Streetlights Going Dark in Parts of Covington and Slidell: How Northshore Homeowners Can Keep Their Homes Safe and Welcoming

Following voters' decision to reject three lighting district propositions on the May 16 ballot, public streetlights in parts of Covington and Slidell will be turned off as the remaining dedicated funds are exhausted.

The propositions were placed on the ballot because the dedicated funding sources used to operate the streetlights in Lighting Districts 4, 9, and 16 were nearing depletion, according to St. Tammany Parish Government. With those funds running out, the lights in these areas are scheduled to go dark, and based on the funding timeline, many residents will be without working streetlights for an extended period.

Lighting District No. 16 serves the area northeast of I-12 and U.S. 190 near Emerald Forest Boulevard in the Covington area. Its proposition was defeated by a vote of 61% to 39%. Approximately $10,000 remains in the district's account, which is expected to fund operations only through mid-June 2026.

Lighting District No. 9 serves the area generally southeast of I-10 near South Military Road in the Slidell area. Its proposition was defeated by a vote of 68% to 32%. Approximately $72,000 remains in the district's account, which is expected to fund operations through January 2027.

Lighting District No. 4 serves a significant portion of western Slidell. Its proposition was defeated by a vote of 74% to 26%. Approximately $351,000 remains in the district's account, which is expected to fund operations through March 2027.

The Parish Council is considering placing these propositions back on the ballot in either December 2026 or April 2027. Because these taxes are collected through annual property tax bills, funding would not be received until the end of 2027 or the beginning of 2028, regardless of which election date is selected. As a result, if approved by voters, streetlight service could resume as early as February 2028. For many neighborhoods, that represents well over a year of darker streets. Residents can view the lighting district boundaries here to confirm whether their home is affected.

 Source: https://www.stpgov.org/news_detail_T13_R146.php

Source: https://www.stpgov.org/news_detail_T13_R146.php

Source: https://www.stpgov.org/news_detail_T13_R146.php

The loss of street lighting will understandably create concern for residents in these areas. Darker streets affect how safe a neighborhood feels, how easily families can move around their property after sunset, and how visible a home is from the road. For homes on streets without sidewalks, where neighbors walk in the evenings and visitors arrive in low light, the change is especially noticeable.

This is where we can help. Lit Outdoor Lighting is based in Covington and has served homeowners across the Northshore and Southeast Louisiana since 2021. A winner of the 2026 "Best of St. Tammany Parish" award and the team behind Celebration in the Oaks at New Orleans City Park, we have completed approximately 1,000 installations and earned more than 150 five-star reviews. While the public streetlights are off, a properly designed outdoor lighting system allows a homeowner to take that visibility and security back into their own hands, with results that are warm, refined, and built to last.

Pathway and walkway lighting keeps steps, driveways, and entries clearly visible, reducing trip and fall risks for family members and guests moving around the property after dark.

Entry and façade lighting keeps the front of the home well lit, so homeowners can clearly see who is approaching the door and visitors can find their way without searching in the dark.

Security and area lighting brings reliable illumination to the spaces a missing streetlight used to cover, including the front yard, the driveway, and the edges of the property. Thoughtful lighting in these areas improves visibility and natural surveillance, which research has long associated with a reduced risk of property crime and a stronger sense of safety among residents.

Architectural and landscape lighting does all of this while making the home more beautiful. Every Lit system is designed in warm white 2700K light, the standard that flatters brick, stone, and landscaping and gives a home a welcoming presence rather than a harsh one.

Beyond the design itself, homeowners who work with Lit are supported well after the installation is complete. Our fixtures are built for the Louisiana climate and backed by the strongest warranty program in all of Louisiana, including 25 year coverage on fixture housings. 

We also recognize that this is an unexpected expense that many residents did not plan for. Our team is glad to walk a property with the homeowner, listen to their specific concerns about the streetlight changes, and design a system that fits both the home and the budget the family is comfortable with. There is no obligation to move forward, and every design begins with a conversation.

If your neighborhood is among those losing its streetlights, or if you simply want your home to feel safer and more welcoming after sunset, we would be glad to help.

To schedule a free design consultation, call Lit Outdoor Lighting at (985) 244-7733 or visit litoutdoorlighting.com.

Sources

• St. Tammany Parish Government, "Streetlights in Three St. Tammany Communities to be Turned Off Following May 16 Election Results"
• St. Tammany Parish Government, Lighting District Boundary Map
• FOX 8 / WVUE, "Streetlights in 3 St. Tammany districts to be turned off following May 16 election results"
• WGNO, "Streetlights to be turned off in three St. Tammany communities following May 16 election results"
• NOLA.com, "St. Tammany voters said 'no' to taxes for streetlights in some areas"
• U.S. Office of Justice Programs, "Improved Street Lighting and Crime Prevention: A Systematic Review"