Lafourche Parish

Lafourche Parish is an administrative division in Louisiana governed by nine council members and an elected Parish President. The jurisdiction spans multiple communities and provides services including permit applications and emergency systems for residents.

The administration shifted from a Police Jury System to a Home Rule Charter in 1974 following Louisiana's new constitution. This change gave the area greater control over its own affairs and modernized its governance structure.

The name Lafourche comes from French and means 'the fork,' referencing how Bayou Lafourche branches off from the Mississippi River. French influence remains visible throughout the area in place names and local traditions that shape daily life.

Access to local services happens mainly through the official website, where residents can submit forms and find information. It helps to visit the website ahead of time to understand how permits and emergency alerts work.

The administration focuses on specialized programs like Coastal Zone Management, reflecting the area's particular challenges. These programs show how locally adapted solutions were developed to meet the region's needs and environmental conditions.

Location: Louisiana

Inception: 1807

Capital city: Thibodaux

Shares border with: St. James Parish, Assumption Parish, Terrebonne Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Charles Parish, Jefferson Parish

Website: http://lafourchegov.org

GPS coordinates: 29.49000,-90.40000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 01:36