The Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation’s latest quarterly report offers a detailed look at economic activity across the Shreveport-Bossier metropolitan area, revealing steady progress in several sectors alongside signs of cooling in others. Covering July through September 2025, the data illustrate how local business, construction, and consumer patterns evolved as the region moved into the final quarter of the year.
Port Activity Shows Continued Industrial Strength
At the Port of Caddo-Bossier, freight movement remained robust through the third quarter, underscoring the port’s ongoing role in regional trade. Barge tonnage reached 360,775 tons year-to-date by September, up from 267,190 tons in July, while rail tonnage rose to more than 602,000 tons. The consistent upward trend suggests solid industrial output and steady demand for transport of bulk commodities. This activity serves as a key barometer for manufacturing and distribution in Northwest Louisiana, where logistics and industrial operations are major employers.
Construction Activity Reflects Active Development Climate
Construction data from local permit offices show sustained development across Caddo and Bossier parishes. Shreveport reported $15.1 million in commercial construction and nearly 500 residential permits in September, signaling ongoing investment in housing and infrastructure. Bossier Parish also saw rising residential activity, with more than $10.9 million in new home construction permitted in August. While some monthly totals fluctuated, the figures point to a steady construction pipeline that supports both population growth and business expansion.
Retail and Hotel Sales Capture Consumer Trends
Estimated retail and hotel sales across the metro area provided insight into consumer behavior during the quarter. Retail figures in both Shreveport and Bossier City showed alternating gains and pullbacks, a sign of modest seasonal shifts rather than sharp declines. Hotel and motel sales reflected similar patterns, with summer months typically buoyed by tourism and convention activity. These measures serve as leading indicators of local purchasing power and business travel health as the region approaches year-end.
Gaming Sector Sees Revenue Swings
The riverboat casino segment experienced wide month-to-month variation in both adjusted gross revenue and admissions. At Margaritaville, gross revenue rebounded to $12.6 million in August before easing to $10.9 million in September. Horseshoe posted $13.6 million in July before tapering through the quarter. Admissions followed a similar pattern, with double-digit percentage shifts reflecting changing visitor traffic. The fluctuations underscore the sensitivity of entertainment spending to broader consumer confidence and regional tourism trends.
Labor Market Remains Stable
Employment figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the Shreveport-Bossier labor force holding steady, with unemployment easing from 4.6 percent in July to 4.3 percent by September. The decline suggests continued job stability even as some sectors, such as construction and hospitality, adjusted to post-summer demand levels.
Overall Economic Picture
Taken together, the quarterly data portray an economy maintaining balance amid changing conditions. Freight and construction activity continue to anchor the regional base, while retail and hospitality remain steady contributors. The GBEDF’s chart provides a comprehensive view for businesses, policymakers, and residents tracking local growth indicators.