louisiana office of tourism baton rouge

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How Travel and Tourism Impacts Baton Rouge

From foods and festivals to the infrastructure and education systems, tourism supports much of what we love about our city. With millions of tourists coming to visit every year, the money they spend gives us the opportunity and the funds to make the city we love even better.

WHY TRAVEL AND TOURISM MATTER

The tourism industry continues to break records with the state seeing more visitors than ever. Being one of the largest industries and the fourth-largest employer in the state, Louisiana and the capital city of Baton Rouge depend on the travel and tourism industry’s ability to create jobs, stimulate economic recovery and drive needed tax revenue.

Visit Baton Rouge and our local tourism industry partners work to promote the city of Baton Rouge, both domestically and internationally, to attract business and leisure travelers here. When a destination attracts visitors, everyone from local business owners to residents wins.

When visitors come to Baton Rouge to experience our unique flavor and flair, the revenue that’s generated improves our city. It supports the rise of small businesses, creates thousands of jobs and attracts new events and entertainment for families across our communities to enjoy.

2023 ECONOMIC IMPACT

Total visitor spend.

$1.7 billion

NUMBER OF VISITORS

8.8 million

TAX DOLLARS SAVED PER HOUSEHOLD

Number of jobs in the travel & tourism industry, economic impact of meetings & conventions.

$46.2 million

NUMBER OF MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS

Number of attendees, number of room nights, a strong travel and tourism industry:, attracts world-renowned entertainment..

A stronger tourism industry allows Baton Rouge to better compete with other similarly-sized cities for entertainment opportunities. That means more sporting events, concerts, restaurants, conventions and more for you and your family to enjoy.

Gives back to local communities.

Travel and tourism create jobs and generate tax revenue for local communities, which in turn, help pay for important public services.

Creates a virtuous cycle of economic benefits.

Travelers visiting a destination spend money at local attractions, hotels, retail, restaurants and on transportation. Travel spending supports local businesses and generates additional tax revenue for state and local governments to invest in enhanced public services for residents and visitors alike.

Attracts new businesses and workers.

Destinations that are able to provide a range of travel-related offerings are not only likely to draw more visitors but also attract new businesses and skilled workers.

Leads to faster growth than in other regions.

Destinations with a higher concentration of visitor-related industries tend to grow faster than other regions. Not only does tourism create jobs in its own industry, but it also improves the quality of life for residents and has a positive impact on perceptions of a destination for residents, potential employees, students and businesses.

Travel and tourism efforts by Visit Baton Rouge are funded by the Hotel Occupancy Tax — a tax visitors pay. Learn more about the Hotel Occupancy Tax here.

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Louisiana Office of Tourism opens Louisiana Attractions Support Grant PHASE 2

Published 9:43 am Saturday, January 28, 2023

By special.to

BATON ROUGE — The deadline is approaching for the Louisiana Office of Tourism’s Attraction Support Grant Phase 2. The application deadline is March 9, 2023.

The $16.8 billion in domestic and international visitor spending in Louisiana during 2021 was a 26% increase over 2020, but still a decline of $2.9 billion over 2019, evidence that the Louisiana tourism industry has not yet  fully recovered from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of $500,000 is available for the LASG/Phase 2 Program to stimulate economic development throughout the state and will be awarded to eligible entities on a first‐come, first‐served basis. Applicants  that meet eligibility  criteria  can apply  for a maximum award  of $10,000, $2,000 of which will be allocated to the mandatory placement of the Official  Louisiana/Feed  Your  Soul/Louisiana  Travel.com  logo  on  the  home  page  of  the  attraction’s website.

To be eligible, an attraction must not have received an LASG Phase One grant.

Should grant  funds  be  exhausted  before  the  application  period  closes  on  March  9,  2023,  notification will be posted at LouisianaTravel.com/industry/attractions‐grant.

For more information, contact Lindsey Lightfoot Schmidt with the Louisiana Office of Tourism at 225-342-8195 or [email protected] .

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Office of tourism launches new “My Louisiana” ad campaign

BATON ROUGE, La. (KPLC) - A new ad campaign has been launched by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism to bring even more visitors to the state. The “My Louisiana” campaign will target potential visitors nationally and internationally especially large markets like Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Chicago.

“Our exciting and bold new marketing campaign focuses on how Louisiana has something to offer for everyone, highlighting how visitors can plan a trip that will Feed Your Soul,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “We placed an emphasis on showcasing so many of the state’s great travel assets, like fishing, swamp tours, and our great outdoors, as well as our different genres of music, fresh seafood, and the unique spices and flavors that all foodies can enjoy. Without question ‘My Louisiana’ will tap into the unique culture and history that lies around every corner and makes our state a top visitor destination.”

