Metro Councilman Darryl Hurst joined the show to discuss his ambitious Revive Plank Road initiative, a transformative plan aimed at revitalizing North Baton Rouge’s historic corridor. The conversation began with Southern University’s vibrant homecoming week, highlighting Hurst’s deep personal ties to the institution. Shifting to the main topic, Hurst outlined a three-part strategy to restore Plank Road’s economic vitality, starting with the Evangeline Airline corridor. The plan includes leveraging $18.3 million in bonded sales tax revenue to accelerate development that would normally take a decade.
Hurst emphasized preserving the area’s nostalgic charm while introducing modern design standards, inspired by successful models from cities like Houston. Major brands—including Walk-On’s, CeCe’s Coffee, AT&T, and Peach Cobbler Factory—have shown interest in investing, and the old Firestone building is set to become a new library. Public safety is a cornerstone of the plan, with coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies and infrastructure upgrades like LED lighting and street sweeping to foster a walkable, vibrant community.
The initiative also focuses on empowering local entrepreneurs with business tools, sustainability models, and AI integration to help them scale and franchise. Public investment is expected to spark private investment, with organizations like CAFA, BRAF, and the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation backing the effort. Hurst envisions Plank Road as a destination, not just a pass-through, with food truck festivals and tourism potential. He concluded by addressing the proposed two-penny sales tax, stressing that it won’t burden residents—most of whom use SNAP benefits—but will tap into spending from commuters and visitors. With over $60 million already committed, Revive Plank Road aims to restore the corridor as a thriving economic epicenter for Baton Rouge.