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Explainers

Plain-language guides to the institutions that run central Louisiana — who they are, what they control, and how to hold them accountable.

4 stories

What is the Rapides Parish Police Jury?

The Rapides Parish Police Jury is a nine-member elected board that serves as both the legislative and executive branches of government for Rapides Parish. It runs parish roads, drainage, and fire districts, but duties handled by other elected or appointed boards.

What is a police jury?

A police jury is the elected board that governs most Louisiana parishes, combining legislative and executive powers that other states split between a county commission and an executive branch. The name is a holdover from French and Spanish colonial rule. Counties are called Parishes in Louisiana.

What is the England Authority?

The England Authority is an appointed board that owns and runs the former England Air Force Base — now Alexandria International Airport and England Airpark — as a political subdivision of Central Louisiana. None of its ten commissioners is elected by the public; every seat is filled by appointment.

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