City of Abbeville Quarterly Newsletter

Cover of the City of Abbeville Newsletter, Volume 1, July 2026. The cover features a photograph of the fountain in Magdalen Square with morning sunlight shining through large oak trees and historic downtown Abbeville visible in the background. The title "City of Abbeville Newsletter" appears across the top. A panel at the bottom previews the issue, highlighting city updates and accomplishments from April through June 2026, including key decisions and milestones, infrastructure and public safety progress, department updates and community initiatives, and community growth, local progress, and upcoming events. The City of Abbeville seal appears in the lower right corner.

Catch up on everything happening across the City of Abbeville. Read highlights from the second quarter of 2026, including major projects, community events, and important City updates.

City of Abbeville Awarded 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant

Graphic announcing that the City of Abbeville has been awarded $15,000 for downtown pedestrian safety through the AARP Community Challenge Grant. The graphic features a solar-powered pedestrian crossing beacon sign and includes the text “$15,000 for Downtown Pedestrian Safety,” “AARP Community Challenge Grant,” and “Enhancing safety at key downtown crossings.” The AARP logo and City of Abbeville seal appear at the bottom of the graphic.

The City of Abbeville has been selected as one of only 750 recipients nationwide to receive a 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant. The $15,000 award will fund pedestrian safety improvements in the downtown area, including solar-powered activated crosswalk beacon systems designed to enhance visibility and improve safety at key crossings.

Safety Improvements Planned for North Lyman Corridor

A transportation safety project aimed at improving access and safety along North Lyman Street is moving forward through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development's (LADOTD) Safe Routes to Public Places Program. North Lyman Street serves as an important connection between residential neighborhoods, J.H. Williams Middle School, and South Louisiana Community College. Because of its role as a key route for students, residents, and motorists, the corridor was identified for safety improvements designed to enhance accessibility, connectivity, and overall roadway safety. The City of Abbeville originally submitted its application for the project in November 2023. Following a competitive statewide review process, the project was selected to move forward and has now entered the engineering and design phase. As part of the project, LADOTD will be responsible for overseeing the engineering and design process. During this phase, the department will evaluate and refine proposed improvements, including a shared-use path, enhanced pedestrian crossings, accessibility upgrades, drainage improvements, and other corridor safety enhancements. While residents often see the construction phase as the beginning of a project, transportation improvements of this scale involve several years of planning and development before work begins in the field. Projects typically move through engineering, environmental review, utility coordination, right-of-way evaluation, and final design before advancing to construction. The North Lyman project is intended to improve safety and accessibility along a corridor that provides access to schools, neighborhoods, and other community destinations. Proposed improvements currently being evaluated include: • A 10-foot shared-use path along the east side of North Lyman Street • Enhanced pedestrian crossings at side streets with stop-controlled intersections • Accessibility improvements for pedestrians and cyclists • Subsurface drainage improvements and related corridor enhancements • Additional roadway safety improvements identified during the design process The Safe Routes to Public Places Program focuses on reducing crashes and improving access to schools, colleges, parks, libraries, hospitals, government buildings, and other public destinations. These projects are designed to create safer routes for all roadway users while strengthening connections throughout the community. As engineering progresses, project details, timelines, and final design elements will continue to be refined by LADOTD. The City of Abbeville will continue to provide updates and share information with residents as additional project milestones are reached.

A transportation safety project aimed at improving access and safety along North Lyman Street is advancing through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s (LaDOTD) Safe Routes to Public Places Program. The project will focus on enhancing connectivity between local neighborhoods, J.H. Williams Middle School, and South Louisiana Community College through planned safety, pedestrian, drainage, and roadway improvements. The project is currently in the engineering and design phase, with LaDOTD overseeing development and design.

Update on Road Improvements Planned Across Abbeville

Graphic titled "Investing in Our City Streets" featuring a map of Abbeville with highlighted project locations. A yellow and black "Project Update" banner appears across the bottom. The update states that utility and drainage inspections have been completed on Old Kaplan Highway and Washington Street. The City of Abbeville seal is displayed in the lower right corner. The graphic serves as an update on the City's road improvement program and ongoing infrastructure planning efforts.

