This free, public event will dive into the concept of incremental development, the traditional, time-tested approach that built America’s most beloved neighborhoods through small, locally driven projects taken one step at a time.

Downtowns and neighborhoods across North Louisiana are sitting on massive, untapped potential. Too often, communities struggle with vacant buildings and empty lots, lacking a clear roadmap to bring them back to life. This lecture is designed to change that. It is geared toward anyone with an interest in small-scale real estate development and community revitalization, including Main Street organizations, municipal leaders, local banks, chambers of commerce, economic development groups, architects, and existing developers.

“This training isn't just about real estate; it's about handing the tools of revitalization directly to the people who care most about their neighborhoods,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. By partnering with the Incremental Development Alliance, we're providing a roadmap to turn that untapped potential into economic growth. When we invest in our downtowns, we create thriving destinations for our residents and unforgettable experiences for our visitors. We want to empower local entrepreneurs to breathe new life into these untapped spaces, one small project at a time.”

Louisiana Main Street is proud to co-host this event alongside the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s (LDEQ) Brownfields Program. The training is made possible through partnerships with the City of Ruston, Downtown Ruston, Experience Ruston, and Visit Webster Parish.

The evening's lecture will be presented by Tiffany Elder, a faculty member of the Incremental Development Alliance. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Elder brings a wealth of hands-on experience as a licensed general contractor, Realtor, and real estate developer. Elder, the owner of Paradigm Construction and Paradigm Properties transitioned from a career as a software engineer to renovating historic structures and building dynamic new spaces.