Lafayette Council Approves Downtown and Mall Funding
The city council voted to allocate funds toward local development projects using revenue from two Economic Development Districts.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in City Hall
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Lafayette City Council approved $500,000 to complete a downtown redevelopment plan and $1.25 million in principle for the Northgate Mall site. These projects will be supported by tax revenue collected through local Economic Development Districts.
Why it matters
The funding aims to spur local economic growth by completing a $1 million downtown plan and supporting a $50.9 million planned investment for the Northgate Mall property. The allocations represent a significant commitment to local infrastructure and commercial revitalization.
The council authorized $500,000 for downtown plans and $1.25 million for the mall site, sourced from districts collecting a 1% sales tax and 2% hotel occupancy tax. The downtown initiative has a total cost of $1 million.
The players
Lafayette City Council
This is the legislative body responsible for governing the city of Lafayette and managing its municipal budget and development initiatives.
Jacoby Landry
He is the real estate developer who acquired the 20.8-acre Northgate Mall property in 2025 for $2.8 million.
The details
The downtown plan will involve professional consultants analyzing retail, housing, and infrastructure needs for the area. The mall funding is structured as a reimbursement for costs incurred by developer Jacoby Landry, who purchased the 20.8-acre property for $2.8 million in 2025.
Timeline
May 31, 2026: The city reported EDD tax revenue collection totals.
June 2025: Jacoby Landry purchased the Northgate Mall property.
April 2026: Council held an initial vote to allocate $500,000 for downtown plans.
October 20, 2026: Council approved the latest funding measures.
Political Context
The use of Economic Development Districts allows the city to direct specific tax revenues toward private-public partnerships for urban renewal. Critics often argue that such arrangements prioritize commercial interests over broad public services or tax-funded infrastructure.
Residents may see changes in the downtown landscape and the Northgate Mall site as consultants begin analyzing infrastructure and development feasibility. These investments are intended to improve retail and housing options, though the mall project currently awaits final approval.
The takeaway
The council is leveraging district-specific tax revenues to accelerate long-term development plans without tapping into the general fund. Local stakeholders should monitor future council meetings for the final approval stage of the Northgate Mall project.
Further reading
For more information on local legislation, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Advocate.
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