Economic-development official asks Bogalusa board for letter of support for Industrial Development Board
June 25, 2026 | City of Bogalusa School District, School Boards, Louisiana
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Dean Davis (speaker 10), executive director of the Washington Parish Economic Development Foundation, spoke to the Bogalusa school board about a proposed parish Industrial Development Board (IDB) and asked the district for a letter of support and a representative to participate if the parish council approves formation.
Davis explained the IDB would give Washington Parish flexibility to structure tax incentives beyond the state's Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP). He said ITEP is a state-level 10-year abatement commonly used by large manufacturers, but an IDB would permit negotiation of different abatement levels and durations to attract a wider range of employers. "I am here tonight to ask you for, on July 13, the Washington Parish Economic Development Foundation will be going before the parish council, asking them for permission to form this board… I am here tonight to ask you for a letter of support," Davis said.
Davis discussed potential economic opportunities near planned highway extensions and regional logistics projects, and suggested an IDB could help convert low-value property uses—such as woodlands that now yield limited tax revenue—into productive development that increases the tax base. He outlined a proposed IDB makeup that would include representatives from the parish president, each school board, parish council, sheriff and the Economic Development Foundation.
Board members discussed whether to place two separate agenda items on a future meeting to (1) provide a letter of support and (2) nominate a district representative for the IDB if formation is approved by the parish council. The superintendent and other board members have recently attended Economic Development Foundation meetings, Davis noted, and he offered to follow up with materials and contact information.
The board did not immediately appoint a representative during the June 10 meeting; members discussed timing because the parish-council hearing is scheduled for July 13 and the board would need to place agenda items ahead of that date to consider a formal letter or nomination.
Davis explained the IDB would give Washington Parish flexibility to structure tax incentives beyond the state's Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP). He said ITEP is a state-level 10-year abatement commonly used by large manufacturers, but an IDB would permit negotiation of different abatement levels and durations to attract a wider range of employers. "I am here tonight to ask you for, on July 13, the Washington Parish Economic Development Foundation will be going before the parish council, asking them for permission to form this board… I am here tonight to ask you for a letter of support," Davis said.
Davis discussed potential economic opportunities near planned highway extensions and regional logistics projects, and suggested an IDB could help convert low-value property uses—such as woodlands that now yield limited tax revenue—into productive development that increases the tax base. He outlined a proposed IDB makeup that would include representatives from the parish president, each school board, parish council, sheriff and the Economic Development Foundation.
Board members discussed whether to place two separate agenda items on a future meeting to (1) provide a letter of support and (2) nominate a district representative for the IDB if formation is approved by the parish council. The superintendent and other board members have recently attended Economic Development Foundation meetings, Davis noted, and he offered to follow up with materials and contact information.
The board did not immediately appoint a representative during the June 10 meeting; members discussed timing because the parish-council hearing is scheduled for July 13 and the board would need to place agenda items ahead of that date to consider a formal letter or nomination.
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