The LSU Local Engagement, Assessment and Planning Model (LEAP)

Dr. Margaret Reams, Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences,  Dr. Tim Slack, Professor at the Department of Sociology, Dr. Brian Snyder, Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences, and Dr. Greg Upton Jr., Executive Director and Associate Professor of Research at the Center for Energy Studies, at LSU have co-authored a white paper titled "The LSU local Engagement, Assessment and Planning Model (LEAP).”

This white paper introduces the LSU Local Engagement, Assessment and Planning Model (LEAP), a systematic framework designed to facilitate community engagement around new energy investments in Louisiana. LEAP aims to provide high-quality, transparent information to help align business goals with community development priorities while building trust between energy companies and local residents.

The model consists of four chronological components: Structured Listening (focus groups and workshops to understand community perspectives and priorities), Project and Community Mapping (using GIS technology to visualize proposed projects relative to community features), Economic and Tax Impact Modeling (assessing local costs and benefits using LSU's Louisiana Economic Impact Model), and Communication Back to Community (sharing findings through workshops and educational resources).

LEAP was developed by LSU's Center for Energy Studies and Institute for Energy Innovation in collaboration with faculty from Environmental Sciences and Sociology departments. While initially focused on decarbonization investments, the framework is adaptable to various project types. The model emphasizes LSU's role as a neutral third party providing technical information rather than advocacy, supporting the university's mission to enhance Louisiana residents' lives through evidence-based, policy-relevant research and community engagement.

 

Read the white paper here.