Stories, Updates, and Progress from BR Choice

Post-Katrina, the Foundation revived Smiley Heights with education, housing, and green space plans, starting construction in 2013.

East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority advances Smiley Heights, a mixed-use project with education, housing, and job training.

Gov. Jindal commits $13.9M to build BRCC’s Center for Excellence in Auto Technology at Smiley Heights.

The RDA acquired 198 acres for the Smiley Heights project, blending education, retail, residential spaces, and wetlands.

EBRPHA, RDA, and Baton Rouge host town hall to discuss $30M HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant progress.

HUD awards $4.37M in Choice Neighborhoods grants to nine communities, including Baton Rouge, to revitalize housing and neighborhoods.

East Baton Rouge’s new Career and Technical Education Center opens soon to train students for high-demand jobs.

LHC awards $30.4M to restore 825 housing units in flood-hit areas.

CTEC opens this fall, offering EBR students career-focused tracks in tech, medical and trades.

State launches Piggyback program to build 500 affordable rentals in flood-hit areas.

Baton Rouge's mural scene surges, transforming the city into a free outdoor art gallery.

CTEC to open next fall at Ardendale, training 150 students in high-demand fields.

BR Choice Neighborhoods Initiative dedicates its second public sculpture, meet the artist May 5.

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Families celebrated their move to Cypress at Ardendale, surrounded by partners supporting a fresh start and new opportunities.

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Baton Rouge’s Arts for Everybody event celebrates Renoir Cultural District’s art, heritage, and community pride.

EBRPHA, RDA, and Baton Rouge host town hall to discuss $30M HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant progress.

Baton Rouge awarded $29.5M HUD grant for housing, services, and neighborhood revitalization.

HUD awards East Baton Rouge Parish $29.5M to launch BR Choice neighborhood revitalization.

Baton Rouge hosts HUD officials for a $30M grant to revitalize a neglected corridor.

Baton Rouge’s Ardendale area is a HUD finalist for a $30M grant to fund housing, services, and business growth.

HUD names four finalists competing for $30M Choice Neighborhoods grants.

BRCC’s new Automotive Collision Training Center prepares students for careers in auto body repair with hands-on, real-world training.

BR Choice Neighborhoods officially dedicated the Love Motel for Insects: Great Purple Hairstreak Variation to the Capital Region.

BR Choice utilizes strategic placemaking through arts and culture by adding creative murals and installations.

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EBRPHA, Partners Southeast, and Integral celebrated progress at Cypress at Ardendale.

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