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1. Why does the City of Baton Rouge use the title Mayor-President instead of Mayor?

East Baton Rouge Parish and the City of Baton Rouge have a consolidated form of government. The head of the executive branch serves as both the president of the parish and the mayor of the city; thus, the title mayor-president.

2. Why do we use the title "Mayor-President" for our Mayor?

The Mayor of Baton Rouge is called "Mayor-President" because she or he is Mayor of the City of Baton Rouge and President of East Baton Rouge Parish. This stems from 1947, when the people of the parish voted to consolidate the functions of local government so that the City of Baton Rouge, which was growing significantly after World War II, and the rural, unincorporated areas of the East Baton Rouge Parish, could all be served by many local government departments.

Our local government was further consolidated in 1982 when the citizens voted to join the City and Parish Councils into one governing body called the Metropolitan Council. This also meant that 12 Council Members would be elected from single-member districts.

3. What was the purpose of consolidating the Parish and City Government?

Consolidated government is regarded as a more efficient way of running a metropolitan area. It has a threefold objective: to eliminate duplication of governmental services; to increase governmental efficiency; and to reduce costs. For example, caring for roadways requires the same type of skilled employees and equipment, no matter if the roads are in the parish or the city. Therefore, having one Department of Public Works instead of two is more cost effective.

4. What is our Mayor-President responsible for?

The Mayor-President is like the City Parish's Chief Executive Officer, setting the city's agenda, vision, and managing its day-to-day functions. The Mayor-President appoints most of the department heads, and supervises and directs the services of those departments. While he or she does not set the city's public policy (that is the job of the Metropolitan Council) the Mayor-President influences policy through relationships and appointees. The Mayor-President also prepares and submits the annual budget to the Metropolitan Council. As one of 50 mayors of state capital cities, our Mayor represents Baton Rouge throughout Louisiana, the U.S., and the international community.

5. How do I invite the Mayor-President to attend an event?

You may fax a letter to the Mayor's Office detailing the event (include date, time, location as well as a contact name and number), to 225-389-5203. You may also mail your request to:
222 St. Louis Street

3^rd Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

If you fax your request, please include "Request Mayor's Attendance" in the subject line.