EBR Redevelopment Authority: 3,350 jobs supported over past 3 years

The East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority has deployed nearly $67.4 million over the past three years, supporting 3,350 jobs—many of which are in construction—and spurred $130.5 million in personal earnings and $17.7 million in state and local tax collections. Those figures come from a report released this morning by the RDA, as it’s commonly known, detailing what it has been up to since it began operations in 2009. The RDA seeks to stimulate investment in underserved communities and promote economic development. “We think we have a pretty good record after three years of being able to produce,” says President/CEO Walter Monsour. According to the report, the RDA has provided gap financing for 760 affordable housing units, counting buildings completed and under construction. Perhaps the highest-profile project with RDA involvement so far is the Hampton Inn & Suites being built downtown, which officials hope will help Baton Rouge attract large convention business. The authority has spent its program funds, which included $60 million in New Markets Tax Credits, although officials hope to obtain additional funding through the New Markets and Community Development Block Grant programs. The RDA is also involved in developing a mixed-use project at Smiley Heights in Mid City. —David Jacobs