OUACHITA PARISH, La. (KNOE) - A blueprint for Ouachita Parish’s future is taking shape, and leaders say it starts with community voices.

The Ouachita Parish Police Jury is crafting its first comprehensive plan in years. Officials say the roadmap will guide development, housing and quality of life projects for the next 20 years.

Police Jury President Shane Smiley says the region is growing with new people, businesses and pressure on local roads and parks. He says the plan is an opportunity to set priorities for the future.

He says, “We’re going to have housing needs. We’re going to have land needs. We’re going to have recreational needs. All of these things are going to be things that we need to implement as we see more people move into Ouachita Parish.”

So far, community feedback has c

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