The Caddo Parish Commission (the "Commission") is the governing authority for the Parish of Caddo and is a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana. The Commission consists of twelve members called commissioners who are elected to four-year terms from single member districts. The Commission, under the provisions of Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:1271-1285, enacts ordinances, sets policy and establishes
programs in such fields as criminal and juvenile justice, highways and streets, sanitation, planning and zoning, public health and welfare, libraries, culture and recreational facilities, economic development and general administrative services.

The Commission was established December 10, 1984 after voter approval of the Home Rule Charter for Caddo Parish on April 7, 1984. The Commission replaced the Caddo Parish Police Jury which was established January 18, 1838. Under the Home Rule Charter form of government, an elected commission serves as the legislative branch and the Parish Administrator is the chief executive officer and head of the executive branch of the parish government.

Although the Caddo Parish Commission holds a membership in the Louisiana Police Jury Association, Caddo Parish is among a few parishes that operates under the "commission-administrator" form of government. The Commission’s other memberships include the National Association of Counties, the Government Finance Officers Association, the Black Caucus of the State Police Jury and the National Association of Black County Officials.

How your Parish Commission Works

When your parish staff or commissioners discover problems or receive complaints from citizens, a step-by -step process immediately goes into effect.

1. The problem/need is identified.
2. The problem is "staffed" by the parish administration.
3. If the administrative staff concludes that legislation is needed, the issue is presented to the
   12-member Parish Commission, which meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.
4. Commissioners, who meet in public session, seek public input on the problem/need. The commission votes to decide on the problem/need.
5. The Commission refers its decision to the Parish Administrator for implementation.