Acadiana FAQ Page

The Acadiana Planning Commission (APC) is a regional planning and economic development organization serving seven parishes in South Louisiana: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion.

APC acts as a facilitator, strategist, and connector, bringing together local governments, businesses, and community stakeholders to plan for long-term regional success. Its work focuses on infrastructure, resilience, economic growth, and community development.

The Acadiana Planning Commission’s mission is to build a stronger, more resilient Acadiana region by aligning resources, securing funding, and guiding strategic initiatives.

The Acadiana Planning Commission’s primary impacts include:

• Securing major funding for infrastructure and development projects, such as broadband expansion and environmental initiatives
• Leading regional collaboration across multiple parishes and sectors
• Supporting safer, healthier communities through planning and coordination
• Strengthening economic foundations for long-term growth

Acadiana Planning Commission has helped launch and support transformative initiatives, including a $30 million broadband expansion effort, a $1.2 billion watershed and flood mitigation initiative, and revitalization and housing development projects across the region.

Watershed management refers to the planning and coordination of land and water resources to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and support sustainable development.

Managing these resources is especially important in Louisiana, where communities are highly vulnerable to flooding and environmental changes.

Acadiana Planning Commission serves as the regional leader and coordinator for watershed management efforts in Acadiana. Its efforts help reduce flood risks, protect infrastructure, and improve overall quality of life.

Acadiana Planning Commission’s responsibilities include:

• Acting as the fiscal agent and organizer for regional watershed initiatives
• Coordinating regional floodplain management planning
• Supporting data-driven infrastructure and drainage solutions
• Implementing water quality and environmental programs
• Advancing multi-parish flood mitigation projects

Effective watershed management is directly tied to economic stability and growth. By reducing flooding and improving infrastructure:

• Businesses face less disruption and risk
• Communities become more attractive for investment
• Key industries such as agriculture and energy are better protected

Acadiana Planning Commission integrates watershed planning into its broader economic strategy to ensure resilience and growth work together.

Acadiana Planning Commission is designated as a federal Economic Development District, helping guide and fund regional growth initiatives. Its economic development work focuses on:

• Strategic planning
• Infrastructure investment
• Workforce and industry development
• Grant writing and funding acquisition

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a five-year roadmap created by the Acadiana Planning Commission to guide regional growth.

The CEDS:

• Identifies key economic priorities
• Aligns local and regional stakeholders
• Enables access to state and federal funding
• Supports infrastructure and resilience projects

By acting as a central hub, Acadiana Planning Commission helps communities accomplish more together than they could individually. It works closely with local governments and partners to:

• Provide planning and technical expertise
• Secure grant funding for projects
• Coordinate regional initiatives
• Support infrastructure and public safety programs