Franklin receives LMA commendation at group convention

Eleven Louisiana municipal governments—Maringouin, Covington, Ruston, Monroe, Jean Lafitte, St. Martinville, Gonzales, Shreveport, Clinton, Franklin and Gretna—took home the Louisiana Municipal Association’s most prestigious award for outstanding municipal improvements and accomplishments.
Franklin took home the community development win for population 3,001-10,000 cities for the installation of “21st century water meters” throughout the municipality.
The announcement of LMA’s 2016 Community Achievement Awards was made July 29, at the annual banquet of LMA’s 80th annual convention at the Shreveport Convention Center. The convention drew some 1,700 delegates, spouses, dignitaries, exhibitors, and guests.
The LMA’s annual awards program recognizes municipalities for outstanding achievement in basic services, community development, and economic development. Within these categories, awards are presented in four population subcategories.
Entries submitted were judged by a committee of judges from Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association, Capital Region Planning Commission, the Louisiana Main Street, and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshall.
Dr. Brookie Allphin, communications and governmental consultant, said the awards pay tribute to the “vision and ingenuity of elected municipal officials and those who assist them in planning and improving citizen services, community life, and economic conditions.”
“These awards truly reflect the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice necessary to secure progress for the modern American municipality on a path of progress,” Allphin said.
“We have our fair share of problems in Louisiana. I don’t think anyone would disagree with that,” said LMA Immediate Past President and mayor of Gonzales, Barney Arceneaux. LMA is a unified voice for Louisiana’s municipal governments. Our mission is to advocate, educate, and empower local governments to efficiently and effectively serve the citizens of Louisiana."
There are 305 LMA members consisting of 127 villages, 111 towns, 65 cities, and 2 parishes. www.lma.org