Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners public meetings in 2025
28 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The board granted preliminary approval for a payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) arrangement for a $140 million redevelopment of Clearview Shopping Center. Other key actions included approving a $1.5 million agreement for a food and beverage incubator and awarding a three-year audit contract.
- Approved preliminary PILOT Lease for Clearview City Center redevelopment (Unanimous)
- Awarded three-year audit contract to Kushner LaGraize, L.L.C. (Unanimous)
- Approved First Amendment to Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Jefferson Parish for $42,800 (Unanimous)
- Approved contract with BDPC, LLC for demographic data tool modifications not to exceed $18,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved 2025 Final Amended Budget (Unanimous)
- Approved amendment to Federal Lobbying Engagement with Adams and Reese not to exceed $49,500 (Unanimous)
- Approved $1.5 million Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for a food and beverage incubator at Churchill Technology and Business Park (Unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO Audit Committee will meet to recommend an audit firm to the Executive Committee for a three-year contract to audit JEDCO's financial statements and all administered programs. The meeting was rescheduled from November 20 to December 2, 2025.
- Audit committee recommendation for selection of an audit firm for a three-year contract
- Contract covers audit of basic financial statements for JEDCO and all programs administered by JEDCO
The JEDCO Audit Committee reviewed three proposals from CPA firms to audit the financial statements of JEDCO, Forward Jefferson Corporation, and JEDCO Development Corporation. The committee unanimously recommended the selection of Kushner LaGraizer, L.L.C. for a three-year contract.
- Recommended Kushner LaGraizer, L.L.C. for a three-year audit contract (Unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners will meet to approve a resolution for Laitram, LLC’s manufacturing facility expansion and adopt the 2030 Economic Development Strategic Plan. The board will also vote on 2026 leadership appointments and committee structures.
- Resolution authorizing $2025 additions and improvements to Laitram, LLC’s manufacturing and administrative facilities in Jefferson Parish
- Adoption of The Jefferson EDGE 2030 Economic Development Strategic Plan for implementation by JEDCO
- Recommendations for 2026 officers and committee appointments
- Resolution recommending appointment of JEDCO’s 2026 Chairman to the Jefferson Parish Economic Incentive Fund Evaluation Committee
- Appointment of Board of Directors to Forward Jefferson Corporation and JEDCO Development Corporation for 2026
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The Board approved the Jefferson EDGE 2030 Economic Development Strategic Plan and a conveyance act for Laitram, L.L.C. facility improvements. The Board also finalized officer, committee, and director appointments for 2026.
- Approved Jefferson EDGE 2030 Economic Development Strategic Plan (Unanimous)
- Approved Second Supplemental Act of Conveyance for Laitram, L.L.C. facility improvements (Unanimous)
- Approved 2026 Officers: Jim Martin (Chair), Stephen Robinson (Vice Chair), Joe Riccobono (Treasurer), Bob Stevens (Secretary) (Unanimous)
- Approved 2026 committee slates for Executive, Finance, Audit, Bylaws, and PILOT Advisory (Unanimous)
- Appointed Jimmy Baum and Teri Tucker to 2026 Nominating Committee (Unanimous)
- Appointed Jim Martin to the Jefferson Parish Economic Incentive Fund Evaluation Committee (Unanimous)
- Approved 2026 Board of Directors for Forward Jefferson Corporation and JEDCO Development Corporation (Unanimous)
- Approved President and CEO's 2026 professional and civic club memberships (Unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The Forward Jefferson Corporation board will meet immediately after the JEDCO quarterly board adjourns to approve 2026 appointments to its own board of directors, name 2025 officers, and appoint bylaws-committee members. The group will also receive the annual financial report and take public comment.
- Approve 2026 Forward Jefferson Corporation board appointments
- Appoint 2025 officers to the Forward Jefferson Corporation board
- Appoint 2026 bylaws-committee directors
- Receive annual financial report from Lauren Cashio
- Public comment period scheduled
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners' Executive Committee meeting scheduled for November 13, 2025, has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. No decisions or discussions will occur at this meeting.