The campaign includes billboards like those in New York’s Times Square as well as in other major national media outlets such Rolling Stone and Billboard. It will include digital videos, digital displays, print advertising, streaming audio, still photography, visitor guides, and trade show assets.

The announcement comes just months after the launch of the Louisiana Office of Tourism’s new website.

Lt. Gov. Nungesser also announced that 2024 will be the “Year of Music” for Louisiana tourism, with promotions built around all of the great music that is an integral part of the state and its cultural heritage. The campaign includes a commercial designed specifically to promote the state’s musical offerings, including Cajun, zydeco, jazz, and blues, with the campaign’s soundtrack written by Jay Weigel, a distinguished composer, producer, arranger, and orchestrator for film, TV, recordings and concerts for more than 35 years. Based in New Orleans, Nashville, and Los Angeles, Weigel has also taught music at Loyola University-New Orleans since 2007. Many noteworthy Louisiana musical artists performed the campaign’s music, including the Grammy-winning Lost Bayou Ramblers.

Copyright 2023 KPLC. All rights reserved.

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13 Amazing Things To Do In Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A few months ago, I kicked off 2023 with a road trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to visit friends on a sunny January weekend. Adding 3 days to explore, I found numerous distinctive places, extraordinary food, and a fun town with a delightful ambiance.

These are just some of the ways to occupy yourself and your group while exploring the different areas within Baton Rouge.

Downtown Baton Rouge

Downtown is a thriving, well-preserved historic district because many of the founders’ families have remained in the city they love, raising families, creating or nurturing businesses, and being proud to support the culture they created. The following places are all within walking distance of each other. However, the Capitol Trolley system is available for your convenience.

1. Spanish Town

Thanks to the Visit Baton Rouge office who gave me a tour, I discovered a wonderful designated historic district of Spanish heritage older than Baton Rouge, dating to 1805. The area has become famous for its colorful homes scattered with pink flamingos. Once a year, the neighborhood hosts the largest Mardi Gras parade in Baton Rouge, adorned with everything pink. Guided tours of this private residential neighborhood are recommended.

2. Louisiana Capitol Building

The tallest capitol building in the United States is adorned with beautiful interior granite and murals. My favorite feature was the rooftop deck on the 27th floor with amazing views of downtown and the mighty Mississippi River. There is a nice little gift store with Louisiana souvenirs and free recipe cards. From the day the capitol building was built, the then-Governor declared the surrounding grounds were open to the public, and still today, family picnics in the shadow of the Capitol are a popular tradition. An interesting feature not to miss is the steps leading to the capitol’s front door. Carved into each step is every U.S. state and the date it entered the Union.

3. Veteran’s Memorial Park

Surrounding the capitol are beautiful gardens, fountains, statues of veterans, and an arsenal museum. Four military barracks that originally housed soldiers protecting the Mississippi shipping port have been restored and are today used for Louisiana congressional housing when in session. The setting was lovely, even on this cold and windy January day, with a large fountain in the middle of the barracks courtyard.

Pro Tip: Before leaving downtown, stop at BRASS on North Boulevard, the Baton Rouge Souvenir Shop, for one-of-a-kind handmade items made by local artists.

4. Old State Capitol

Overlooking the Mississippi River, the original 160-year-old statehouse is a few miles from the current and interestingly designed as a medieval castle. Now the Museum of Political History, I was very disappointed it was not open due to renovations because one of the most important historic events in the U.S. happened here: the 105-mile March For Civil Rights . On August 10, 1967, two activists started the march in Bogalusa, Louisiana, but gathered 600 more people when it ended at the old capitol’s steps. President Lyndon Johnson understood the importance of protecting these brave Americans and sent the National Guard to protect march participants and supporters along the route.

5. USS Kidd Veterans Museum

A National Historic Landmark, this 1945 WWII Fletcher class destroyer has been restored to not only a museum with a full-scale gun deck of Old Ironsides, but it’s also a world-class convention center. Located a mile from downtown, the destroyer is docked on the Mississippi River shores.

6. Magnolia Mound Plantation

A short drive from downtown is Magnolia Mound Plantation . Built in 1792 on 15 acres of beautiful grounds, it features original buildings filled with period furniture and active gardens. Various guided or self-guided tours are available at a very nice gift store and educational center. Pay attention to the six live oak trees planted in 1776 called the Bicentennial Oaks, still proudly shading the front porch of the main house.

