Election update 2024 and 2025

How things are going and what's to come

Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash

March might seem like a weird time to write about elections, but after voter approval of ballot issues, the city staff has work to do. I thought I’d update you on two issues from November’s ballot the council moved along last night.

I’ll add a glimpse of what’s coming too. If you’ve pondered being on the city council, this could be the year to go for it. There’s a council election this year and a potential ballot issue I’ll be telling you about in the coming weeks.

First last year’s election.

POLICE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

In May 2024, Lafayette police officers petitioned the city requesting collective bargaining with the Fraternal Order of Police as their representatives.

In 2015, 68.6% of the voters approved a ballot question to obligate the city to engage in collective bargaining with the local chapter of the International Association of Firefighters.

The city council decided to follow the same method used in 2015 for the firefighters and ask the voters if they would approve collective bargaining for the police officers. The city attorney used the same language from 2015 to create question 2A.

Election results, 62% in favor.

At their March 4th meeting, the council made this official by approving the addition of a new chapter to our Code of Ordinances authorizing collective bargaining with the police officers. Negotiations now begin.

THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA)

Also approved at the ballot box in November, the creation of a DDA to replace the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority.

The city’s description of the DDA mission:

“The Lafayette Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is the lead public entity dedicated to enhancing and preserving the downtown area of Old Town Lafayette. By fostering partnerships and making strategic investments, the Lafayette DDA strengthens and revitalizes this vibrant community hub”

The DDA is guided by the Old Town Tomorrow Action Plan.

Here’s the DDA district

DDA BOARD

At their March 4th meeting, the council appointed the new board members.

Tim Barnes – As a member of the governing body, City Council

• Faith Rodgers from Little Herbal Apothecary – Term expiring June 30, 2025 (the Mayor will recommend reappointment for an additional term expiring June 30, 2029)

• Genae Lako from Public Wine – Term expiring June 30, 2025 (the Mayor will recommend reappointment for an additional term expiring June 30, 2029)

• Ian Munding from 127 N Harrison LLC – Term expiring June 30, 2026

• Tom Hardie from Confluence Small Business Collective – Term expiring June 30, 2026

• Ty Hubbard from East Simpson Coffee Company – Term expiring June 30, 2027

• Joanna Cagan from Wow! Children’s Museum –Term expiring June 30, 2027

2025 ELECTION

CITY COUNCIL

Every two years there’s a council election with four seats up for grabs. Three candidates with the highest number of votes receive a four-year term and the next in line gets a two-year term. Councilors can serve two terms.

Here are the four councilors whose terms end this year.

Mayor Pro Tem Brian Wong is term limited, his seat will be automatically open.

Councilor Nicole Samson is at the end of her first four-year term and can run again if she wishes.

Councilor Crystal Gallegos is at the end of her first two-year term and can run again if she wishes.

Councilor Saul Tapia Vega was appointed by the council to fill the term of Councilor Tonya Briggs who passed away unexpectedly in September 2023. The city charter requires any appointed councilor to run for their seat in the next election. He can run if he wishes.

BALLOT QUESTIONS

City staff and council are discussing a potential ballot question. There are three capital improvement projects under consideration for funding, a new civic center, a renovated and improved pool at the Bob Burger Recreation Center, and renovation and improvements at the public works/parks service center. Expect to see public outreach soon before the council decides if they want to ask the voters for funding in November.

I’ve been watching the discussions and plan to write about each project soon. Consider this a heads-up for future reports!

Want to offer more support? Awesome!