Jefferson Chamber releases permitting & planning survey results

Written By Alicia Vial

Recent Improvements Already Address Key Business Community Concerns

METAIRIE, La. – The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce  has released the results of its recent survey on parish permitting and planning today, reflecting the experiences of nearly 90 Jefferson Parish businesses. The findings highlight both the strengths of the system and opportunities for improvement—many of which have already been addressed through recent parish updates.

The survey revealed that a majority of respondents have been in business for more than 10 years, with nearly half  of those businesses representing the construction and development sector. More than 84% reported applying for permits within the last five years, with commercial and residential building permits cited most frequently.

Key challenges noted by these businesses included the length of approval times, communication with staff and a desire for improved online tools and resources. Importantly, parish leaders have already taken action in response to such concerns. Recent updates include:

  • Launch of a newly updated Parish website to make information more accessible and user-friendly.

  • Addition of an interactive zoning map to help businesses and residents better understand land use and development requirements.

  • Enhanced presence on the MGO website, providing clear, centralized permitting resources.

“These updates demonstrate that the feedback from our business community is being heard and acted upon,” said Ruth Lawson, President of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. “While challenges exist, we are encouraged that many of the priorities identified in the survey have already been addressed, showing a strong commitment to continuous improvement.”

Survey respondents also recommended expanded customer service training, improved communication between departments and ongoing technology enhancements to further streamline processes.

The Jefferson Chamber will continue working with parish officials to ensure progress in permitting and planning processes, supporting a more business-friendly environment across Jefferson Parish.

For more information about the Jefferson Chamber, visit jeffersonchamber.org.

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Editor’s Note: Images and full survery results available here 

About Jefferson Chamber of Commerce: The Jefferson Chamber is the premier business organization in the greater New Orleans area. We work on behalf of our members to help their businesses grow, implement relevant and informative programming and provide opportunities to build relationships with other businesses in the community. For more information, visit www.jeffersonchamber.org

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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