The I-20 Economic Development District reached a milestone Tuesday, as it voted to approve a $4.5 million infrastructure request that marks the first partnership with a Black-owned venture in the district’s nearly 30-year history.
Launched in 1999 and approved by the Louisiana legislature at the urging of former Mayor Abe Pierce III, the I-20 Economic Development District has long focused on spurring investment and revitalization along Monroe’s vital commercial corridor. Yet in its 26 years, the district had never provided funding to a project led by Black investors or developers in the corridor.
Nearly two years ago, businessman Alven Square, through his company DZE, LLC, and developer Charles Theus proposed a plan to transform 38 acres along the Monroe stretch of I-20 into a new subdivision of 113 homes, each valued between $200,000 and $300,000, and successfully annexed the land into the city limits.
Their vision targets the anticipated workforce surge driven by the construction of the META facility in Richland Parish, as well as Amazon’s growing regional hub and other business expansions.
In 2023, Square and Theus sought city help for drainage, sidewalks, and infrastructure improvements. Mayor Friday Ellis suggested they approach the I-20 Board, the body charged with guiding growth and public works along the corridor.
Following the mayor’s guidance, the company and developers submitted their plans to the board early this year, presenting impact studies and detailed design revisions as requested.
At Tuesday night’s board meeting, the team sought final approval for $4.5 million in infrastructure assistance.
Mayor Ellis—serving on the board—raised concerns about whether the housing-focused proposal fit the I-20 district’s mandate to attract new businesses.
Other members questioned whether the project would generate sales tax revenue, or legally qualify.
These objections were met with strong support from the board’s African-American members, led by Rev. James Earl Jackson and Board Chairwoman Juanita Woods.
They emphasized the district’s authority to fund infrastructure, not just commercial buildings, and pointed out the long-term benefits to Monroe in new property taxes and indirect economic ripple effects.
Theus cited enabling statutes that assured the board’s legal standing to support the project.
Rev. Jackson called out Mayor Ellis for initially directing Square and Theus to the board, only to question their eligibility after months of review. “Don’t play with us,” Rev. Jackson said, looking Mayor Ellis in the eye. He told the mayor not to recommend projects to the board then oppose them when they complete all necessary steps.
He also rebutted the worry that approving Square’s request might open the door to similar future projects, saying, “inviting more projects is the very nature of economic development.”
Board members Franz Hill and Antonio Tims also spoke in support, countering critics, including the mayor and fellow board member Don Johnson. In a prior meeting, city council members Rodney McFarland and Verbon Muhammad announced their support of Woods when she was attacked for promoting the project.
In a turnabout, Mayor Ellis acknowledged that the proposal would ultimately benefit Monroe and joined the board majority by voting to begin crafting a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for the $4.5 million allocation.
The project will undergo final review and require another vote from the I-20 Board to finalize the agreement.
Rev. Jackson noted, “unless something changes, it’s just about a done deal.”
The district’s action sets a new precedent for inclusive investment and community partnership along Monroe’s I-20 corridor.
