CENTRAL, La. (WAFB) – A new Economic Development Foundation has been launched to support sustainable growth in the City of Central, aiming to attract investment, strengthen infrastructure, and assist local enterprises. n nOver the past year, the city has experienced a surge in commercial and residential development. While residents like Ashley White welcome the convenience of having more services nearby, they also acknowledge the challenges that accompany rapid expansion. n n“The construction is hideous on Wax Road and Sullivan Road,” White admitted. “But I understand it’s part of progress, so I accept it.” n nRon Erickson, the city’s Director for Economic Development, emphasized the importance of managing growth strategically. The foundation’s mission is to ensure that new developments are supported by proper zoning, transportation networks, and public services. n nOne of its primary goals is to support small businesses through an expansion and retention initiative. If a company faces operational hurdles, the foundation will work to help resolve them, encouraging businesses to remain in Central. Additionally, efforts are underway to attract new corporate offices along a planned corridor stretching from the intersections of Hooper and Sullivan to Wax. n n“Our city relies entirely on sales tax revenue—there’s no property tax—so retail activity is crucial,” Erickson explained. “The more we can boost local incomes, the more people will spend within our community.” n nThe foundation will also contribute to the Main Street 2030 plan and expand workforce development programs for high school students, preparing youth for future employment opportunities close to home. White, a parent of a 16-year-old, expressed optimism about these initiatives. n n“People are already moving here, so continued growth means more job options for our children,” she said. “It could mean my son won’t have to leave town to build a career.” n nErickson envisions a future where young adults graduate and choose to return to Central, drawn by a vibrant economy and strong community ties. n— news from WAFB
— News Original —nNew Economic Development Foundation established in City of CentralnCENTRAL, La. (WAFB) – A newly formed foundation is looking to bring in more money and resources to the City of Central. n nIn just the last year or two, more businesses and housing developments have been popping up in the City of Central. n n“The growth has been good,” said resident Ashley White. “It’s more stuff, and we don’t have to go so far to get different things now.” n nWhite is excited to see these things, but they present some new challenges for Ron Erickson. n n“We recognize there’s a need for economic development in our city, but we have to have what we call smart growth,” explained Erickson. n nAs the Director for Economic Development in the city, he’s tasked with getting a newly formed Economic Development Foundation up and running. Erickson said the non-profit’s goal is to add assets to its growing community while making sure things like infrastructure and zoning are done properly to support these new additions. Something White is trying to keep in mind. n n“The construction is hideous on Wax Road and Sullivan Road,” admitted White. “I know all the construction is a part of the growth, though, so it’s welcomed.” n nErickson said the foundation will focus on supporting small businesses through a new expansion and retention program. n n“If a business wants to expand or they’re facing certain problems, we’re going to try and find a way to help them circumvent those problems, so they stay in Central,” said Erickson. n nThey will also work to bring new businesses in and look to create a new corridor section from the intersections of Hooper and Sullivan to Wax for corporate offices. n n“Our city exists strictly on sales tax. It doesn’t have property tax so retail is highly important to us so the more we can get money into residents’ pockets the more they’ll spend in the city,” explained Erickson. n nHe said the foundation will also support projects with the Main Street 2030 plan, as well as expand workforce development programs for high schoolers. Plans that White is looking forward to seeing not only for her, but her kids. n n“People are already coming in, so growing will only be more opportunities for us and our children because I also have a 16-year-old, so that’ll be jobs closer to home for him,” said White. n nAll to give people who make Central what it is the resources they need to keep the city thriving. n n“We want to create an environment where the next generation gets out of school and says I remember what Central was like. I want to move back there and keep my family there,” said Erickson. n nClick here to report a typo. Please include the headline. n nClick here to subscribe to our WAFB 9 News daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.