Central Mayor Wade Evans Announces He Will Run for Reelection as Mayor

 I am proud to announce my candidacy for re-election as Mayor of the City of Central.

Four years ago, I made a commitment to lead with focus, accountability, and results. Today, I can confidently say that this administration has delivered the most productive period in our city’s history.

We have resurfaced more miles of roads than all previous administrations combined. We have taken a proactive, intentional approach to drainage and public works, addressing long-standing issues and improving both quality of life and the efficiency of how we serve our residents.

We have secured millions of dollars in grant funding to advance critical drainage projects and construct flood detention systems that will protect our community for generations. Our efforts have earned Central a Class 5 rating in FEMA’s Community Rating System, reducing flood insurance costs for our residents while strengthening our resilience.

We did not stop there. We implemented a citywide flood warning system to give residents real-time information and peace of mind during severe weather. We developed Main Street 2030, a clear vision to create a true downtown destination and identity for Central, and we are now moving into implementation.

For the first time in our city’s history, we brought our workforce together under one roof with the construction of City Hall, improving coordination, collaboration, and service delivery.

At the same time, we focused on the foundational work that often goes unseen but is critical to long-term success. We completely updated our emergency operations plan. We modernized our financial systems and investment strategy. We negotiated new municipal banking models that generate stronger returns while reducing costs for taxpayers.

We restructured our partnership with IBTS and strengthened collaboration with regional and state agencies. We launched the development of a Greenway plan to enhance connectivity and recreation across our city.

Operationally, we changed how government works. We empowered our public works teams with autonomy and accountability, resulting in more innovation and faster results. Today, we maintain our city differently. We trim ditches instead of spraying them. We pick up litter daily. We maintain intersections, roundabouts, and major corridors on a consistent cycle. These are small details that reflect a larger commitment to excellence.

Beyond City Hall, I have worked to bring financial discipline and accountability to regional organizations, including BREC and the East Baton Rouge 911 system, because leadership does not stop at city limits.

This campaign is not just about what we have accomplished. It is about what comes next.

We are building a city that is more resilient, more efficient, and more intentional in its growth. A city with a defined identity. A city that delivers results for its people.

There is still more work to do, and I am ready to continue that work.

I ask for your support as we move Central forward together.