Residents of a wealthy enclave near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have successfully obtained legal approval to establish their own city, named St. George, following years of heated court battles. According to reports from the Advocate, the state's highest court has granted permission for the creation of the new city, which will span approximately 60 square miles, with an estimated population of 86,000 residents. This would place St. George as the state's sixth-largest city, comparable to Lake Charles.

The contentious fight surrounding the incorporation of St. George has largely divided along racial lines, as outlined by the New York Times. The city-to-be will primarily consist of affluent white residents currently residing in southeastern East Baton Rouge Parish. The Advocate reports that only 12% of anticipated St. George residents are Black, in stark contrast to the 47% Black population in the existing parish.

Originally, these residents sought to establish their own school district. However, after their efforts failed in 2015, they shifted their focus towards creating an entirely separate city. In 2019, a ballot measure in support of this move was successfully passed. However, legal proceedings delayed its implementation until now.

The approval of St. George's formation is not without its consequences. Baton Rouge leaders have expressed concerns over the substantial loss of tax revenue that the new city's separation will entail. Despite this, St. George will have its own mayor and council, while sharing certain services with the governing bodies overseeing the parish and Baton Rouge.

With the establishment of St. George, a new chapter begins for the residents who have long fought for the creation of their own city. As the city takes shape, its unique identity and governance structure are sure to shape the future of this affluent enclave near Baton Rouge.