LAFAYETTE, La. – One Acadiana (1A) and the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center at UL Lafayette (Blanco Center) have signed an agreement to form a strategic partnership to advance the two organizations’ shared missions. Both organizations are engaged on work to improve the policy environment at the local, regional, and state level, and this partnership will ensure alignment of staff and other resources to strengthen their collective impact.
Initially, the partnership will focus on the continuation of ongoing projects to increase educational attainment, bridge the digital divide, and enhance economic opportunity for all. This includes the 55 by 25 initiative and Love Our Schools Link & Learn, in collaboration with other local foundations and partners.
Going forward, the two organizations hope to expand the scope to other initiatives that use evidence-based public policy to make the Acadiana region and the state of Louisiana a better place to live and work.
“I am confident that the work produced through our partnership with the Blanco Center will have a meaningful impact on the future economic growth and competitiveness of our region,” said 1A President and CEO Troy Wayman. “We are very excited about our partnership, and the alignment it represents. One Acadiana is proud to join forces to create smart solutions that will continue to make Acadiana an attractive region for business investment and job creation. This partnership further strengthens our already fantastic relationship with UL and presents an important and critical opportunity to enhance our region’s competitive position through the advancement of our shared policy goals.”
“This new partnership with One Acadiana reflects the Blanco Center’s commitment to bringing research to action” said Stephen Barnes, Blanco Center Director. “One Acadiana is known as a leader not only in the region, but across the state, in utilizing data to guide policy and drive change. With this new partnership, the Blanco Center will help push that further by offering expanded access to research and in-depth analysis to inform policy and the work of One Acadiana.”
About One Acadiana
One Acadiana is the leading economic development organization for the nine-parish Acadiana region located in south Louisiana. With more than 600 investors and members, One Acadiana serves as the voice of the regional business community. The organization is located in the city of Lafayette and serves a region of nearly 700,000 people with a vibrant culture and unique entrepreneurial spirit. Learn more at OneAcadiana.org.
About the Blanco Center
The Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center at UL Lafayette is an independent, interdisciplinary research center and archive, bringing together experts from different academic departments to conduct research, host colloquia and provide training for community leaders and elected officials. The Blanco Center advances evidence-based public policy to make Louisiana a better place to live and work. Learn more at blancocenter.louisiana.edu.
