At the second public meeting for Plan Baton Rouge Phase Three, Chief Administrative Officer Charlie Davis joined the discussion to reflect on the evolution of downtown Baton Rouge and its future. Davis joins the show to reflect on that discussion and emphasized that downtown is more than just a central district—it’s a catalyst for the entire city and parish. He described how downtown has transformed from its low point in the 1980s and 1990s into a slowly revitalizing hub, now serving diverse roles for residents across different life stages.

Davis highlighted the importance of safety and cleanliness as key priorities for Mayor St. Edwards, noting that violent crime in Baton Rouge has dropped by 19% in the past six months. Downtown, in particular, is now one of the safest precincts in the city. However, he acknowledged the challenge of overcoming outdated public perceptions, especially following rare incidents like the 2023 Christmas parade shooting.

Plan Baton Rouge Phase Three aims to build on this momentum by expanding downtown’s reach—connecting it to LSU via the Nicholson corridor and extending toward Memorial Stadium to create a broader sports and cultural complex. Davis stressed that improvements like better lighting, waste removal, and infrastructure upgrades are already underway and making a visible difference.He also praised Mayor St. Edwards’ leadership and listening skills, noting that the administration is both responsive to public input and proactive in setting a vision for a thriving, inclusive downtown. The plan is not just about physical development but about fostering a vibrant, connected community that benefits all of Baton Rouge.