The Southside Economic Development District (SEDD) is under fire for its failure to deliver on the ambitious “Southside Dream,” a 25-year strategic plan meant to revitalize South Monroe.
At a contentious SEDD board meeting held on June 9, 2025, in the city council chambers, community members and city officials voiced frustration over ongoing delays in implementation of SEDD projects including the renovation of SEDD’s headquarters, formalizing plans for TIF, and responses to the shocking announcement by SEDD Chairman Tony Little that the Southside Dream plan should be destroyed.
Community Frustration Over Renovation Delays
The renovation of SEDD’s “Dream Center” was the focus of Monday’s meeting. The project begun initially in May of 2024 but still remains incomplete a year later drew criticism from the public and elected officials.
Lakenya Colvin, a South Monroe resident and parent, expressed exasperation at the lack of tangible results. “I’m waiting for the action. We don’t want to waste taxpayers’ dollars,” Colvin said. “It w…
