Thrive Baton Rouge: A Unified Approach to Strengthening Services and Securing Library Funding

Baton Rouge, La. – In a significant step forward for Baton Rouge, Mayor-President Sid Edwards unveiled "Thrive Baton Rouge," a balanced initiative designed to secure long-term funding for the East Baton Rouge Parish Library system while maintaining crucial public services across the parish—without raising taxes.

The initiative is the result of a collaborative effort among city and parish officials, the Metro Council, and key community stakeholders, including the Library Board, Council on Aging, and Mosquito Abatement District. Thrive Baton Rouge reallocates existing resources to address the parish’s financial challenges while safeguarding essential programs and services.

"This is a historic day for Baton Rouge," Edwards declared at a press conference. "Through collaboration and unity, we've crafted a plan that strengthens our community, stabilizes our finances, and ensures our libraries remain a vital resource for our residents."

A Unified Effort for Fiscal Stability

The Thrive Baton Rouge proposal balances the budget needs of the parish while ensuring the continued success of the library system. A key aspect of the plan is the commitment to preserving the library’s funding through a dedicated millage, which will be redirected from surplus funds previously earmarked for other services.

"This plan is about more than just securing library funding," said Metro Council member Dwight Hudson. "It’s about working together to ensure that public safety, education, and essential services continue uninterrupted, even in the face of fiscal challenges."

Council members from both political parties joined Edwards in support of the initiative, highlighting the bipartisan cooperation that made the plan possible. "This is a model for collaboration," said Councilwoman Jennifer Racca. "We’ve all come together to find a way forward that benefits everyone."

Community leaders also voiced their approval. "The library system is an anchor in our community, and this plan protects its future," said Carolyn Coleman, a local advocate. "At the same time, it makes sure that services like sanitation, police, and fire protection continue to be well-funded."

A Positive Outcome for Library Leaders

Mary Stein, Assistant Library Director, expressed appreciation for the collaborative process that led to this proposal.

"We truly appreciate the many hours the mayor’s office, the mayor, metro council, and the community have spent working out this compromise," she said. "Most of all, the most important thing here is we keep our dedicated millage. That is what we wanted most. We are very happy that we keep it."

Stein, along with Library Director Katrina Stokes, emphasized that the new plan allows libraries to stay open during nights and weekends—hours that were at risk under the original proposal.

Key Provisions of the Thrive Baton Rouge Plan

• $48 Million Annual Library Budget: Ensures the library system’s continued operation, allowing for facility improvements and technological advancements.
• $52.4 Million One-Time Fund Rededication: Reduces city-parish debt, freeing up resources for infrastructure projects and emergency services.
• Flexible General Fund Allocations: Ensures that services such as public safety, road maintenance, and drainage improvements are adequately funded.
• Workforce Investment: A $13 million investment in public sector employees, focused on improving compensation, benefits, and retirement planning to enhance recruitment and retention.
• Reallocation from Mosquito Control: The plan also redistributes funds from the Mosquito Abatement District and other millages to maximize efficiency.

"The success of this plan lies in its ability to balance our financial health with the needs of the community," said Councilman Cleve Dunn. "We’re taking a proactive, sustainable approach to ensure that Baton Rouge remains strong for years to come."

What’s Next: A Path to Voter Approval

The Thrive Baton Rouge initiative will be presented to voters for approval in the fall. A public hearing and vote on the proposal are set for April 23, and officials are optimistic about gaining community support. A public awareness campaign will launch soon to educate residents about the plan’s benefits.

"We’ve listened to the concerns of our community, and this plan reflects their priorities," said Katrina Stokes, Executive Director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. "With broad support, we are confident that Baton Rouge residents will vote for a stronger, more resilient future."

As Baton Rouge moves forward with Thrive Baton Rouge, the city’s leadership is encouraging residents to engage in public discussions and contribute to the decision-making process. Town hall meetings will be scheduled in the coming weeks to ensure that all voices are heard and that the city remains united in shaping its future.