Overview
- The Lafayette Consolidated Government confirmed parades will follow the downtown Jefferson Street route for the upcoming season after a decision by Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet.
- Boulet said roughly 14% of the route was changed and rejected accusations of racial intent or a plan to exclude the north side.
- District 5 Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux said residents were bypassed, reported more than 200 complaints, and noted that several neighborhoods in his district are no longer on the path.
- Police Chief Paul Trouard told the council the route is safe for crowds and manageable for law enforcement.
- Businesses on Jefferson expect increased visibility, while merchants along the former Vermilion Street segment anticipate losses, and the city says barricade timing will aim to limit disruptions.