a lot of work ahead, and we look forward to continuing to show residents the progress being made across Lafayette Parish,” Boulet said. “From roads and drainage to parks, public safety, and other critical infrastructure, our focus is on moving these investments forward and making sure people can see their public dollars at work.”

Residents can review the FY26-27 budget, supporting documents, and additional budget information at lafayettela.gov/budget.

Residents can also follow active construction projects and see capital investments underway across Lafayette Parish through an interactive map at lafayettela.gov/constructionmap.

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