• About BRAC
• News & Events
• Membership
• Issues and Action
• Our Agenda
• Research
• Issue Councils
• FuturePAC
• Learning Community

The Issue Council program enables BRAC members to get involved in the process of establishing an issue-oriented agenda that guides our policy advocacy and related efforts. By participating in the work of an Issue Council, BRAC members help to shape and determine our core values on important issues and develop an annual agenda that includes advocacy, research, and project activities. The BRAC Issue Councils typically meet twice per year. In October/November, the Issue Councils convene for annual meetings to determine their annual agendas for consideration by the BRAC Board of Directors . Approximately six months after the annual meeting, the Issue Councils meet to evaluate the current status of items on the annual agendas and any new issues that are being addressed. This mid-year meeting is also used to provide feedback to BRAC on any new concerns of the Issue Council or opportunities for engagement. You can join an Issue Council by filling out our online form.

Technology Council

• Dedicated to expanding the technological horizon of local entrepreneurs, technology firms, and research institutions such as LSU and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center
• Promotes activities that achieve technology-oriented economic development and the creation of new industries and jobs for the Baton Rouge area

Community Development

• Focuses on preserving and developing positive "quality of life" factors in the
  Baton Rouge area
• Works to improve BRAC's Baton Rouge Area Leadership program and ensure its
  continued success
• Coordinates other initiatives such as establishing an urban forestry program and promoting the local art community

Education

• Works to ensure that all residents are prepared to meet the challenges of a 21st
  century economy
• Coordinates research and advocacy activities on a wide range of items related to formal education, community support, workforce development, and life-long learning

• Supports effective development policies and good planning to address business concerns and advance our economic development goals
• Engages on issues such as residential development, land use (eg, planning and zoning), transportation planning, mass transit, and sewer/water infrastructure

• Encourages positive government reforms at the state, regional, parish, and
  municipal levels
• Pursues measures such as reforming the EBR City-Parish Plan of Government and supporting term limits for appointed members of boards and commissions

• Maintains a central commitment to advancing the interests of the small
  business community
• Addresses the particular concerns of small businesses such as improving NSF check collections, lobbying for more streamlined sales reporting, and easing the bureaucratic "red tape" involved in starting a business

Get involved! Join an issue council today!

For more information, please contact Meg Mahoney.