Mayor Charlotte Stemmans Clavier, a lifelong resident, passionately describes Carencro as “the most wonderful place on Earth.” Her affection for her hometown is evident as she highlights its diverse and progressive nature, particularly for a Southern community.“We have both the interstate and a very quaint downtown,” she notes, highlighting the blend of modern connectivity and small-town appeal. The town’s evolution over the past two decades is remarkable. Mayor Clavier mentions that Carencro has seen significant growth in the residential and business sectors. “Probably in the last 20 years, our businesses have expanded from local mom-andpop operations to more national names,” she says. Carencro’s parks department is also on the upswing, providing residents with improved recreational spaces. These parks offer a green respite amidst the burgeoning development, making Carencro a wellrounded community for families and individuals. ECONOMIC PILLARS AND DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION Recent developments have significantly bolstered Carencro’s economic landscape, transforming it into a burgeoning hub of activity. Key sectors and strategic infrastructure projects drive this transformation, shaping a community that balances growth with maintaining its unique charm. “With the newest addition of the Amazon facility, Carencro is priming itself to be a logistics and transportation hub,” says Brittany Deal, Director of Business Intelligence at the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. The town’s strategic location and the presence of significant companies enhance its appeal as a center for logistics and transportation. “We also have Southwest Freight and FedEx up here,” Deal adds, indicating the area’s growing prominence in the sector. The historic downtown area of Carencro holds a special place in the community, embodying its traditional family feel. Mayor Clavier emphasizes the significance of the city’s first master plan to revitalize this cherished area.“We are in the middle of the city of Carencro’s first master plan,” she states, highlighting the extensive efforts to modernize infrastructure while preserving its historic charm. The project includes making downtown sidewalks ADA-compliant and addressing an essential need given their original design for horse and carriage traffic. Transportation is crucial for Carencro, as it provides easy access to nearby urban centers and supports its economic activities.“We have University Avenue, a state highway that connects from exit seven on I-49 to the airport,” Mayor Clavier details. The town is well-connected through significant thoroughfares like Veterans Boulevard and Gloria Switch, facilitating 77 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08 CARENCRO, LA
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