ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 287
BY REPRESENTATIVE COX
A RESOLUTION
To commend Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., for his civil service.
WHEREAS, Ronnie Williams, Jr., is a long-time resident of Natchitoches, Louisiana,
and the city's current mayor; he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in secondary
education from Northwestern State University in 2008 and received a master of divinity in
Christian thought from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2017; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Williams worked for twelve years as a social studies teacher in
Red River Parish and has been the senior pastor of Rockford Baptist Church for over nine
years; his work as an educator and pastor has afforded him the opportunity to serve the
community; he taught hundreds of students and prepared them to be productive citizens, and
as senior pastor, he regularly plans and executes community service projects such as soup
kitchens, food drives, and community outreach events; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Williams answered the call to public service, and in 2020, he
became the first African American mayor of the city of Natchitoches; in his short tenure as
mayor, he has improved Natchitoches for both residents and tourists; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Williams launched a monthly newsletter and instituted quarterly
town hall meetings to keep Natchitoches residents informed on important events and
developments in the city; he also established the Façade and Economic Improvement Grant
program to help revitalize Texas and Washington Streets' business corridors and lay the
foundation for the revitalization of future business corridors throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Williams lobbied the Louisiana congressional delegation
regarding the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
program; Natchitoches was subsequently awarded $17.2 million in grant funding, the largest
award of grant monies in the city's history, to rehabilitate the city's streets and roadways,
create bicycle lanes, and provide for safer commuting; and
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WHEREAS, Mayor Williams created the city's first diversity, equity, and inclusion
team, working collaboratively with the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce and the
Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance to attract a number of new businesses to the
city; he worked with various stakeholders in Natchitoches, including the superintendent of
Natchitoches Parish schools and the president of Northwestern State University, to form
collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Williams played a pivotal role in reestablishing the Natchitoches
Boys & Girls Club and the Mayor's Youth Council; he implemented the Summer Youth
Work Program to further engage area students during the summer months; and
WHEREAS, Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., is a true champion of the
community who has accomplished much; despite his professional accomplishments, his most
cherished achievement is the family he has built with his wife of fourteen years, Tiffany, and
their three children, Micah, Trae, and Maesie; he is most deserving of the highest recognition
for his incredible civil service.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr.,
for his civil service; does hereby further recognize his commitment to providing the city of
Natchitoches with a strong foundation for a much-improved future; and does hereby extend
sincerest wishes that he continue to prosper in all of his endeavors for many years to come.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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