The next entry in our MyCity series is from Harold Dorrell Briscoe. A former community and economic development practitioner, Dorrell’s desire to get involved in public service led him to shape the revitalization of a major community in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“Since I was 16 years old, I dreamed of working in government and running for political office. For many years, I was very successful in the pursuit of that dream. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Florida and an academic scholarship to attend the George H. W. Bush School of Government Public Service at Texas A&M University. I had the privilege of interacting with President Bush, various ambassadors, and distinguished faculty who have served this country and impacted the world. I graduated in May 2009 with a Masters degree in Public Administration.”

“I served as a project manager for the East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority (RDA) from 2009-2011. In that position, I oversaw the renovation process of the historic Lincoln Theater in Baton Rouge (a theater that Dr. Martin Luther King visited), the Land Banking program, and brought in over $2.5 million in one year through grants and tax credit programs.”

“While at the RDA my focus was on land banking in the revitalization of the Lincoln Theater. This process involved securing funding for revitalization, conducting environmental assessment of the property and surrounding area, create a design team, conduct a vicinity survey, and acquire real estate of surrounding area for further development. The RDA had special Authority from the Louisiana Legislature to expedite the process and quieting title to vacant and abandoned property in areas where economic and community improvement was badly needed. My role was to collect over 200 pieces of adjudicated property and lots, clear the title, and essentially give this property away to developers who were interested in revitalizing the area.”

“The historic Lincoln Theater is strategically located to provide an economic and social stimulus within the Old South Baton Rouge community. Its’ structural integrity supports its candidacy for revitalization. However, identified environmental contaminates and dilapidation have revealed a need for complete renovation of the building and its surrounding area. The Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame (LBHHF) along with its acquired partners have requested financial assistance to complete the revitalization necessary to bring an iconic, historic building back to commerce.”

Since his involvement in the project, the LBHHF and their partners completed a successful fundraising and renovation campaign and the Theater will reopen this weekend on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14th. Currently living in Jacksonville, Florida, Dorrell, along with his wife Tracy, serves as the Young Professionals Pastor at Southpoint Community Church. Dorrell also is a Professor of Public Administration at the University of North Florida. For more information, visit Dorrell’s website.