7. Louie’s Cafe

I ended the day with another legend — a stylish retro diner where the focus is friendly service and good food. Since 1941, Louie’s Cafe has been an anchor in a revived historic district near the Louisiana State University and is famous for serving a hearty breakfast all day. My seafood omelet for lunch lived up to its reputation.

Advice from friends in Texas says I simply must see the LSU (Louisiana State University) campus. Since my friends in Baton Rouge were packing to move, I stayed at the Cook Hotel and Convention Center located on the campus. Not only did I have a stunning view of University Lake, but nearby was a nice walking/running path used often by students. My friends were right: The campus is beautiful with large trees and old-world-designed buildings. There are also a few nice places to visit on the campus.

Pro Tip: Get a room on the top floors facing east for amazing sunrise views over the lake.

8. LSU Museum Of Art

Located on the fifth floor of the Shaw Center for the Arts , the museum houses one of the finest collections of art in the state, ranging from Rodin to rare pottery pieces found in Louisiana. The hours vary with class sessions, so check before you go.

9. Anderson-Campbell Tiger Walk

Housed in a well-built enclosure with a natural habitat fit for a tiger is where Mike #7 lives — a real roaring tiger and the famous LSU mascot. Across from Tiger Stadium, Mike roams, or takes naps, in an area with two sides protected by double rows of chained fencing. In the back is a hidden shelter where he can find peace from a busy day of greeting fans.

10. Elsie’s Plates And Pie

At the end of a long day walking, I took my friend’s advice on Creole pot pies from Elsie’s Plates and Pie. Named after Elsie Marie Campeau Rupe, grandmother of Proprietor and Chef Paul Chauvin Dupre, the Creole chicken pot pie was absolutely delicious. I had enough leftovers for the next night!

South Baton Rouge

I spent my last “tourist” day before meeting friends and exploring suggested sites south of town. The road across from the Cook Hotel is River Road, hugging the lake and eventually becoming Highway 327. What a lovely drive, passing near the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center; which I made a note for next time because everyone I met in Baton Rouge said not to miss it.

11. Calandro’s Gourmet Grocery

A Baton Rouge icon, Calandro’s is a small, non-traditional grocery selling the best of Louisiana soul food. I went to buy items for a picnic lunch but found myself roaming every aisle just for the fun of it. They have an enormous section for wine and beer right next to a deli section filled with gourmet cheeses, crackers, and sandwich meats. The row of hot sauces resembled an international tour. The bakery — stocked with freshly baked bread, pastries, and cookies — had a busy demand for King Cakes.

Pro Tip: Buy a double-batch of the almond coconut chocolate cookies; otherwise only crumbs will remain for the picnic.

12. LSU Rural Life Museum

My target for the morning was the Rural Life Museum , a collection of historic plantation buildings and period furnishings moved to this site and made into a village, complete with a church, school, slavery homes, a blacksmith shop, a cemetery, and outhouses. The perfect place for my picnic was near a country church. The large, newer building housed historic artifacts from outhouse seats to a dozen horse-drawn buggies. A well-designed interpreter told the true story of how a plantation operated, even the sad story of the slaves’ lives.

13. Modesto Mexican

That evening, my friend took me to her favorite restaurant, Modesto on Burbank Drive. It spotlights tacos made with authentic Mexican spices served with interesting hand-crafted cocktails. My fajita tacos were beyond delicious.

Pro Tip: Dining In Baton Rouge

Allow more time in this charismatic city to experience Louisiana through amazing food found in artisan restaurants. On my list for next time are Coffee Call for the best beignets by Food & Wine Magazine ; Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar for oysters cooked many ways; Poor Boy Lloyd’s, the oldest restaurant in Baton Rouge; and Mestizo, Mexican with a Louisiana flair. I’ll meet you there!

Related Reading: 

• From Crawfish To King Cake: 6 Delicious Cajun Dishes To Try In Lafayette
• 9 Tips For Experiencing Lafayette, Louisiana’s Historic Azalea Trail
• 8 Fabulous Restaurants To Try In Baton Rouge, Louisiana

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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District Digest: Downtown Breakdown

In our last blog we provided an overview of the International Downtown Association Downtown Value Report for Baton Rouge. We learned that we have experienced remarkable growth with significant potential for more. If you missed the introductory overview you can read it here .

