Southwest Louisiana and the West Calcasieu Chambers of Commerce.These collaborations ensure the city remains a key player in regional development. “That’s one of the things about being associated with each other, as close as we are, whenever there’s a hint of something that’s being proposed, the city’s involved, the chambers are involved and we work very closely with them to be able to provide anything and everything that they need to attract that business here,” says the mayor. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING As Sulphur continues to grow, workforce development remains a priority. Collaborations with local institutions such as McNeese State University, Sowela Technical Community College, and The Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana ensure that residents are equipped with the training and skills needed for employment in the city’s key industries, including petrochemical, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), and gaming. “We’ve got several LNG facilities here, and we have some more on the books right now that are going to be built,” expands Danahay. “We’re becoming the LNG capital of the world here in Southwest Louisiana. This will set up our energy needs here in the United States for years to come. So, we will encourage that domain.” On the subject of housing, he points out the constraints on new residential development, due to limited land opportunities within city limits. Despite this, the housing market has experienced a shift with the recent increase in interest rates, slowing down property transactions, and leaving homes on the market for longer periods. “Before this, nothing stayed on the market very long. It flew off the market as fast as it went on the market,” he admits.“There’s still movement, but it’s limited now.” Danahay explains that the city’s housing dynamics are closely tied to the ebb and flow of the petrochemical sector, where economic activity surges during project phases, attracting temporary residents who often move on post-project completion. “There are times in this area where our economy is driven by those projects, and once they’re completed, then we see VisitLakeCharles.org Michael Danahay, Mayor 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
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