When Tyrin Truong made the decision to return to his hometown of Bogalusa after graduating from Washington University in St. Louis—one of the nation’s top 20 universities—he didn’t come back just to bask in the prestige of his alma mater. Instead, he returned with a mission to roll up his sleeves and give back to the city that raised his parents. Armed with optimism, Truong chose to invest his energy into the community’s youth, starting with a teaching position at Central Elementary, where he mentored and guided sixth-grade students. But for Truong, the classroom was only the beginning.
What sets Truong apart from other young leaders is his relentless focus on the future—specifically, the future of Bogalusa’s youth. In the years leading up to his historic mayoral victory, he founded Better Bogalusa, a grassroots organization of volunteers that hosted events aimed at enriching the lives of local students. These events ranged from back-to-school giveaways that provided much-needed supplies to families, to food drives that ensured no one in the community went hungry for Thanksgiving. The group’s initiatives quickly became a staple in the city, showing Bogalusa’s youngest residents that change was possible—and that they were at the heart of it.
This deep-seated commitment to youth empowerment became the cornerstone of Truong’s mayoral campaign. He ran on a platform of youth revitalization, and since taking office, he has wasted no time turning that vision into a reality. His administration has launched a series of programs designed to uplift, inspire, and engage the city’s youth in ways Bogalusa has not seen before.
One of his first major moves as mayor was the creation of the Mayor’s Youth Council, a platform for young voices to be heard in city governance. He didn’t stop there. Truong has employed over 100 teenagers through various city programs, giving them meaningful summer jobs and leadership opportunities. Under his leadership, the city revived Mayor’s Camp after a 20-year hiatus, giving children a chance to participate in educational and recreational activities during the summer.
But his focus isn’t just on employment or governance—it’s on building a sense of pride and community among young people. Truong has overseen the completion of Maggie Ard Park, a dedicated space for toddlers and children with special needs, and has refurbished Oak Hill Park, making both spaces more inviting for families. The construction of a pier in Cassidy Park is another symbol of his commitment to enhancing the city's recreational infrastructure for future generations.
Truong’s administration has also embraced the importance of arts and culture. He has hosted art showcases at City Hall, giving young artists a platform to display their talents, and sponsored Movie Nights, which have become a popular family-friendly event. Under his watch, Lumberjack spirit banners now line Lumberjack Lane, a nod to the pride he holds for the city’s high school sports teams. He’s even hosted Lumberjack merchandise giveaways at home games and sponsored the historic Coke Plant as the venue for Bogalusa High School’s Prom, ensuring memorable experiences for students.
But Truong’s vision for the youth of Bogalusa doesn’t stop with fun and games. His administration is also focused on mentorship and long-term personal development. So much so, Truong was cited in an audit report by the Louisiana Legislative Auditors for donating to youth sports organizations across the city, in violation of the city charter and state constitution.
Despite that setback, Truong remains cautious but firm in his approach to delivering for the younger population. In an exclusive with the Bogalusa Tribune, Truong is announcing two new mentorship programs for middle school students : “My Brother’s Keeper” and “My Sister’s Keeper”, which he says will be launching this winter. These programs, modeled after similar national initiatives, aim to ensure that Bogalusa’s youth have access to positive role models and resources to guide them through their personal and academic journeys going into high school.
In another first for the city, Truong’s office is sponsoring a college tour to New Orleans for 100 Bogalusa juniors and seniors on September 28th. This initiative reflects his belief in opening doors for the next generation, encouraging them to think beyond their immediate surroundings and aspire to higher education. Optimism is in the air, as violent crime among youth is down in the city, with a 40% reduction in homicides in Truong's first year in office.
When asked about what fuels his drive in office, Truong responded, “To know that young people will end the gerontocracy of Bogalusa politics. Young people everywhere I go in this city are inspired by the changes they see. I can't go in a grocery store without students coming up to me excited, and it is a humbling feeling. I hope we’ve opened the imagination of Bogalusa's youth and let them know that they can be anything they want to be. Step up and help lead us into a new day with a better Bogalusa!”
Truong’s laser focus on the future doesn’t just reflect his own youthful energy—it demonstrates a deep belief in the power of young people to shape the destiny of Bogalusa. With initiatives that span from economic opportunities to mentorship, the mayor is building a legacy that will cement his place as a transformational figure for the youth of the city. As City Hall continues to implement these youth-focused programs, it’s clear that Tyrin Truong isn’t just Bogalusa’s youngest mayor—he is The Children’s Mayor, a leader whose influence will echo through the city for years to come.
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