The City of Franklin Department of Community Development is responsible for supporting the community and voluntary sectors in Human Resource Management. Specifically, developers facilitate the building of healthy, sustainable, and empowered communities that are better equipped and skilled to tackle their local concerns and to relate positively with other communities.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF

Arlana has a B. A. in English from Southern University in Baton Rouge and an M. S. in Communication from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. She brings 11 years of college-level teaching experience to the City of Franklin. As a part of her work at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she was involved in a number of campus committees. In the past, she has been active with the local chapter of her sorority, working with youth, organizing events and participating in civic projects.

Responsibilities of a Main Street Program Manager

• Coordinate activities of Main Street Program Committees
• Develop in conjunction with Board and committees, downtown revitalization strategies, ongoing public awareness and education programs
• Assist business and property owners with business and property improvement projects
• Serve as an advocate for downtown issues
• Encourage a cooperative climate with other downtown or community organizations.
• Build public/private partnerships
• Win the hearts of minds of many; have thick skin

Responsibilities as Director: Capacity building and leadership

• Provide assistance to increase skills and capacities of residents and organizations to plan and problem-solve issues
• Facilitate action at local level to improve community conditions and outcomes
• Design strategies to build relationships, address diverse needs, and manage complex community issues.
• Liaise with other service providers, business leaders, and government organizations to address identified needs and achieve positive community change
• Foster voluntary sector networks