Comprehensive housing solution study funded by broad community partnership
LAFAYETTE, LA — A broad coalition of public, private, and philanthropic partners today announced the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Lafayette Housing Needs Assessment, a comprehensive, data-informed, value driven effort to better understand current and future housing needs across the City of Lafayette. The study will build on recent housing and economic development planning efforts across Lafayette and provide a shared data foundation to guide future housing decisions.
The effort responds to growing affordability pressures, changing household needs, and increasing demand for housing options across income levels in Lafayette. The Housing Needs Assessment builds on nearly two years of groundwork by community partners to ensure the study is strategic, well-resourced, and results-oriented.
The RFQ invites qualified planning, housing, and data analytics firms to submit proposals to conduct a market-grounded assessment that will inform housing policy, public finance strategies, and investment decisions over the coming decade.
The selected firm will be expected to deliver clear, implementation-ready findings that can be used by public agencies, lenders, developers, and nonprofit partners. The collaborative approach behind the Lafayette Housing Needs Assessment reflects a growing model among mid-sized cities seeking to align housing data, public finance tools, and cross-sector partnerships into a single, actionable framework for implementation.
“This effort is about making sure Lafayette has the right information to act decisively,” said Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet of Lafayette Consolidated Government. “Housing impacts workforce stability, economic development, and quality of life. This effort ensures our decisions are guided by real time data.”
The Housing Needs Assessment will examine housing supply, affordability, housing types, demographic trends, and neighborhood-level conditions. Findings will help local leaders align tools such as public financing, redevelopment strategies, and housing programs to meet real demand. By grounding future housing actions in shared data, the assessment is intended to reduce fragmented efforts and help partners deploy resources more efficiently and at greater scale.
“The Housing Authority views this initiative as an important step toward advancing more coordinated and effective affordable housing solutions,” said Latweeta Smyers, Executive Director of the Lafayette Housing Authority. “Developing a comprehensive understanding of the entire housing continuum allows us to better serve residents while planning responsibly for the community’s future growth and housing needs.”
From an economic development perspective, housing is foundational infrastructure.
“A strong economy requires a community where workers at every income level can find a place to call home,” said Mandi Mitchell, President & CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. “The lack of affordable housing can be a barrier to business growth and talent retention in Lafayette. This assessment will provide a shared, data-driven picture of housing demand that we can put directly in front of developers and policy makers to drive truly impactful investment decisions.”
Alexander Lazard, Executive Director of the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority, emphasized the practical application of the study. “This is not a report that sits on a shelf,” Lazard said. “It is designed to directly inform public finance decisions, redevelopment strategies, and how partners align resources in the years ahead.” The findings will help guide future housing policy, financing tools, and development strategies across Lafayette.
The Community Foundation of Acadiana will host the RFQ process and serve as a coordinating partner throughout the engagement. “Our role is to help bring partners together around shared priorities,” said Missy Bienvenu Andrade, CEO of the Community Foundation of Acadiana. “Housing touches every aspect of community well-being, and this study reflects a strong, unified commitment to understanding and addressing those needs through coordinated leadership and shared action.” Responses to the RFQ are expected late this spring, with the selected consultant beginning later this year.
Community Partners Supporting the Effort
The Housing Needs Assessment is supported by a broad coalition, including:
- 232-HELP
- Acadian Home Builders Association
- Acadiana Apartment Association
- Acadiana Planning Commission
- Acadiana Mortgage Lenders Association
- Acadiana Regional Coalition on Homelessness and Housing
- Catholic Charities of Acadiana
- Community Foundation of Acadiana
- Downtown Lafayette (DDA + DLU)
- Lafayette Consolidated Government
- Lafayette Economic Development Authority
- Lafayette Habitat for Humanity
- Lafayette Housing Authority
- Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority
- Maraist Family Foundation
- One Acadiana
- Realtors Association of Acadiana
- Schumacher Family Foundation
- SUN CHDO
- United Way of Acadiana
Call for Qualifications
Qualified firms with experience in housing analysis, planning, and development feasibility are encouraged to review the RFQ and submission requirements online. The RFQ will be issued on March 24, 2026, and the project website will serve as the central location for updates, key documents, and engagement opportunities throughout the process.
To learn more or view the RFQ when issued, visit:
https://www.cfacadiana.org/lafayette-housing-needs-assessment/ .
Media Contact
Community Foundation of Acadiana
Chasah West
Director of External Affairs & Communications
337.769.4847
cwest@cfacadiana.org