Aaron Moak, candidate for Mayor of Central, joined the show to outline his vision for local economic development, infrastructure improvements, and long-term city growth. Drawing from his experience on both the Central City Council and the East Baton Rouge Metro Council, Moak brings a comprehensive perspective to Central’s municipal governance.
Leveraging Past Governance to Drive Future Growth
Moak highlights his tenure on the original Central Council during the city’s incorporation, alongside his leadership on the Metro Council. By applying lessons learned from parish-wide governance and privatization efforts, he aims to position Central for sustainable expansion.
“It’s combining all that experience and the knowledge of working with different teams, working with the state level, working with the local level… and bringing that back home to Central.”
Strategic Economic Development Beyond Retail
To secure Central’s economic viability, Moak emphasizes attracting long-term corporate partners, research and development facilities, and technology startups. Utilizing prime corridors like Hooper Road and the Central Thruway, the city can capitalize on proximity to regional transport hubs without relying solely on retail expansion.
Key priorities for Moak’s economic agenda include:
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Facilitating collaborative discussions between landowners, developers, and local residents.
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Creating overlay districts optimized for corporate and professional parks.
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Targeting emerging industries in robotics and technology infrastructure.
Infrastructure Maintenance and Master Planning
Moak outlines a targeted approach to managing critical infrastructure, focusing on drainage and traffic flow. Key projects include continuing snags and clears along the Comite River, expanding culvert capacities across local tributaries, and finalizing connector streets like the Lovett Road expansion to enhance community safety and mobility.