The City of Abbeville continues to move forward with planned roadway improvements. Recent sewer and stormwater camera inspections on Old Kaplan Highway and Washington Street mark another step in the engineering process, helping identify underground infrastructure needs before resurfacing begins.

Applications Now Open for the 2026–2027 Abbeville Mayor’s Youth Council

The City of Abbeville is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Mayor’s Youth Council!

This program is open to students entering grades 8–12 who live in Vermilion Parish. Whether you’re passionate about your community, interested in local government, or just want to make a positive impact, this is your chance to get involved!

Notice of Delinquent Property Tax

Graphic from the City of Abbeville featuring the city seal and the words “Delinquent Property Tax Notice” in large navy lettering. A blue banner below reads “2025 Delinquent Tax List Available Online.” The graphic includes red curved accents at the top and bottom with a faint background image of a building.

The City of Abbeville has posted the 2025 Delinquent Property Tax List online. Property owners are encouraged to review the list and contact the City of Abbeville Tax Department regarding any outstanding property tax balances.

For assistance, please call 337-898-4212 or 337-898-4211

City of Abbeville Awarded $1.1 Million Through Louisiana Transportation Alternatives Program for Sidewalk Improvements

Graphic showing Broadmoor Boulevard where new sidewalks will be added through a $1.1 million TAP grant project connecting Broadmoor, Rodeo, and Alonzo.

The City of Abbeville has been awarded $1,108,222.76 through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s (LaDOTD) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for a sidewalk improvement project that will begin on Broadmoor, Rodeo, and Alonzo. This project will focus on connecting existing sidewalks and constructing new sidewalk corridors to create a continuous and safer pedestrian route throughout these areas.

The Transportation Alternatives Program, formerly known as the Transportation Enhancement Program, is a federally funded program administered through LaDOTD. The program supports projects that improve transportation infrastructure for pedestrians and strengthen connectivity between neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and community facilities.

Braille American Flag and Plaque Displayed at Abbeville City Hall

Mayor and members of the Louisiana/Mississippi Blinded Veterans Association stand with city officials in the City Council chamber holding the Braille American Flag plaque during a presentation.

The City of Abbeville was honored to receive a Braille American Flag and commemorative plaque from the Louisiana/Mississippi Blinded Veterans Association during a recent City Council meeting.

Representatives Mr. Gary Schoelerman and Ms. Shawntina Gibson attended the meeting to formally request that the Braille American Flag and plaque be displayed in a prominent location inside City Hall where it can be viewed and experienced by the public.

Abbeville Airport Generates $62.4 Million in Annual Economic Impact

Graphic showing a nighttime aerial view of the runway at Abbeville Chris Crusta Memorial Airport with a blue overlay. Large white text reads “Abbeville Airport Impact – 471 Jobs Supported – Chris Crusta Memorial Airport.” Below, the graphic states “$62.4M Annual Economic Impact.” A source line reads “Source: Louisiana Aviation & Aerospace Economic Impact Study.” The City of Abbeville crest appears in the bottom right corner.

The Abbeville Chris Crusta Memorial Airport (IYA) continues to play an important role in supporting jobs, businesses, and economic activity in Vermilion Parish and throughout the Acadiana region.

According to the Louisiana Aviation & Aerospace Economic Impact Study, the Abbeville airport supports 471 jobs and generates approximately $62.4 million in total annual economic output through airport operations, aviation services, and related industries. Businesses and industries that rely on the services provided by the airport include aviation training programs, helicopter and aviation service companies, engineering firms, and businesses connected to Louisiana’s outdoor and energy sectors. Airports like IYA are an essential part of Louisiana’s transportation network. They connect communities to the national airspace system, allowing for the efficient movement of people, equipment, and services while supporting local economic growth. The Abbeville airport also provides critical infrastructure that supports business development, workforce training, emergency response capabilities, and aviation education opportunities.