As we break down this report and what this data means for us moving forward, this blog (The District Digest) will highlight what we learned about our housing market, stay tuned for more focused blog highlights.

Downtown’s Residential Population is Increasing

The report data shows that we experienced significant growth between 2012-2021, with a residential population increase of 16%. This growth is most notable in our Central Business District and over last decade, we have seen many office building conversions into residential/mixed use buildings including; Rivermark Centre, Commerce, and 440 on Third. We have also welcomed new residential buildings including 525 Lafayette, Onyx Residences, and the Heron. When compared to residential growth of the entire East Baton Rouge City Parish of about 4% and the City of Baton Rouge residential decrease of -1.6%, it is evident that people want to live downtown.

Who's moving Downtown?: Like many of our emerging downtown counterparts, we see increasing trends of young professionals and empty nesters. Other community leaders and organizations are also tracking the young professional group’s data patterns and collaborating on a Better in BTR campaign to attract and retain this age group. In BRAC’s The Battle for Young Talent Report , they note that the majority of young professionals attracted to Baton Rouge are from other Louisiana communities and there is opportunity to attract additional young professionals highlighted in their Young Money report.

Photo Credit: Visit Baton Rouge

While the young professional and empty nester age group is increasing, Downtown Baton Rouge has an overall diverse age group distribution.

What is attracting them downtown? Downtowns offer something most areas of their cities cannot, particularly in quality of life amenities. They are more walkable, offer a variety of events, cultural and historic amenities/attractions, and more opportunities for social interaction. Image of the downtown greenway Downtown Baton Rouge is no different – with a walkability score of 79 (compared to Baton Rouge’s score of 39), 17 parks, 6 recreation and community centers, 2 libraries, 27 historic structures, 8 museums, 44 public art installations, 5 theatres, a weekly farmers market, several restaurants and night life establishments, and 150-200 outdoor events/parades - it is truly the center of activity. The opening of Matherne’s Market at 440 on Third was also a game changer in attracting more residents – who doesn’t want to walk to pick up their groceries and avoid fighting traffic?

How can we continue to attract more residents? The short answer is – we need more housing! We know the demand of living downtown is high – the central business district boasts a 92% occupancy rate and, in a survey conducted last year, 40% of downtown workers indicated a desire to live downtown. We do have another exciting residential development on the way adjacent to the Downtown Greenway, but there is opportunity for more. To further push that demand, we continue to implement more quality-of-life projects including additional bicycle and pedestrian facilities, streetscape enhancements, and lighting upgrades/public art installations with the support of our community partners/stakeholders. In BRAC’s Young Money report they note that to attract more young professionals to Baton Rouge as a whole “quality of life and placemaking should be a major point of emphasis for policymakers, particularly in places like Downtown Baton Rouge”. The DDD is always implementing quality of life projects with the support of our community partners/stakeholders – but we agree, there is opportunity for more. A new urban master plan that helps identify new projects and how we expand our housing opportunities not only in the core of the CBD, but also in the gaps between our adjacent communities would be a great way to help us identify those opportunities and how to make them happen. In the meantime, we will continue to implement projects that enhance quality of life, advocate with our national downtown counterparts in advocating for federal incentives to increase housing in our urban cores, and assist developers in their endeavors to answer the demand for more housing.

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BRAC, Visit Baton Rouge launch campaign to bring young people to the city

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber and Visit Baton Rouge have launched a multi-year, national campaign called “Better in BTR” to attract young professionals to Louisiana’s Capital Region.

According to BRAC, the campaign is centered on the BetterinBTR.com website, which provides interactive content for potential new residents to explore communities, neighborhoods, recreational events and activities in Baton Rouge.

“The ‘Better in BTR’ strategy addresses two of BRAC’s top priorities which are increasing our young professional population and building positive local sentiment,” said Ann Trappey, BRAC interim president and CEO. “Over the course of this campaign, Baton Rouge will be positioned as one of the most appealing and rewarding southeastern cities in which to build a fulfilling life, which will enable us to diversify our economy, create more inclusive economic opportunities and improve the region’s livability.”

Registration open for EBR Schools spring job fair, retention event

There will be pop-up events in the area this summer with “Better in BTR” branded merchandise. An HR toolkit to support local recruitment and retention strategies is in development and will be available on the website, BRAC said.

The campaign is made possible through a grant from the East Baton Rouge City-Parish Office. The nearly $1 million grant was awarded in September 2022, BRAC said.

Details about how to work, live and move to the area can be found on the campaign website .

