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Public Hearings Set for St. Tammany Parish’s 2027 Budget
St. Tammany Parish will hold public hearings on its proposed 2027 Operating and Capital Budgets beginning today, October 13, and continuing on October 15, 28 and 29 at the Parish Council Chambers on Koop Drive in Mandeville. The proposed budgets include more than $66 million for infrastructure improvements, including roads, bridges, drainage and utilities. Parish officials also face funding challenges as current General Fund revenues fall short of state-mandated obligations, requiring difficult budget decisions. Residents can attend the hearings in person or watch the meetings on STPG-TV. View the hearing schedule and proposed budget for more information.
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Chamber Forum Helps Voters Prepare for November 3 Election
Our Chamber hosted a well-attended Sheriff Candidates Forum Luncheon last week at The Greystone in Mandeville. In collaboration with the East St. Tammany Business Alliance, Northshore Home Builders Association and NAMI Southeast Louisiana, the Chamber brought the four candidates together to discuss issues important to our community.
| | We thank candidates Robert Hodges, Scott Illing, David Maki and Daniel Seuzeneau for participating, and Florida Marine Transporters for sponsoring the event. Helping voters make informed decisions on November 3 is an important part of our commitment to our community. Forums like this give voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates and better understand their positions on issues that matter to St. Tammany Parish. Click on the video link to view a recording of the forum or click here to read about it. | | | Top left, from left: St. Tammany Parish Sheriff candidates Robert Hodges, Scott Illing, David Maki and Daniel Seuzeneau. Top right, from left: Northshore Home Builders Chairman Casey Forshag and member Al Hamauei; Chamber Board Member and Forum Moderator Kyle Beerbohm; Northshore Home Builders Executive Director Jenny Dexter; Florida Marine Transporters Vice President Kirk Landry; Chamber CEO Lacey Osborne; NAMI Southeast Louisiana Executive Director Nick Richard; and East St. Tammany Business Alliance Vice President Miranda Lindsay and Treasurer Victoria Paz. | | |
Louisiana’s Job Growth Brings New Opportunities
Louisiana is projected to add nearly 60,000 jobs by 2034, with workforce training programs increasingly aligned with the skills employers need. New research looks at job growth and opportunities across the state. Read more.
Proposed Amendments Address Property Tax Relief and Local Revenue
Voters in Louisiana will consider five proposed constitutional amendments affecting property taxes this November. The measures address millage rates, tax freezes, homestead exemptions and incentives for blighted property redevelopment. Read more.
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Check out Member Events on
the Community Calendar!
Click here to post your events.
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What's Included in the November 3 Election?
The Tuesday, November 3, 2026 election includes the following:
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- U.S. Senator
- U.S. Representative 1st Congressional District
- Public Service Commissioner District 1
- Board of Elementary and Secondary Education District 1
- District Judge 22nd JDC Divisions - E, G & H
- St. Tammany Parish Sheriff
- Constitutional Amendments 1-10
- School Board Districts - 1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 & 12
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- City of Slidell East St. Tammany Court - Judge & Marshall
- Justice of the Peace - 7 & 10
- Constable - 2, 4, 6 & 7
- Town of Abita Springs - Mayor and Alderman
- Town of Pearl River - Mayor, Chief of Police & Alderman
- City of Covington - Council District 1A
- Drainage District - 4
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Election Resources
Learning about the candidates and issues on the ballot is an important part of making informed decisions. The resources below provide helpful information as you prepare to vote.
Helpful Websites
About the Constitutional Amendments
About the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Race
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View the Chamber's Sheriff Candidates' Forum here.
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Early Voting for the November 3 Election Begins October 20
Early voting for the November 3 election runs October 20–27, excluding Sunday, October 25. Make your voices heard and take advantage of the early voting period to avoid lines.Votes can be cast from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM at these locations:
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- The St. Tammany Parish Justice Center Parking Garage at 601 N. Jefferson Ave. in Covington.
- St. Tammany Parish Government Headquarters at 21490 Koop Dr., Council Chambers, in Mandeville.
- The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court Office at 520 Old Spanish Trail (Towers Building) in Slidell.
| | National Civics Bee Championship Airs Tomorrow, October 14 | | |
Our Chamber hosted a 2026 National Civics Bee® Regional Competition this past May 4, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, giving local middle school students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of American civics and compete for a place in the state competition.
Now, 52 finalists from across the country will compete in the 2026 National Civics Bee® Championship in Washington, D.C., airing tomorrow night, October 14 at 8 p.m. ET on C-SPAN and streaming live online. Our Chamber will participate again in 2027 by hosting another regional competition, continuing our commitment to civics education and encouraging students to become informed, engaged citizens. Read more.
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Community Information: Keep St. Tammany Safe
Upcoming Meetings
St. Tammany Parish voters will consider a ¼-cent sales tax dedicated to public safety on December 12. Keep St. Tammany Safe continues to offer opportunities for residents to learn more about the proposal, including upcoming community meetings and the Beyond the Ballot podcast series.
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Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday, October 13: 6 PM - Covington Council Chambers in Covington
Wednesday, October 21: 7 PM - Boyet Junior High / Military Road Alliance in Slidell
Tuesday, November 10: 6 PM - Bush Community Center, Bush Community Meeting
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Beyond the Ballot Podcast
The Beyond the Ballot series continues with its latest episode, featuring Fire District 1 Chief Chris Kaufmann to discuss ongoing governmental efficiencies, offer insight on the history of taxes in St. Tammany and talk about the impact of funding on our public safety agencies.
Beyond the Ballot Ep. 7 - "Fire District 1 Chief Chris Kaufmann"
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Your voice of business in St. Tammany Parish! | | | | | | |
