Kevin Blanchard

Kevin Blanchard, the CEO of Downtown Lafayette, and Carlee Alm-LaBar, Chief of Staff at Strong Towns, share their insights from their time as city staff in Lafayette, Louisiana. They discuss the challenges of balancing community demands with bureaucratic hurdles, emphasizing the fear and scarcity mindset that stifles innovation. They also delve into the intricate dynamics of property rights and zoning laws, and how citizen engagement is vital for navigating local governance. Their experiences reveal the importance of empathy and collaboration in driving community progress.