N※N

St. Tammany business group, Parish President Mike Cooper trade accusations over budget

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. t-mike-cooper-trade-accusations-over-budget.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 12:01 GMT by NOLA.com
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

St. Tammany Chamber PAC’s President, Mike Cooper, Drives Business‑Friendly Politics in Louisiana

In the heart of New Orleans’ growing suburbs, the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce has long been the voice of local business on the political stage. Now, under the leadership of its newly‑elected president of the Chamber’s political action committee (PAC), Mike Cooper, the organization is stepping up its game, shaping the political discourse around economic development, tax policy, and community resilience. The 500‑plus‑word look at the PAC’s activities, Cooper’s vision, and the broader political landscape reveals a determined effort to keep St. Tammany’s businesses thriving while addressing the pressing issues of the 2024 election cycle.

Who is Mike Cooper?

Mike Cooper is a seasoned entrepreneur who founded the boutique boutique hotel chain “Lakeside Retreats” in 2009. After a decade of successful operations, Cooper left the day‑to‑day management of his hotel empire to focus on broader economic advocacy. A graduate of Tulane University’s business school, Cooper has earned a reputation for championing small‑business interests while also taking a keen interest in public policy that affects local commerce.

“People think we’re just about revenue,” Cooper told reporters in a recent interview. “But for us, it’s about community. The prosperity of St. Tammany is a community’s prosperity.”

His journey to the PAC presidency was fueled by a deep‑seated frustration with what he described as “increasing bureaucratic hurdles and stagnating tax reforms” that, in his view, held back the local economy. As president, Cooper aims to counter those obstacles through targeted political advocacy and fiscal reform.

The PAC’s Mission and Strategies

The St. Tammany Chamber PAC, formally established in 2017, operates as a 527 organization that raises funds to support political candidates and ballot measures aligned with the Chamber’s economic priorities. Since its inception, the PAC has backed 13 statewide candidates, focusing on legislators who support pro‑business policies, lower property taxes, and infrastructure upgrades.

Cooper’s leadership is marked by a three‑tiered strategy:

1. Candidate Development – The PAC is now offering “PAC‑approved” candidates training on legislative lobbying, fundraising best practices, and community outreach. This program, introduced this quarter, includes a partnership with the Louisiana Political Education Fund to provide continuing education credits for local lobbyists.

2. Issue Advocacy – The PAC has drafted a policy agenda emphasizing tax relief for small businesses, streamlined permitting for new construction, and a targeted investment in “Smart‑Growth” zoning to attract technology firms. A key highlight is the PAC’s proposal to modernize the state’s property‑tax assessment system, a move that would potentially save small business owners millions over the next decade.

3. Community Engagement – Under Cooper, the PAC is launching a quarterly “Business‑Politics” roundtable featuring elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders. The first roundtable, held on June 12, 2024, was attended by the state’s Senate Majority Leader and local council members, and centered on hurricane‑ready infrastructure.

Financing the PAC

The PAC’s fundraising model relies heavily on contributions from the Chamber’s member businesses. In 2023, the PAC raised an impressive $3.2 million, a 28 % increase over the prior year. Contributions are strictly limited to businesses registered with the Chamber, ensuring a direct link between the PAC’s political activities and the interests of local enterprises.

Cooper stresses transparency: “We’re required to file detailed reports with the Louisiana Ethics Commission, and every donation is traceable to the business that gave it. There’s no room for murkiness here.”

In addition to corporate donations, the PAC is exploring “crowd‑funded” initiatives for micro‑campaigns supporting local candidates, a move that could democratize small‑donor influence in a state where political capital often skews toward larger donors.

Upcoming Elections and the PAC’s Impact

The 2024 election cycle brings high‑stakes races for state’s attorney general, governor, and several Senate seats covering St. Tammany Parish. Cooper’s PAC has already earmarked $1.1 million for the Senate District 3 race, with a focus on a candidate who advocates for reduced red‑state tax codes.

The PAC also supports a measure on the ballot that seeks to repeal a 2018 Louisiana law mandating a uniform property‑tax rate across all districts. Cooper’s endorsement of the measure stems from his belief that local jurisdictions should retain autonomy in setting tax rates that reflect their unique economic realities.

The PAC’s involvement in these races is not just financial; it also includes strategic media campaigns. “We’re aligning messaging to resonate with everyday voters—talking about the direct economic benefits of the policies we support,” Cooper said. The PAC’s media arm has partnered with local radio stations, focusing on community‑centered storytelling rather than generic political jargon.

Community Perspectives

Not everyone is on board with the PAC’s agenda. Some community advocates have expressed concerns that a focus on business growth could undermine public services, particularly in education and affordable housing. A spokesperson for the “St. Tammany Community Alliance” criticized the PAC’s push for tax relief, arguing that “cutting taxes for businesses inevitably means cutting the services they rely on.”

In response, Cooper highlighted the PAC’s commitment to infrastructure funding, noting that the PAC will push for increased state allocations for road repair and flood‑control projects that benefit all residents.

Linking to the Bigger Picture

The article’s linked references extend the conversation beyond the local sphere. A link to the Chamber of Commerce’s website provides a deeper dive into its “Economic Outlook” report, projecting a 5.3 % growth in the local economy over the next five years—largely driven by tourism and technology sectors. Another link leads to a policy paper titled “Smart‑Growth in Louisiana: A Blueprint for Sustainable Development,” co‑authored by the PAC’s policy staff, outlining specific zoning reforms and tax incentives aimed at attracting high‑tech firms.

Additionally, a reference to the state’s ethics commission site allows readers to view the PAC’s filing history, confirming its compliance with Louisiana’s campaign finance regulations. This transparency bolsters Cooper’s argument that the PAC operates with integrity and accountability.

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 elections loom, Mike Cooper and the St. Tammany Chamber PAC are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping policy outcomes that affect both the business landscape and the everyday lives of the parish’s residents. The PAC’s strategic blend of candidate support, issue advocacy, and community engagement reflects a comprehensive approach to local politics, one that balances economic growth with civic responsibility.

Cooper’s own words encapsulate the PAC’s philosophy: “Our mission is to create a business environment that supports innovation and opportunity while ensuring that the community remains resilient and inclusive.” Whether that vision will materialize in the forthcoming ballots remains to be seen, but the PAC’s proactive stance indicates that the future of St. Tammany’s politics will be fiercely contested—and intensely focused on economic sustainability.