COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/ DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT

■ GOAL: Installation of a Gateway Sign in Sulphur on Interstate 10 facing eastbound traffic to increase visitation and create a downtown cultural district.

STRATEGIES: • Assist the city in finalizing a landscape architect plan for approval and obtaining right of way from West Cal Arena &

Events Center to be able to maintain the sign via access from

Arena Road • Keep construction of access road by Sulphur maintenance top-of-mind • Work with the mayor and City Council to define, implement, and then build awareness of a Cultural District in Downtown

Sulphur

_______ ■ GOAL: Spearhead construction of a New Imperial Calcasieu Mardi Gras Museum, providing the cornerstone for all things Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana.

STRATEGIES: • Find and purchase land for museum • Work with architect to design the museum facility within budget and space constraints • Collaborate with the Mardi Gras Museum Board on exhibit design and spaces

_______ ■ GOAL: Work with the Nellie Lutcher District and Strong Downtowns committees of Just Imagine SWLA to make progress on initiatives.

STRATEGIES: • Continue to shepherd collaboration efforts between the Live

Arts Venue Alliance board and theater groups to create a live arts venue space that will work for all theater entities • Submit Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park nomination for inclusion on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail

_______ ■ GOAL: Collaborate with the City of Westlake to move riverfront development forward.

STRATEGIES: • In conjunction with City of Westlake and Horseshoe Casino, determine viable means to encourage additional visitation to the community by developing the riverfront • Provide research on how other communities have successfully developed their waterfronts

_______ ■ GOAL: Increase Visit Lake Charles visibility within the communities of SWLA and within the tourism industry as a whole

STRATEGY: Continue to work with VLC team to increase involvement on local boards/committees as well as at community events

| 13