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners’ Nominating Committee will meet to recommend officer and committee appointments for 2026, including the Economic Development Incentive Fund Committee. No dollar amounts or ordinances are on the agenda; the session is procedural.
- Recommendations for 2026 JEDCO Officers
- Recommendations for 2026 JEDCO Executive Committee
- Recommendations for 2026 JEDCO Finance Committee
- Recommendation for 2026 Jefferson Parish Economic Development Incentive Fund Committee
- Recommendations for 2026 JEDCO Audit Committee
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO Executive Committee will vote on several cooperative endeavor agreements, including a payment-in-lieu-of-tax arrangement for Tredway to acquire and renovate 801 senior housing units, and an incentive payment up to $200,000 for Wm. B. Reily & Company to relocate to Elmwood. The board will also consider a "No Wake" zone in Barataria Bay Waterway and a $75,000-per-year economic development deal with the City of Kenner.
- Resolution for a payment-in-lieu-of-tax arrangement with Tredway for 3 senior housing centers (6 buildings, ~801 units) in Jefferson Parish
- Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Wm. B. Reily & Company for up to $200,000 in relocation and build-out costs at 880 W Commerce Road, Elmwood
- Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with City of Kenner for $75,000 per year over three years for economic development services
- Resolution recommending a "No Wake" zone in Barataria Bay Waterway south of Jean Lafitte
- Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Jefferson Parish for supplemental economic development services
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The board granted preliminary approval for a tax-incentive arrangement to renovate 801 senior housing units. It also approved economic development agreements with the City of Kenner, GNO, Inc., and Wm. B. Reily & Company, Inc.
- Approved preliminary PILOT arrangement for Tredway affiliates to acquire and renovate 801 senior housing units for $102.64M (Unanimous)
- Approved $200,000 incentive payment for Wm. B. Reily & Company, Inc. to relocate headquarters to Elmwood (Unanimous)
- Approved 3-year Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with City of Kenner at $75,000 per year (Unanimous)
- Approved $90,000 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with GNO, Inc. for 2026 (Unanimous)
- Approved $90,000 Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Jefferson Parish to fund GNO, Inc. services (Unanimous)
- Recommended creation of a 'No Wake' zone in the Barataria Bay Waterway to the Parish Council (Unanimous)
- Appointed Roxanne Arocha to the JEDCO Development Corporation Board, replacing Mike Fahrenholt (Unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The regularly scheduled September 25, 2025, meeting of the JEDCO Executive Committee has been cancelled. The document states that this meeting will not be rescheduled.
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing up to $16.5 million in revenue bonds for the acquisition, renovation, and improvement of a 200-unit senior apartment building at 2301 Idaho Ave. in Kenner. The board will also vote on appointing Mike O'Connor to the JEDCO Development Corporation board and removing Brian Heiden. Other agenda items include a presentation by The Retail Coach, approval of minutes, and a financial report.
- Resolution to issue up to $16,500,000 in revenue bonds for Westminster Tower senior housing project at 2301 Idaho Ave., Kenner
- Resolution to appoint Mike O'Connor to and remove Brian Heiden from the JEDCO Development Corporation board
- Presentation by The Retail Coach
- Approval of minutes from July 31, 2025 meeting
- Swearing-in of a new commissioner
The Board approved a 20-year property tax abatement and the potential issuance of up to $16.5 million in bonds for the renovation of a senior housing building. The Board also appointed Mike O’Connor to the JEDCO Development Corporation board. A corridor market study for several parish areas was presented.
- Approved 20-year 100% property tax abatement and up to $16.5M in bonds for senior housing at 2301 Idaho Ave. (Unanimous)
- Appointed Mike O’Connor to the Board of Directors of JEDCO Development Corporation (Unanimous)
- Approved July 31, 2025 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Excused absences for seven board members (Unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO PILOT Advisory Committee will meet to discuss the lease and lease terms for Westminster Tower, LP. The meeting also includes the review and approval of minutes from July 29, 2025.
