East Baton Rouge Parish Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards announced last Friday that she is running for re-election to a second term as Baton Rouge Metro Councilwoman representing District 5.

“I am looking forward to building on the major accomplishments of my first term of service," Edwards said.

Among her accomplishments, Edwards cites the increase of civic participation in District 5, as well as the investments of over $150 million in new housing construction and $187 million in dedicated street, bridge, sewer improvements and infrastructure repairs.

In addition, Councilwoman Edwards points to her involvement with the improvements in blight removal, the development of more workforce and employment training opportunities for the community, as well as a strong focus on public safety.

During her first term, Councilwoman Edwards sponsored and passed a number of ordinances and resolutions that positively impacted the quality of life for EBR Parish residents. They include: Amending Title 8 of building regulations to add Chapter 9 on Housing Discrimination; Ordinance 14937 which provides for improvements in Maintenance of Property for Unoccupied Structures; Ordinance 14972 to amend and strengthen Anti-Litter Regulations and Increase Civil Penalties; and Resolution 48064 that establishes and publishes a Database of Information of various City-Parish Boards and Commissions to be used to appoint members.

Edwards was also a co-sponsor of the Fair Share Policy to work in conjunction with the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs for state and federally funded projects to enhance and diversify economic development within the City-Parish.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the community to pursue greater improvements in infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization, basic services and smart growth initiatives, economic and small business development. I desire my public service legacy to be one that is purposeful and promotes all of our citizens fairing well,” Edwards stated.

Councilwoman Edwards is currently Special Projects Manager at Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation (UREC), she chairs the Finance and Executive Committee of the Council and has served on numerous nonprofit and public boards and commissions. They include: Greenwell Springs-Airline Economic Development District and Lighthouse for the Blind. She was also recently elected to the Democratic Party's Parish Executive Committee and to a three-year term on the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged Property Management Boards.

A 1998 graduate of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Leadership Greater Baton Rouge Program, Councilwoman Edwards was selected in 2010 by the Children’s Defense Fund as a “Beat the Odds” Champion for Children honoree.

In 2011, she received both the State and Regional Public Defender Award from the La. Housing Council and the Regional Chapter of the National Association of Redevelopment Officials.

Edwards holds a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, is a licensed realtor and a certified apartment manager. Married for 41 years, Edwards is the mother of two and grandmother of three.

Contact Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards by writing to: P. O. Box 73018, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-3018, calling 225-356-2319 or e-mailing RonnieEdwards05@gmail.com.