Baton Rouge, La. (October 12, 2021) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) today released a public policy commentary analyzing the Capital Area Transit System’s (CATS’) performance against published goals of its current millage cycle, and the agency’s plans for the upcoming renewal period. CATS’ 10.6-mill renewal will be on the November 13 ballot. The commentary is attached and available at brac.org/research.
“The upcoming millage renewal represents nearly 60% of CATS’ annual budget,” said Trey Godfrey, senior vice president of policy for BRAC. “It is important that the business community make an informed decision on this critical service with as much information as possible.”
The commentary compares CATS’ performance against a slate of promises made in 2011, and highlights the priorities and goals the agency will pursue with a renewal of its millage.
Despite a spate of management and oversight challenges early in the current millage cycle, CATS has regained its footing in the past several years and has either achieved the performance goal or substantially closed service gaps identified as part of its 2011 plan.
BRAC notes that CATS currently posts monthly performance measures on some of its goals on its website, and recommends that all metrics in the strategic plan be tracked and published online and aggregated annually for public release.
BRAC will announce its position on the CATS renewal in the coming week.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,400 small businesses, midsize firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at brac.org.
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