– Leading Louisiana: A City Reconsidered — Monique Blanco Boulet on Reimagining Lafayette

Episode 4 – Leading Louisiana

Leading Louisiana: A City Reconsidered — Monique Blanco Boulet on Reimagining Lafayette

Bertrand is really a proof-of-concept project. We’re addressing drainage, communication lines, the electrical grid, sidewalks and shared paths to modernize older parts of town while connecting people in a meaningful way.

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Episode Summary

Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet joins host Kathryn Fenstermaker for a forward-looking conversation on leadership, infrastructure and community impact. Drawing from decades of experience in planning and disaster recovery, she reflects on her journey into public office and the responsibility of leading Lafayette Consolidated Government.

Boulet discusses how her administration is aligning a nearly $804 million budget with community priorities, focusing on modernizing aging systems such as drainage, sewer and the electrical grid. She emphasizes the importance of thoughtful investment to ensure long-term resilience while maintaining a people-first approach to governance.

The conversation highlights key projects shaping Lafayette’s future, including corridor revitalizations, drainage improvements and innovative infrastructure initiatives like the Bertrand Drive project. These efforts aim to reconnect communities, improve mobility and support sustainable growth.

Beyond infrastructure, Boulet shares her leadership philosophy rooted in faith, resilience and a commitment to public service. She reflects on the importance of investing in people, embracing diverse perspectives and preserving the cultural identity that defines Acadiana.

“An almost billion-dollar budget is a big budget… we align numbers with priorities while keeping our focus on the people.”

“Bertrand is really a proof-of-concept project… to modernize older parts of town.”

Meet the Leader Behind the Vision

Monique Blanco Boulet is the Mayor-President of Lafayette Consolidated Government and a lifelong public servant with more than two decades of experience in regional planning, infrastructure strategy and disaster recovery. Prior to taking office, she served as CEO of the Acadiana Planning Commission, where she played a key role in shaping regional growth and resilience initiatives.

Known for her people-centered approach, Boulet prioritizes collaboration, professional development and diverse perspectives in decision-making. Guided by faith, resilience and a long-term vision, she is committed to building stronger communities and a more sustainable future for Lafayette.

“Diversity is important… when you bring diverse thought processes together, you always get a better answer.”

“We have a lot of employees who want to do good work; if you invest in their development, you can get the most out of them.”

Building Lafayette’s Future: Monique Blanco Boulet on Leadership & Infrastructure

On this episode of Fueled, we sit down with Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet to discuss her vision for Lafayette’s future. From managing a nearly $804 million budget to modernizing aging infrastructure systems, Boulet shares how strategic planning and people-focused leadership are shaping the city.

“When it gets intense or nasty, I step back and pray… I’m not going to let politics stop me.”

“My mother taught me to walk into tough situations without knowing the outcome and not be afraid.”

Episode Highlights

• Balanced budget leadership: Boulet explains how her administration aligned a $803.7 million budget with community priorities while keeping a strong focus on people and outcomes.

• Modernizing infrastructure: From drainage and sewer upgrades to improvements in the electrical grid and financial systems, the city is addressing long-standing infrastructure needs.

• Bertrand Drive project: A proof-of-concept initiative combining drainage, utilities, sidewalks and shared paths to reconnect key parts of the city.

• Corridor revitalization: Strategic efforts to reimagine Johnston Street, University Avenue and Ambassador Caffery, ensuring older corridors receive renewed investment.

• Evangeline/I-49 improvements: Streetscape enhancements and shared-path developments designed to improve connectivity and quality of life.

• Flood mitigation strategies: Programs like Drainage Betterment and Home Elevation acknowledge ongoing risks while providing practical solutions for residents.

• Leadership philosophy: A people-first approach that values diversity, professional development and collaboration across teams and communities.

• Faith and resilience: Boulet shares how personal values and faith guide her through the challenges of public leadership.

• Vision for Lafayette: A long-term strategy focused on revitalized neighborhoods, strong economic corridors and infrastructure that supports future generations.

“Older corridors deserve the same attention and investment as new growth areas.”

“If you invest in people and infrastructure together, you build a stronger future for everyone.”

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