The most recent Louisiana Economic Forecast, unveiled by economist Loren Scott on Oct. 1, predicts Louisiana will add 74,500 jobs over 2026-27, although the slow national economy, stagnant oil prices and elevated interest rates bring an element of unpredictability to the forecast.
Following are some highlights pertaining to the industrial sector:
- Venture Global Plaquemines’ $18 billion third phase will play a major role in generating some 11,400 in new jobs projected for the New Orleans metro area. There are currently $44.2 billion in industrial projects under construction in the area, and another $30.4 billion awaiting a Final Investment Decision (FID).
- Development of the RiverPlex MegaPark in Ascension Parish will be a key element in luring new companies to the Baton Rouge metro area. With $21.3 billion in industrial projects underway and another $19 billion awaiting an FID, it’s poised to be the third fastest growing area in Louisiana, adding 21,600 jobs.
- Declining drilling activity in the Gulf will act as a drag on the Lafayette metro area, an area projected to add 5,300 jobs over 2026-27.
- Lake Charles is tied for fastest growing area in the state, expected to add some 8,600 jobs over the next two years, in part thanks to $45 billion in announced LNG projects and another $20 billion expected by year’s end.
- The Houma area will continue to feel the drag of a lethargic Gulf drilling period, although the shipbuilding and offshore servicing companies will help create 1,700 new jobs.
- There will be a “gold rush” in the Monroe area, thanks to the multi-billion-dollar Meta data center and the accompanying two Entergy power plants. It will tie with Lake Charles for the fastest growing metro area with 7,500 new jobs.
Additionally, Scott projects that natural gas prices will be in the lower $4 per mmBTU range, which will continue to invigorate the Haynesville Shale play as well chemical and LNG export facilities across Louisiana.