“Stoking a fervent pride of place among our talented young professionals in the City-Parish, while also inviting the best and brightest of their peers to become our neighbors and colleagues is essential to Baton Rouge’s future,” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “I encourage everyone in our community to become ambassadors, letting the world know how life is ‘Better in BTR.’”

“The strategic partnership between Visit Baton Rouge and BRAC aligns with the best practices taking shape in the most successful cities around the country,” said Jill Kidder, Visit Baton Rouge president and CEO. “Linking our efforts through this campaign will elevate the city’s visibility, supporting tourism and economic development efforts that together enhance the vitality of the area.”

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USS KIDD temporarily moving to Houma for restoration

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - The USS KIDD is on its way down the Mississippi River for its long-awaited restoration.

The USS KIDD Veterans Museum announced on Wednesday, May 1, the USS KIDD has started its voyage to travel to the Thoma-Sea shipyard in Houma.

The USS KIDD was towed away from the museum shore on April 26. The ship was moored at a private yard while undergoing final preparations, as well as inspections from the U.S. Coast Guard so it could begin its trip.

The Louisiana Naval War Memorial Commission announced in January that Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors LLC, of Houma, had been contracted to repair and restore the USS KIDD. The project will continue through May of 2025.

“Maintaining a museum ship takes more than money and expertise,” said Parks Stephenson, executive director of the USS KIDD Veterans Museum. “Keeping up with the demands of an aged historic vessel requires personal commitment and passion, like that demonstrated by the staff at the USS KIDD Veterans Museum. They manage and maintain the ship with a fervent sense of dedication. We are proud to partner with Thomas-Sea in extending the USS KIDD’s life for decades to come; thus, enabling her to be admired by future generations as a symbol of the patriotic values of the state of Louisiana and its citizens.”

According to officials, the project consists of hull repair and reinforcement, superstructure repair, interior restoration, and painting of the ship, as well as the repair and upgrading of the docking cradle.

The USS KIDD is a popular tourism attraction that floats just upriver from the I-10 Horace Wilkinson Bridge in Baton Rouge. In low-river months, it rests in a unique docking cradle.

The public can still visit the USS KIDD during its refurbishment in Houma and possibly other locations, officials said.

The repairs are being made possible thanks to the appropriation of funds by Louisiana lawmakers. Government officials in East Baton Rouge Parish and the Louisiana Veterans Museum Foundation have also provided project-related funds.

The USS KIDD was launched back on Feb. 28, 1943. The ship served in the Pacific fleet during World War II.

“The USS KIDD is one of the few surviving examples of the warships that won the battles for both the Atlantic and Pacific in World War II.” Stephenson said, “The KIDD and her sister ships fought in just about every major maritime battle of WWII and often played critical roles in their outcome. The destroyers were the workhorses of the US fleet, and the Fletcher Class was the pinnacle of destroyer design.”

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome issued a statement about the ship’s removal on Thursday, April 25.

The USS KIDD Veterans Museum took to Facebook to answer community members’ questions about the ship’s voyage to be repaired.

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Louisiana Will Get a New City After a Yearslong Court Battle

The State Supreme Court cleared the way for a part of Baton Rouge to become the city of St. George. Critics say the white, wealthier enclave separating from the capital could have devastating consequences.

By Rick Rojas

Rick Rojas, who covers Louisiana as The Times’s Southern bureau chief, reported on the campaign to create St. George and the ballot initiative in 2019 .

The original plan was to start a school district. That didn’t work. So a group of residents in a sprawling unincorporated suburb of Baton Rouge, La., expanded their idea: Create a city of their own, called St. George.

In 2015, they collected signatures to bring their proposal up for a vote, but didn’t get enough. In 2019, they tried again. This time, they made it to a ballot and won the election, only to be stalled by a lengthy court battle.

But the Louisiana Supreme Court cleared the way on Friday for the formation of St. George, a city of nearly 100,000 people that joins the ranks of the state’s largest cities, falling between Lafayette and Lake Charles in population. It is the first city to be incorporated in Louisiana in nearly two decades.

A majority of justices found that lower courts had erred in blocking the city’s creation over concerns of its financial viability.

“This is the culmination of citizens exercising their constitutional rights,” Andrew Murrell, a leader of the effort to create the city, said in a statement, adding, “Now we begin the process of delivering on our promises of a better city.”

The city will consist of an area of East Baton Rouge Parish, which is run by a blended government that oversees both Baton Rouge and the broader parish. It also carves out a largely white and more affluent section of the parish, southeast of Baton Rouge.