- Review and discussion of Westminster Tower, LP PILOT Lease and Lease Terms
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The August 21, 2025 regularly scheduled JEDCO Executive Committee meeting has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. No other business is listed.
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The board approved two PILOT agreements for a 251-unit apartment complex and 64,000 square feet of retail space at the former Kmart site in Elmwood Center. Additionally, the board approved the 2025 amended budget, the 2026 proposed budget, and an extension of a marketing agreement with Jefferson Parish.
- Approved PILOT for $74.9M, 251-unit apartment complex by The Francis JV Prop Co, LP (Unanimous)
- Approved PILOT for $40.8M retail expansion by Elmwood Expansion Retail, LLC (Unanimous)
- Approved JEDCO 2025 First Amended Budget (Unanimous)
- Approved JEDCO 2026 Proposed Budget (Unanimous)
- Approved $126,367 in unbudgeted design and engineering expenses for Food and Beverage Incubator (Unanimous)
- Approved extension of marketing and PR Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to Dec 31, 2025 (Unanimous)
- Approved resolution to negotiate new three-year executive employment agreement starting Jan 1, 2026 (Unanimous)
- Approved May 29, 2025 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The Forward Jefferson Corporation board will meet on July 31, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at 700 Churchill Parkway in Avondale. The main business is a vote on approval of Tax Form 990, presented by Jennifer Wollfarth.
- Approval of minutes from the May 29, 2025 meeting
- Approval of Tax Form 990 – Jennifer Wollfarth
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO Executive Committee will vote on resolutions authorizing up to $74.9 million in bonds for a 251-unit apartment complex and up to $40.8 million for 64,000 square feet of retail space, both in Elmwood Center. The board will also consider approving the 2025 amended and 2026 proposed budgets, an unbudgeted expense for a food incubator design, extending a cooperative marketing agreement with Jefferson Parish through December 2025, and authorizing a new three-year executive employment agreement for the CEO starting January 2026.
- Resolution to issue up to $74,900,000 in bonds for a 251-unit market-rate apartment complex in Elmwood Center, owned by The Francis JV Prop Co, LP.
- Resolution to issue up to $40,800,000 in bonds for 64,000 square feet of additional retail space in Elmwood Center, owned by Elmwood Expansion Retail, LLC.
- Approval of JEDCO 2025 First Amended Budget and 2026 Proposed Budget.
- Approval of an unbudgeted expense for design and engineering of the Greater New Orleans Food and Beverage Incubator.
- Resolution to extend a cooperative marketing agreement with Jefferson Parish through December 31, 2025, to attract new business.
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO PILOT Advisory Committee will review and discuss lease terms for two specific entities. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from October 30, 2024.
- Review and discussion of The Francis JV Prop Co, LP PILOT Lease and Lease Terms
- Review and discussion of Elmwood Expansion Retail, LLC PILOT Lease and Lease Terms
The JEDCO PILOT Advisory Committee recommended two property tax abatement agreements for projects at the former Kmart site in Elmwood Center. Both recommendations will be sent to the Executive Committee of the JEDCO Board of Commissioners for final approval.
- Approved minutes from October 20, 2024 (Unanimous)
- Recommended PILOT approval for The Francis JV Prop Co, LP $74.9M apartment project (Unanimous)
- Recommended PILOT approval for Elmwood Expansion Retail, LLC $40.8M retail project (Unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The June 26, 2025 regularly scheduled JEDCO Executive Committee meeting has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. No business will be conducted at this meeting.
- Meeting cancelled; no new date set
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The Forward Jefferson Corporation board will meet on May 29, 2025, to consider approval of the 2024 Financial Audit Report. The meeting also includes approval of absences and minutes from the prior meeting, as well as public comments on agenda items.
