ALEXANDRIA, LA (7/16/2025) – The Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority (GAEDA) is operating on the edge of dysfunction as three commissioner seats remain unfilled, raising questions about whether political maneuvering is undermining one of the city’s key economic engines.
During GAEDA’s meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, commissioners expressed growing frustration over stalled appointments by Alexandria City Council members. Councilwoman Lizzie Felter confirmed in a letter to GAEDA that she “probably” will not appoint a replacement for her vacant seat this month, leaving the board to operate with the bare minimum number of commissioners needed for quorum.
The vacant seats tied to Felter, Jim Villard, and Chuck Fowler are straining GAEDA’s ability to conduct business. Chairman Dr. Curtis Lewis and Executive Director Angela Varnado have both written to the council, warning that prolonged vacancies threaten the board’s operations and ability to advance projects aimed at boosting Alexandria’s struggling economy.
“Right now, we’re one absence away from not being able to do anything,” one commissioner said during the meeting. “We cannot keep circling back on whether a date works for one council member or another. The community needs action, not excuses.”
Situation Made Worse
The situation is made worse by revelations that John Callis, Felter’s previous appointee, has not attended meetings since late 2024. According to GAEDA policy, any commissioner who misses three consecutive meetings automatically vacates their seat. Yet, documentation of Callis’ resignation has not been received, creating further confusion and legal uncertainty.
The meeting also revealed that two other commissioners, Mr. Carroll and Mr. Patel, have similarly been absent long enough to trigger vacancy rules. This leaves GAEDA with only four active commissioners, just enough to conduct business but unable to handle larger decisions requiring more votes.
The delays come against the backdrop of Alexandria grappling with violent crime, a police force down by nearly one-third, and mounting economic challenges. Some community members are questioning whether the inaction from Felter, Villard, and Fowler represents a coordinated political tactic to weaken or even dismantle GAEDA, an organization that these same councilmembers moved swiftly to restructure just a year ago.
“The people deserve a government that works,” one attendee noted after the meeting. “Not one locked in constant battles while families suffer from crime, crumbling infrastructure, and a lack of economic opportunities.”
As GAEDA struggles to keep pace with critical projects including acquiring a new building and pursuing initiatives to spur local development, the question remains: Will Alexandria’s leadership rise to meet the moment or will political gridlock continue to hold the city back?
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