LCG Delivers FY26-27 Budget

BOULET ADMINISTRATION DELIVERS FY26-27 BUDGET FOCUSED ON LAFAYETTE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TOMORROW

Proposed $830 million budget prioritizes roads, drainage, public safety, parks, and long-term financial stability

Lafayette, LA – The Boulet Administration will present the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating and Capital Budget to the Lafayette City and Parish Councils this evening, outlining an $830 million investment plan that builds on three years of sound financial management and positions Lafayette Parish for continued growth.

The proposed budget reflects a clear philosophy: responsible government creates the ability to invest in the things that matter most to people’s everyday lives. From reducing traffic congestion and improving neighborhood drainage to strengthening public safety, restoring parks, and modernizing critical infrastructure, the FY 2026-2027 budget prioritizes projects that improve daily life while preparing Lafayette for the future.

"Three years ago, our focus was stabilizing government through transparency, accountability, and sound financial management,” said Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. “Today, we’re seeing the results. Because we’ve been disciplined, we’re able to invest in the things that matter most in people’s everyday lives—how we get to work, how safely our children get to school, how well our neighborhoods withstand heavy rain, and the places where families gather and businesses grow. This budget reflects our commitment to making smart investments today so Lafayette is even stronger tomorrow.”

The proposed budget continues the administration’s emphasis on strategically investing in priorities that shape Lafayette’s infrastructure:

• Keeping Lafayette moving by improving transportation, reducing congestion, optimizing traffic flow, and creating safer connections for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
• Building for growth by modernizing infrastructure, removing barriers to economic development, and supporting continued investment throughout Lafayette Parish.
• Protecting our communities through drainage improvements, neighborhood flood mitigation, resilient infrastructure, and continued investments in public safety.
• Strengthening everyday quality of life by restoring investment in parks, recreation, and public spaces that bring people together and serve residents of all ages.

Among the proposed investments are continued improvements to major transportation corridors, the design of the widening of E. Broussard Road, parishwide traffic signal optimization, and new funding to improve pedestrian safety near schools. The budget also restores funding for Lafayette Parish parks and recreation (PARC), invests in recreation facilities, advances neighborhood drainage projects, expands firefighter training, begins the first phase of a two-year Police and Fire compensation plan, and continues supporting law enforcement and emergency response agencies throughout the parish.

Budget Highlights

The proposed FY 2026–2027 budget includes:

• $830 million total proposed Operating and Capital Budget
• More than 60% of the City General Fund dedicated to public safety
• Approximately $28.9 million invested in drainage maintenance and flood mitigation infrastructure
• $1 million for continued home elevations, buyouts, and neighborhood drainage improvements
• More than $600,000 increase in PARC operating funding
• $4.6 million in capital improvements for parks and recreation facilities
• $750,000 to begin design and engineering for the widening of E. Broussard Road
• $500,000 to improve pedestrian safety near schools
• $250,000 to optimize traffic signals throughout Lafayette Parish
• More than $200,000 increase in firefighter training funding
• Approximately $120,000 in additional support for volunteer fire departments

The proposed budget will be introduced during the Joint Meeting of the Lafayette City and Parish Councils on Tuesday, July 21, at 5:15 p.m. Following introduction, the proposed budget, Mayor-President's Budget Message, Citizen's Guide to the Budget, and budget review schedule will be available at lafayettela.gov/budget.

Public budget hearings are scheduled to begin August 6, with final budget adoption anticipated on September 10. Residents are encouraged to review the proposed budget and participate in the public process as Lafayette's investment priorities for the coming year are considered.

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