- Approval of 2024 Financial Audit Report – Jennifer Wollfarth
- Approval of absences for May 29, 2025
- Approval of minutes for November 21, 2024
- Public comments on agenda items
The Board of Commissioners approved the JEDCO 2024 Financial Audit Report for the year ending December 31, 2024. The report included component units for Forward Jefferson Corporation (FORJ).
- Approved 2024 Financial Audit Report (unanimous)
- Approved November 21, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Excused absence of Joe Ewell (unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The regularly scheduled JEDCO Executive Committee meeting for May 22, 2025, has been cancelled. The document states the meeting will not be rescheduled.
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO Audit Committee will meet to review and discuss the 2024 Financial Audit Report and consider recommendations to the full Board of Commissioners. The meeting is open for public comments on agenda items.
- Review and discussion of JEDCO 2024 Financial Audit Report
- Audit Committee recommendations to the JEDCO Board of Commissioners regarding the 2024 Financial Audit Report
The Audit Committee reviewed the process for recording doubtful notes receivable and loan portfolio growth. Following a recommendation from auditors and agreement from management to implement specific risk reporting and reserve analyses, the committee voted to accept the report.
- Accepted report and recommended approval to the JEDCO Board of Commissioners (Unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO Audit Committee will meet to review and discuss the 2024 Financial Audit Report and make recommendations to the full Board of Commissioners. The meeting includes public comments on agenda items.
- Review and discussion of JEDCO 2024 Financial Audit Report
- Audit Committee recommendations to the JEDCO Board of Commissioners regarding the 2024 Financial Audit Report
The committee discussed loan testing and doubtful notes receivables regarding the 2024 Financial Audit Report. A decision on a recommendation for approval was deferred to allow for further review of the loan portfolio and recording processes.
- Deferred recommendation for approval of 2024 Financial Audit Report
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO Executive Committee will discuss tax incentives for a 200-unit senior apartment project in Kenner. The board is also reviewing land use and exclusivity agreements for the Churchill Technology & Business Park and funding for a food and beverage incubator.
- Payment-in-lieu-of-tax arrangement for Westminster Tower, LP's 200-unit senior apartment community in Kenner
- Resubdivision application for JEDCO property in Churchill Technology & Business Park to develop new roadways
- Memorandum of Understanding with Callatex LLC for hospitality development in Churchill Technology & Business Park
- Federal Lobbying Engagement contract with Adams and Reese for the Greater New Orleans Food and Beverage Incubator
- Unbudgeted expense of $49,500 for the Greater New Orleans Food and Beverage Incubator
The Board granted preliminary approval for a tax-incentive arrangement for senior housing in Kenner. It also authorized a land resubdivision for new roads and a 30-day exclusivity agreement for a potential hotel in Churchill Technology & Business Park. Additionally, the Board approved a $49,500 lobbying contract to seek federal funding for a food and beverage incubator.
- Approved preliminary resolution for payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) arrangement for Westminster Tower, LP senior housing in Kenner (Unanimous)
- Approved resubdivision application for Churchill Technology & Business Park to facilitate new roadways (Unanimous)
- Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Callatex LLC for a 30-day exclusivity period for hospitality development in Churchill Park (Unanimous)
- Approved Federal Lobbying Engagement contract with Adams and Reese for $49,500 (Unanimous)
- Approved unbudgeted expense of $49,500 for the Greater New Orleans Food and Beverage Incubator lobbying (Unanimous)
- Approved March 27, 2025 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO Audit Committee will meet to review and discuss the 2024 Financial Audit Report. The committee will determine recommendations regarding the report to present to the JEDCO Board of Commissioners.
- Review and discussion of JEDCO 2024 Financial Audit Report
- Audit Committee recommendations to the JEDCO Board of Commissioners regarding the 2024 Financial Audit Report
The JEDCO Audit Committee reviewed the 2024 Financial Audit Report presented by Richard CPAs. The audit reported no findings and was described as a clean report. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the report for approval by the JEDCO Board of Commissioners.
