Is It Time for Baton Rouge to Deconsolidate? A New Conversation on Local Government Reform

A renewed conversation is emerging in East Baton Rouge Parish over whether the city-parish form of government still works for a growing and increasingly complex region. Metro Councilman Rowdy Godet says the discussion is being driven by the addition of new incorporated cities, including St. George, and long-standing questions about representation and service delivery. While some residents argue Baton Rouge voters should choose their own mayor, others point to the cost and complexity of creating new layers of government for unincorporated areas. Godet stresses no decision has been made, but says it is time to study the data, review other models, and fully engage the public before moving forward.