“Last night, we gave preliminary approval for our first townhome community,” she notes, highlighting a significant step towards diversifying the city’s housing stock. Traditionally dominated by singlefamily residences, Carencro is now introducing denser housing options to cater to various needs. “I think it’s a good mix for the city,” she adds, reflecting her vision of a balanced community that offers spacious homes and more compact living options. The influx of new residents, mainly from southern Louisiana, highlights Carencro’s appeal. Mayor Clavier attributes this migration to more affordable property taxes, insurance costs, and the town’s relative safety from hurricanes. “Carencro is on the upswing when it comes to population,” she remarks, a sentiment supported by Deal’s data. “In March 2024 alone, Carencro issued over 50 new residential building permits,” Deal says, a level of activity not seen since before COVID-19. With a median home value of around $188,000, the town remains affordable for many residents, from blue-collar workers to students and older people. STRENGTHENING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Workforce development is another critical focus for Carencro, particularly in light of current labor shortages, especially in skilled trades. Beduze describes the city’s strategic efforts to bridge the gap between education and employment. “We’ve seen a demand for diesel truck drivers and mechanics,” he states, highlighting partnerships with high schools and career centers that enable students to graduate with certifications such as a CDL. These collaborations ensure that students are job-ready and equipped with practical skills tailored to local industry needs. Address: Kolder, Slaven & Company, LLC | 183 S. Beadle Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508 Phone: (337) 232-4141 Email: HRAdept@kcsrcpas.com We provide a broad range of services and in-depth industry experiences our clients need while, at the same time, retaining the personal service, professional integrity, and responsiveness which our clients deserve. Graham Beduze 82 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
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