- Recommended approval of the 2024 Financial Audit Report (unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO Executive Committee will consider resolutions to approve a professional engineering and design services agreement for the Greater New Orleans Food & Beverage Incubator with Eskew Dumez Ripple, and to contract with The Retail Coach for market studies of select Jefferson Parish corridors. The board will also vote on a major resubdivision application for Churchill Technology & Business Park property to allow new roadways, and on the 2025 JEDCO Strategic Operating Plan.
- Resolution to approve engineering/design agreement for Greater New Orleans Food & Beverage Incubator with Eskew Dumez Ripple
- Resolution to authorize major resubdivision application of JEDCO property in Churchill Technology & Business Park for new roadways
- Resolution to approve contract with The Retail Coach for market studies of select Jefferson Parish corridors (RFP 250213)
- Approval request for unbudgeted expenses
- Approval of the 2025 JEDCO Strategic Operating Plan
The Board approved an agreement for professional engineering and design services for the Greater New Orleans Food & Beverage Incubator with Eskew Dumez Ripple. The project follows a 2022 USDA subgrant planning analysis and needs assessment.
- Approved agreement for professional engineering and design services for Greater New Orleans Food & Beverage Incubator with Eskew Dumez Ripple
- Approved February 27, 2025 minutes
- Excused absences for March 27, 2025
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO Board of Commissioners will consider preliminary approval of two payment-in-lieu-of-tax arrangements for Lauricella Land Company to build a 64,000 sq ft retail building and a 251-unit apartment complex at Elmwood Shopping Center. The board will also vote on extending JEDCO's economic development services agreement with Gretna through 2029 for $35,000 annually, and on a contract to redesign the JEDCO website.
- Preliminary approval of a PILOT for a 64,000 sq ft retail building at Elmwood Shopping Center
- Preliminary approval of a PILOT for a 251-unit apartment building with 423 parking spaces at Elmwood Shopping Center
- Amendment No. 5 to the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Gretna: $35,000/year through March 31, 2029
- Approval of contract with Destination by Design to redesign JEDCO website
- Approval of a letter of support for exploring wind energy
The Board granted preliminary approval for tax incentive arrangements for a new retail building and a 251-unit apartment complex at the former K-Mart site. JEDCO also extended its economic development agreement with the City of Gretna and approved a website redesign contract.
- Approved preliminary PILOT arrangement for 64,000 sq ft retail project by Lauricella Land Company (Unanimous)
- Approved preliminary PILOT arrangement for $76M 251-unit apartment complex by The Francis JV Prop Co, LP (Unanimous)
- Approved Amendment No. 5 to City of Gretna agreement for $35,000 annually through March 31, 2029 (Unanimous)
- Approved 2024 Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire (Unanimous)
- Approved $65,000 contract with Destination by Design for website redesign (Unanimous)
- Approved letter of support to Louisiana Mineral and Energy Board for wind energy exploration on Lake Pontchartrain (Unanimous)
- Approved January 30, 2025 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The February 20, 2025 meeting of the JEDCO Executive Committee has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. No other business is listed.
- Meeting cancelled; no items were scheduled for discussion or decision.
Jefferson Parish Economic Development and Port District Board of Commissioners
The JEDCO Executive Committee is meeting to discuss a budget amendment for the Entrepreneurial & Innovation department. The board will also consider an unbudgeted contract for organizational research and a salary study.
- Budget amendment for the Entrepreneurial & Innovation department
- $7,500 unbudgeted contract with Next Move Group, LLC for research and a salary study of 20 organizations
The Board approved a budget amendment to increase funding for the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. It also authorized a contract for a salary benchmarking study. The Board approved the December 19, 2024, meeting minutes.
- Approved 2025 budget amendment increasing Entrepreneurial & Innovation department funding by $41,564 to a total of $148,761 (Unanimous)
- Approved $7,500 unbudgeted contract with Next Move Group, LLC for a salary study of 20 similar organizations (Unanimous)
- Approved December 19, 2024 minutes (Unanimous)
- Excused absences for Joe Riccobono and Bob Stevens (Unanimous)