84.6 square miles
107,262, according to organizers
Organizers contend the area represents more than two-thirds of the parish’s tax base, but only about one-third of its expenditures. Their intention is to hang on to about $65 million in sales taxes they say is collected there annually.
Get 25% of registered voters in the area to sign a petition, followed by a majority of voters in the area voting “yes” to incorporate.
Primarily to create a new school district
The Legislature twice has rebuffed supporters of a breakaway school district in southeast East Baton Rouge Parish. The Department of Education says even with a new city, organizers still would need a two-thirds vote from both houses. Supporters say the constitution is ambiguous on that point, and hope incorporation will sway lawmakers wary of creating a school system for a loose collection of neighborhoods.
