The recipient entity's physical address:
           321 Travis St, Ste. 2B
Lafayette, LA 70503

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           P.O. Box 51594
Lafayette, LA 70505

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  7087

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $90,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Shelly Judice, President (914 S. College, Lafayette, LA 70503)
Kevin McKay, Vice President (822 Harding St, Lafayette, LA 70503)
George Holland, Secretary (1018 Harding St, Lafayette, LA 70503)
Robert Dominic, Treasurer (900 E St. Mary Blvd, Lafayette, LA 70503)
Melanie Matte, Executive Director (321 Travis St, Lafayette, LA 70503)

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           The Oil Center Association seeks funding to support a coordinated initiative focused on beautification, safety, and infrastructure improvements within Lafayette’s historic Oil Center district. This project aims to enhance the area’s visual appeal, walkability, and overall visitor experience while supporting the businesses, employees, residents, and patrons who rely on the district daily.

Funding will primarily support the engagement of a dedicated Project Manager to oversee planning, coordination, and implementation of multiple improvement efforts. This role is critical to ensuring that projects are executed efficiently, partnerships are maintained, and progress aligns with both community needs and municipal guidelines. The Project Manager will serve as the central point of contact among stakeholders, including local government, business owners, property managers, and community organizations.

A portion of the funding will also be allocated to strategic advertising and communications to promote the project, increase community awareness, and encourage public engagement. This includes digital marketing, signage, and outreach efforts designed to highlight improvements, drive foot traffic, and foster a sense of pride and ownership among those who live, work, and visit the Oil Center.

Key project components include ongoing upkeep and enhancements to the Coolidge Median Project, a central corridor that serves as a highly visible and heavily trafficked area within the district. Improvements will focus on maintaining landscaping, updating design elements as needed, and ensuring long-term sustainability of the space as a welcoming and attractive thoroughfare.

Additionally, the project will support the installation of new crosswalks and signage throughout the Oil Center to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity. These infrastructure enhancements are intended to create a more walkable environment, reduce traffic risks, and better link businesses, medical facilities, and public spaces within the district.

Collectively, these efforts will contribute to a more vibrant, accessible, and economically resilient Oil Center. By investing in both aesthetic and functional improvements, the project supports increased visitation, strengthens local businesses, and enhances quality of life for the broader Lafayette community.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $30,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $60,000
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The public purpose of the Oil Center Association’s proposed initiative is to enhance the safety, accessibility, economic vitality, and overall quality of life within Lafayette’s Oil Center district through strategic investment in infrastructure and beautification improvements. The use of state monies will directly support projects that provide broad public benefit to residents, employees, visitors, and the surrounding community.

A primary objective of this initiative is to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity throughout the district. The addition of clearly marked crosswalks and appropriate signage will help reduce traffic hazards, encourage walkability, and create a safer environment for individuals accessing businesses, medical facilities, and public spaces. These improvements are especially important in a high-traffic area like the Oil Center, where increased safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and improve mobility for all users, including those with limited accessibility.

In addition to safety enhancements, the project prioritizes beautification efforts that contribute to a more attractive and welcoming public environment. Ongoing upkeep and updates to the Coolidge Median Project will ensure that this prominent corridor remains well-maintained, visually appealing, and reflective of the community’s standards. Attractive public spaces have been shown to increase community pride, encourage outdoor activity, and create a positive impression for visitors, all of which contribute to Lafayette’s broader economic and cultural vitality.

State funding will also support the coordination and oversight necessary to successfully implement these improvements. By funding a Project Manager, the initiative ensures that public dollars are used efficiently, projects are completed in a timely manner, and collaboration with local government and stakeholders remains strong and transparent.

Furthermore, strategic advertising and public awareness efforts will inform the community about ongoing improvements and encourage engagement with the district. Increased visibility and promotion of the Oil Center will help drive foot traffic, support local businesses, and strengthen the area’s role as a key economic hub within Lafayette.

Ultimately, the public purpose of this initiative is to create a safer, more connected, and more vibrant district that serves as a valuable asset to the entire community. By investing in infrastructure, beautification, and coordinated project management, state funds will help ensure long-term sustainability, economic growth, and an enhanced quality of life for all who live, work, and visit the Oil Center.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          Goal 1: Enhance safety, beautification, and economic vitality in the Oil Center.

Improve pedestrian safety and connectivity by installing new, clearly marked crosswalks at key intersections and corridors, adding and updating signage to increase driver awareness and pedestrian visibility, and coordinating with local government to meet all safety standards.

Enhance the visual appeal and environmental quality of the district through ongoing maintenance and updates to the Coolidge Median Project, including landscaping, seasonal plantings, and irrigation needs, as well as implementing additional streetscape improvements. The project may also include the addition of murals or other public art to celebrate the district’s identity and further engage the community.

Support long-term economic growth and sustainability by creating a more walkable, attractive, and engaging environment that encourages visitation, strengthens local businesses, attracts investment, and enhances the overall experience for employees, patrons, and residents within the district.

Goal 2: Strengthen project coordination and efficient use of resources.

Engage a dedicated Project Manager to oversee planning, budgeting, and execution of all project components.

Establish timelines, benchmarks, and reporting measures to ensure accountability and transparency.

Foster collaboration among stakeholders, including city and parish officials, property owners, business leaders, and community organizations.

Ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines tied to the use of state funding.

Goal 3: Increase public awareness, engagement, and district utilization.

Develop and implement a targeted advertising and communications strategy to promote project improvements and district amenities.

Utilize digital platforms, signage, and community outreach to inform and engage the public.

Encourage increased foot traffic and visitation to support local businesses and services.

Highlight the Oil Center as a vibrant destination for commerce, healthcare, dining, and community activity.

Through these goals and objectives, the Oil Center Association will deliver measurable improvements that directly benefit the public, maximize the impact of state funding, and ensure the long-term success, sustainability, and vibrancy of the Oil Center district.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           12 months

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                 

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
              

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
               

          What is the nature of the relationship? 

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               


Contact Information
name:  Melanie Matte 
                                       address:  321 Travis St
Lafayette, LA 70503
                                       phone:  337-270-00910
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  melanie@theoilcenter.com
                                       relationship to entity:  Executive Director