Local Government Assistance Program

LGAP helps local governments address high-priority needs when no federal or other state funding is available, with priority given to projects that protect public health and safety such as fire and police protection or sewer and water improvements.

The FY 2025-2026 per-parish allocation is $60,000. LOCD has developed guidelines for the use of these funds to allow local governments to apply for assistance for various community projects. The Administrative Rules for LGAP were published in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act in January 2020.

LGAP applications were accepted from November 3, 2025 through February 28, 2026.

Eligible Applicants

All municipalities and parishes within Louisiana that are identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as non-entitlement communities are eligible to apply for assistance.

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities include fire protection, sewer and water improvements, renovations to essential governmental buildings, police protection, land acquisition, demolition, equipment, roads, drainage and reasonable engineering costs. Engineering costs are limited to 10 percent of the grant award for basic engineering services associated with construction and three percent for inspection services.

Ineligible Activities

Previously incurred debt, improvements to private property, ongoing salaries, overtime for government employees, administration and engineering-only or planning-only projects are not eligible. Projects intended for recreational use such as playground equipment or park benches or trash receptacles are also ineligible.

Grant Amounts

Maximum grant ceiling amounts are based on the following population ranges:

Villages (1-999): up to $25,00
Towns (1,000-4,999): up to $35,000
Cities (5,000-35,000): up to $50,000
Parishes: up to $100,000

If a parish’s incorporated communities’ combined maximum ceiling amounts are less than the allocation for the entire parish area, the parish may apply for more than $100,000.

Other Requirements

Projects may not begin until a signed contract is in place between the awarded local government and the Office of Community Development. Funds are reimbursed to the local government once invoices related to the project are submitted and approved.

All applications require a resolution of support from the Local government Agency and letters of support from the state senator and state representative representing the project area.

Rules

Administrative Rules for LGAP were published in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act in January 2020 and can be found in the Louisiana Administrative Code on the Louisiana Division of Administration's website.

Application

Applications, except for emergencies, will only be accepted through the online portal.

Emergency Set Aside

A total of $500,000 has been set aside in the Local Government Assistance Program for projects determined to be of an emergency nature that affect the health and safety of residents. The ceiling amount for an individual emergency grant is $300,000. The emergency situation must have occurred within three months of application submission. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Local governments interested in applying for these emergency funds should first contact LOCD to discuss the proposed project. If LOCD determines the proposed project meets program intent, the local government will be invited to submit an application.