Two weeks remain for residents in Calcasieu and Cameron parishes to share how they would like to see the region rebound from last year’s hurricanes and grow over the long term.

Input is being sought for the initial listening phase of Just Imagine SWLA, a 50-year master resilience plan for Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. Urban Design Associates, a Pittsburgh-based consultant, is heading the planning team and is gathering input for review. Feedback can be left online at JustImagineSWLA.org.

The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana is assisting in the master planning effort.

During community meetings held in Sulphur, Lake Charles and Grand Lake in November, residents shared their preferred long-term goals for the area. They also discussed specific issues that have impacted the community before and after Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Sara Judson, Community Foundation SWLA president and CEO, said residents who provide feedback should consider sights or features in other cities that may benefit Calcasieu and Cameron parishes.

“While you are visiting with family and friends over the holidays, take time to bounce ideas around on what would build a more thriving and resilient Southwest Louisiana,” Judson said.

The Just Imagine SWLA website includes an interactive map where residents can comment on the places they love and identify areas with problems or opportunity. There is also an “ideas wall” where residents can share ideas on five key categories: community planning, infrastructure, housing, economic development and natural and cultural resources.

Feedback is being sought from all age groups. Calcasieu Parish high school students provided input online, while students at Barbe and Sulphur high schools attended in-person meetings earlier this month.

Both Calcasieu and Cameron parishes have held virtual and in-person small group meetings to discuss and share input on the 50-year master plan.

A $2.5 million gift that Angela and David Filo provided to the Community Foundation of SWLA helped pay for the Just Imagine SWLA master planning effort.

The November listening workshops can be viewed on facebook.com/imagineswla. Once all the input is gathered and analyzed, ideas will be tested in February for 10 projects. By May, strategies will be decided to help the community achieve the more sought-after goals.

For more, visit JustImagineSWLA.org.