State of the City Upbeat

Mayor Wade Evans delivered the 2025 State of the City address to the Central Chamber of Commerce, highlighting a year of intentional progress, infrastructure investment, and forward-looking planning for the City of Central.

The mayor spoke to a packed house at the Bennett Barn, a meeting facility at 15194 Joor Road.

Evans emphasized that the city’s growth and accomplishments are the result of deliberate decision-making and disciplined financial management.

“Progress in Central doesn’t happen by accident,” Evans said. “It happens because we are intentional in how we manage our resources, plan our infrastructure, and prepare for the future.”

The year began with the completion of a major road rehabilitation effort, with the city improving 11 miles of roadway using dedicated funding and interest earnings generated from its investment portfolio. 

The city’s investments, managed under established policy guidelines, yielded an average return of approximately 4.5 percent, allowing reinvestment into infrastructure without increasing taxes.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the city began revisiting its Master Land Use Plan to guide future development. Evans noted that the plan will help align residential growth, commercial expansion, and transportation planning while preserving the character of the community.

“This is about guiding growth responsibly,” Evans said. “We want to ensure that infrastructure, economic development, and community needs move forward together.”

The city also continued its proactive approach to drainage maintenance, focusing on roadside and off-road ditch clearing to improve resiliency and protect property.

Beautification and maintenance efforts expanded through partnerships with contractors and the city’s services provider, IBTS. The city has shifted from isolated work orders to a neighborhood-based approach, improving entire areas at once.

Economic indicators remain strong. In 2025, the city and Chamber celebrated 13 ribbon cuttings, while the Chamber added 41 new members.

Construction activity also reflected continued growth. The city issued 1,215 total permits, including residential, commercial, and trade-related work. Inspectors conducted 2,972 inspections, and total construction valuation for the year exceeded $70,136,733.70.

  “These numbers represent families choosing Central and businesses investing in our community,” Evans said.

Education remains a cornerstone of the city’s success. The Central Community School System continues to perform at a high level, while private schools such as St. Alphonsus and Central Private experienced enrollment growth.

Significant transportation milestones were also achieved. After more than 14 years of planning, the Sullivan Road project was officially let for construction. Wax Road was fully rehabilitated, and efforts are ongoing to expand it to four lanes. 

The Louisiana Department of Transportation has also committed to constructing a roundabout at Hooper and Sullivan roads, with additional improvements underway at key intersections.

The city also began construction on its long-awaited new City Hall, marking a visible step forward after years of planning.

This project is part of the broader “Main Street 2030” vision, which aims to create a central destination and economic driver for the community. The initiative includes an 

85-acre flood control project and a multi-use activity center, anchored by the new City Hall and a future school system administration building along the Sullivan Road corridor.

Evans also addressed one of the city’s most pressing challenges: law enforcement coverage. With changes brought on by the creation of the City of St. George, the long-standing arrangement with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is no longer sustainable.

To address the issue, Evans proposed a hybrid model that maintains the Sheriff’s presence while gradually expanding the city’s own capabilities. The plan begins with a $500,000 contract with the Sheriff’s Office, increasing annually, alongside the city’s existing $1.2 million police budget. By year five, total law enforcement spending is projected to reach approximately $3.7 million.

“Doing nothing is not an option,” Evans said. “But whatever we do must protect both public safety and the financial stability of our city.”

The city also made a strategic leadership change in Public Works, hiring a director with expertise in program management, budgeting, and project delivery rather than traditional field operations. Evans said the move reflects the increasing complexity of managing infrastructure in a growing city.

As the administration completes its third year, Evans expressed confidence in both the city’s progress and its future.

“Central is growing, Central is planning, and Central is building the foundation for the next generation,” he said.

Evans closed by thanking local businesses, educators, public servants, and residents for their continued support and investment in the community.

“The future of Central is bright,” Evans said. “It is a great day to be a Wildcat! Now let’s go change one heart at a time.”