Businesses in Lake Charles’ three economic development districts can now qualify for one-time incentives.

The Lake Charles City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to give Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter the authority to grant new and existing businesses in the Lakefront, Enterprise and I-10 Corridor Economic Development Districts incentives.

This goal of the incentives is to continue to grow the presence of businesses in areas that the city has worked to redevelop. Assistant City Administrator Kimberly Dellafosse told The American Press that the smaller incentives “help bolster economic activity in what has typically been classified as an underserved area.”

“These incentives provide an additional tool for City Administration to help business owners enhance a project they are looking to get off the ground.”

She explained that these incentives will elevate projects that businesses are already working on.

“These incentives help take a project that a business owner has already vetted to the next level. When we speak on economic development, we want to see needed businesses stand up, but we also want to see quality projects that help improve neighborhood aesthetics.”

She said that an example of a viable project for an incentive is to help a business owner “elevate the exterior façade of their project, helping shape the look of a neighborhood.”

At the meeting, City Attorney David Morgan explained that the Council’s approval of the ordinance will give the mayor “a little more in the toolbox for economic development and blight elimination.”

Qualifying projects will still require a cooperative endeavor agreement, but the mayor will have the administrative authority to accept or deny projects at his discretion. These projects will not be required to go before the council for approval.

Businesses receiving an incentive cannot violate city ordinances, and will still be responsible for maintenance upkeep and grass mowing. The City can reclaim the monetary incentive if responsibilities are not met, he said.

The mayor is limited to granting up to $5,000 in incentives per project. He also has an annual cap of $50,000 in total incentives.

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Business owners can learn more about the incentives and the application process by calling 337.491.1388 and asking to speak with Dellafosse.