The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA), the planning and coordinating body appointed by Governor Blanco and charged with the task of assisting in implementing the Governor's vision for the recovery of Louisiana, is facing an unprecedented task that will require professional planning and expert consultation. 

Unfortunately, official/state funds have not been allocated to finance the development of an informed, equitable strategy for recovering our region's physical, social, and economic infrastructures, meaning that quality planning must be paid for through private contributions.  In the coming months, planning expenses are expected to exceed $20 million; without adequate funding for quality planning, the LRA's capacity is somewhat limited, and recovery efforts may stall or be poorly formed.

The LRA Fund, established at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, will provide external resources and support for the Louisiana Recovery Authority's efforts to implement its vision and mandate.  By positioning informed decision making and expert planning as top priorities, the fund helps make "Louisiana Speaks" possible.  The LRA Fund, by design, will work with the LRA, serving their informational needs and supporting their capacity to develop plans according to best practices, by funding research and planning initiatives.

The LRA Fund will be used for the following purposes:
 
a.                  Policy research;
b.                  Issue analysis;
c.                  Local and regional planning support;
d.                  Policy development and leadership;
e.                  Assistance in the development of long term community planning;
f.                   Identification of best practices;
g.                  Communication of information about key public policy issues; and
h.                  Gathering of public input on policy and planning issues.

A separate charitable organization is being created called the LRA Support Foundation.  Once qualified by the Internal Revenue Service, the assets of the LRA Fund will be donated to the LRA Support Foundation which will be governed by a board of directors.
 
The LRA Fund Committee has voluntarily decided to act in a manner consistent with the spirit of Louisiana Open Meetings Laws.