The ruling signaled victory for a campaign that had endured since 2012 and was built on frustrations about schools, crime, infrastructure and the resources devoted to that part of the parish.

But its opponents — including parish leaders, as well as a powerful cross-section of business and civic leaders — contended that the complaints driving the campaign were unfounded and unfair. They argued that the plan for a new city was poorly conceived and would cause turbulence for the parish as a whole, rather than improve anyone’s quality of life.

“There is no basis in fact that the existence of St. George is positive or will bring positivity or have a positive impact on any areas of the cities or the parish,” said M.E. Cormier, who was a leader of a group that campaigned against St. George.

Critics also said that the grievances were masking other motivations, describing the effort as an example of a wealthy white community trying to distance itself from the Black and poorer residents in Baton Rouge. Some were disappointed that the challenge was now exhausted and believed that parish residents who live outside St. George but would feel its impact should have had more of a say.

Sharon Weston Broome, the mayor-president leading the combined Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish governments, had been one of the principal challengers to St. George. But in a news conference on Friday, Ms. Broome tried to send a more conciliatory message, acknowledging that the court’s ruling was the end to the saga.

“My goal from the very beginning — and it will always be my goal — is to advocate for a united Baton Rouge,” Ms. Broome told reporters, referring to the goal of minimizing division, even if St. George becomes its own municipality. “I am committed to serving the residents of St. George.”

Trying to forge a friendly relationship between the governments means overcoming acrimony that has festered for more than a decade.

The drive to establish St. George was started by residents who wanted to form their own school district because of concerns that East Baton Rouge Parish schools were troubled and underperforming.

When their first bid failed to get enough votes in the State Legislature, organizers were told they might have a better standing with a city of their own. So, in 2015, they sketched out an area of 85 square miles and 107,000 residents that would form the new city. But they did not gather enough signatures for the proposal to advance to a vote.

Several years later, they shaved the area down to include 60 square miles and 86,000 people, and collected enough signatures for a ballot initiative in 2019. The measure won 54 percent of the vote. Since then, the area shrunk even more, as some properties within the new city lines were annexed by Baton Rouge .

The path to the incorporation of St. George resembled in many ways the one taken by the last city formed in Louisiana, just on a larger scale: The city of Central, which is also in East Baton Rouge Parish and has nearly 30,000 people, was established in 2005 after failed attempts to start a new school district.

The success of the 2019 vote spurred an immediate legal challenge as parish officials feared the consequences of losing $48 million in annual tax revenues. They argued that the new city could not operate with a balanced budget and the proposed budget for St. George was inaccurate. A lower court judge agreed.

But the State Supreme Court, in the majority opinion, said that parish officials were relying on flawed figures, and that the city could operate within its estimated tax revenues.

Justice William J. Crain, the author of the majority opinion, also pushed back on the assertion that the new city would contribute to the deterioration of Baton Rouge, the parish seat with just over 220,000 residents. He wrote that the population of St. George was growing as Baton Rouge’s declined, and a flourishing St. George might stanch an migration to surrounding parishes with “more shared interests, including more desirable school districts.”

“We conclude St. George can provide public services within a reasonable period of time,” Justice Crain wrote, speaking for the 4-3 majority.

Now, the campaign to establish St. George — named for an extinct parish that once included the area — is moving ahead with the business of assembling a city government essentially from scratch. Gov. Jeff Landry will appoint an interim mayor and City Council.

St. George already has its own Fire Department and will continue to rely on the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Department for its policing needs. Many other city services will be privatized, adhering to a vision articulated by organizers to maintain as svelte of an operation as possible.

“I look forward to our ability to build an efficient, productive and vibrant city while contributing to a thriving East Baton Rouge Parish,” Norman Browning, one of the chairmen of the campaign, said in a statement.

But some fear that will be no easy undertaking, and that the process will be a fraught and complicated negotiation. “The detanglement, logistically speaking, is going to be an absolute nightmare,” Ms. Cormier said.

Ms. Cormier, 39, said that St. George is an area that has transformed in her lifetime living in Baton Rouge. She remembered when the area, now bustling with suburban homes and commerce, was filled with farmland and trees. That growth, she said, came from the parish’s investment.

“There are legacy costs associated with that,” Ms. Cormier said. “That is a bill they will be expected to pay — their citizens will be expected to pay — and it will be due and owing on Day 1.”

Rick Rojas is the Atlanta bureau chief for The Times, leading coverage of the South. More about Rick Rojas