In September, the Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX) led a study tour in Germany, gathering two cohorts of Louisiana’s business, energy, and policy leaders for a deep dive into Germany’s offshore wind industry. Over the course of four days, our Louisiana delegation explored one of the world’s most innovative renewable energy ecosystems, experiencing firsthand the technology, safety, and policy frameworks driving Germany’s success in offshore wind.
One of the early lessons I learned about policy work is that battles are fought in theory first. Policy experts have to piece together historical data, look for patterns, imagine what could happen in the future, and develop recommendations to solve real-world problems. The policy work I do at CPEX – planning for initiatives and platforms that power up Louisiana with access to clean energy resources – requires a high level of tenacity. I have to constantly update and revise my knowledge base as new research and technology emerges in the field. At the same time, great policy is only created through people power, so thought revision occurs while engaging with various community leaders and stakeholders who have diverse perspectives and interests.
In the summer of 2016, my pregnant wife and I found ourselves in a terrifying situation. While test driving a Subaru Outback, a car seemingly appeared out of nowhere and T-boned us. All airbags deployed, and the vehicles collided in a shower of glass and plastic. Miraculously, everyone, including our unborn baby, was unharmed. The next day, we learned that our insurance would cover the cost of the dealership’s car, sparing us financial strain just as we were about to welcome a new family member.
Join me as I dive headfirst into the world of AI and community planning, highlighting the fascinating (and sometimes slightly spooky) capabilities of AI and its role in shaping the communities of tomorrow.
As solar power emerges as the fastest-growing energy source in Louisiana, it presents both opportunities and challenges for local communities. Because Louisiana has a variety of rural, suburban, and urban areas, it’s critical that local governments tailor their regulations and policies to meet the specific needs, goals, and preferences of their communities. Sustainable development does not happen accidentally – it requires thoughtful planning in coordination with industry experts, local leaders, residents, and other stakeholders.
Louisiana is no stranger to the wrath of Mother Nature – hurricanes, flooding, and coastal erosion have long plagued our communities, leaving us to adapt and rebuild time and time again. However, this past summer, Louisiana faced an unexpected and unprecedented threat: wildfires, fueled by extreme heat, strong winds, a high-pressure heat dome, and one of the most severe droughts in our recorded history.
On a sunny day in July 2023, a group of Louisiana state legislators, representatives from state agencies, and individuals from Louisiana-based law firms, businesses, ports, and schools gathered on the deck of a chartered vessel just off the shore of Point Judith, Rhode Island.
Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, unveiled its first Creative Crosswalk on Tower Drive last month, marking further progress toward a beautiful and pedestrian-centered campus. Having spent my last months as a student advocating and planning for LSU’s newest colorful street addition, I am immensely proud to see my vision for an even more walkable and vibrant campus come to life.
As part of my capstone class at the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication, my group was tasked with identifying an issue at LSU to spend our last semester trying to address or solve. Eager to share the knowledge I gained during my internship at the Center for Planning Excellence (my best and only claim to professional legitimacy at that point), I proposed we consider the benefits pedestrian-friendly infrastructure offers to students and the shortcomings of the existing crosswalks on campus.
The City of Gonzales recently became the second city in Louisiana to develop its own climate action plan. Gonzales is leading by example and has taken this step toward climate resilience with an even larger goal in mind: aligning their efforts with Louisiana’s Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40-50% by the year 2030, and to have net-zero emissions by 2050.
