BATON ROUGE, La. – Governor Jeff Landry has officially proclaimed May 12-16 as Economic Development Week in Louisiana, spotlighting the state’s historic momentum in job creation, investment, and strategic planning. With over $61 billion in project announcements since January 2024 alone, Louisiana is quickly becoming a national leader in growth and innovation across sectors.
“This is a turnaround the likes of which we have not seen in decades,” said Gov. Landry. “From Fortune 500 investments to forward-thinking reforms, we’re positioning Louisiana as a competitive force for generations to come. This week, we celebrate the teamwork and bold action that’s driving our state forward.”
A Historic Economic Surge
In just 16 months, Louisiana has secured transformative investments, including:
- Meta’s $10 billion AI data center in Richland Parish
- Hyundai Steel Company’s $5.8 billion steel mill in Ascension Parish
- Woodside Energy’s $17.5 billion LNG facility in Calcasieu Parish
- Venture Global’s $18 billion LNG expansion in Plaquemines Parish
These projects are not only reshaping the state’s economy—they’re creating high-wage jobs, boosting infrastructure, and establishing Louisiana as a global player in energy, tech, and manufacturing.
Strategic Plan Sets the Course
Central to Louisiana’s momentum is a new Comprehensive Statewide Strategic Plan, developed by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) in partnership with the private-sector-led Louisiana Economic Development Partnership (LEDP). It marks the agency’s first such plan in over 16 years and defines five pillars of prosperity:
- Ease of Doing Business – Streamlining regulations to boost competitiveness
- High-Wage Employment – Expanding opportunity for all residents
- Thriving Regions – Supporting localized innovation and industry
- Growth and Innovation – Modernizing legacy industries for the future
- Global Impact – Positioning Louisiana on the world stage
The plan also focuses on seven high-potential sectors: Energy & Process Industries, Aerospace & Defense, Agribusiness, Life Sciences, Logistics, Professional & Technical Services, and Technology.
Local Impact, Global Reach
“The past year has been transformational,” said Susan B. Bourgeois, Secretary of LED. “With bipartisan support and the governor’s leadership, we’re seeing tax reforms, private investment, and regional collaboration come together like never before. But we’re just getting started.”
From small towns to major metros, the benefits are reaching every corner of the state. Workforce initiatives, infrastructure projects, and business expansion efforts are all accelerating as part of LED’s mission to create a more vibrant, inclusive economy.
A Week to Celebrate—and Accelerate
Economic Development Week offers not just a moment of recognition, but a call to action for continued growth. LED is urging local leaders, residents, and stakeholders to stay engaged, aligned, and optimistic.
“This is more than an agency win,” said Bourgeois. “It’s a win for every Louisianan who wants a better job, a stronger community, and a brighter future.”
For more information on the strategic plan or ongoing initiatives, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com.