About Us

$Text Box: The word IMCAL is an acronym for the Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning and Development Commission is derived from the colonial title describing the five-parish Southwest Louisiana region. IMCAL was formed in 1972 by local government and business leaders from throughout the five parish area who recognized the need for a multi-jurisdictional agency that could serve a wide variety of needs. Thus IMCAL was born. The commission was formalized at the state level by executive order No. 27 of the Governor of Louisiana, dated February 16, 1973, and by an enactment of Act No. 472 of the 1977 Louisiana Legislature in Regular Session. IMCAL is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana that has representation and receives funding from the entire five-parish area. Our board of directors is made up of elected and appointed officials from throughout the five parishes and eighteen municipalities of Southwest Louisiana. Although we receive funding from federal, state, and local sources, we are neither a federal, state, nor local government entity. We are a quasi-governmental agency, which is governed by our Board of Directors. IMCAL is a professional organization whose primary goal is the continued growth and development of Southwest Louisiana. We provide "hands on" technical assistance to local governments, businesses, and individuals. Many times we are their only source of assistance. IMCAL has a staff of seven full time employees; five of who are professional level employees. The educational background of our staff includes several undergraduate degrees, and we have many years of combined experience in the development of Southwest Louisiana. Continued training and expertise is derived from the professional seminars and workshops that are attended by the staff on a regular basis. The need for a regional approach to the challenges in Southwest Louisiana, and a center of excellence to address these problems, is perhaps more prevalent today than when the Commission was formed. IMCAL has come a long way since 1972. Although areas of emphasis have changed somewhat over the years, one fact still remains -- coordination, objectivity, impartiality, and a comprehensive, approach to a regional development are the cornerstone of IMCAL's existence. We are the only regional organization in Southwest Louisiana charged with these responsibilities. We believe our accomplishments speak for themselves, and we stand ready to help the people, businesses, and governments of the area in forging a better life for themselves and their posterity. BOARD OF DIRECTORS The governing body of IMCAL is comprised of a Board of Directors made up of representatives appointed by the various city, parish, and other governmental members of the five-parish area in Southwest Louisiana. Each member parish provides three representatives plus one extra member for each 10,000 of its population, or a fraction thereof. At least two-thirds (2/3) of each parish’s membership to the Commission consist of elected officials of member units of government. Below is a breakdown of how the Board of Directors is formed: Each municipality is represented by the Mayor, and the City Council appoints one (1) member for each 10,000 of its population; Each member Police Jury appoints all remaining members needed to complete each parish’s full membership on the Regional Planning Commission; Additionally, each parish is bound to appoint a least one (1) qualified member of a minority race, and one (1) qualified woman to the Commission; and All other governmental bodies that are dues-paying members have one (1) member on the Commission. The Board of Directors meets quarterly on IMCAL business. The Board of Directors is also assisted by an Executive Committee, which consist of seven to thirteen Board of Director members. The Executive Committee meets monthly on IMCAL’s minor business allowing the full Board to meet on more major business issues outlined in its Bylaws. All meetings are public and public notice is submitted to the local journal for advertisement. IMCAL also serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Lake Charles metropolitan area. The MPO consist of a decision making body (Transportation Policy Committee), a technical advisory body (Technical Advisory Committee), and transportation staff members.$

IMCAL

IMPERIAL CALCASIEU

REGIONAL PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION