News Summary
Louisiana Economic Development has announced a new High Impact Jobs program aimed at bolstering economic growth and job creation across the state, particularly in Shreveport. The initiative offers significant incentives to attract skilled labor to Louisiana, including reimbursements for salaries above average parish wages. New projects, such as a maintenance base by SkyWest Airlines and Woodside Energy’s LNG facility, are expected to generate thousands of jobs and boost the local economy. The program is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the state’s business environment and workforce retention.
Shreveport, Louisiana – New Economic Development Initiatives Announced
On May 22, 2025, Louisiana Economic Development unveiled a new High Impact Jobs program and announced various economic growth projects aimed at job creation and workforce retention across the state. The program is designed to offer significant incentives for both small businesses and large corporations like Exxon, Meta, and Hyundai, to attract skilled labor to Louisiana.
The High Impact Jobs program is positioned as an aggressive initiative compared with similar offerings from other states. It provides financial rewards for companies that hire full-time employees meeting specific salary thresholds. Eligible companies can receive a reimbursement of 18% for salaries at 125% of the average parish wage and 22% for salaries reaching 150% of the average wage. This incentive is structured to encourage businesses to employ Louisiana residents, particularly those eligible for basic company-provided health benefits.
Incentive Details
The wage thresholds for various parishes are set as follows:
- Caddo Parish: 125% = $70,316.25, 150% = $84,379.50
- Bossier Parish: 125% = $63,935, 150% = $76,722
- Webster Parish: 125% = $61,082.50, 150% = $73,299
- DeSoto Parish: 125% = $79,177, 150% = $95,013
In distressed census tracts within targeted parishes, businesses can also access an 8% incentive for salaries at 110% of the parish average wage. To ensure long-term benefits to the community, the program will also track measurable outcomes, including the number of jobs created and the wages offered. Adjustments to these incentives can be made based on real-time data reported by parish or legislative district.
New Developments in Shreveport
Shreveport is set to see increased economic activity with the announcement of several new projects. Notably, SkyWest Airlines has confirmed plans to establish a maintenance base at Shreveport Regional Airport, which is expected to create 150 direct jobs with an average salary of $70,000, along with an estimated 375 indirect jobs, totaling 525 new positions in the Northwest Region.
In conjunction with these initiatives, Louisiana is also preparing to launch its largest economic development project to date. Woodside Energy’s $17.5 billion LNG facility in Calcasieu Parish is anticipated to generate approximately 400 permanent jobs and provide 6,500 construction jobs. This marks the most substantial foreign investment in Louisiana’s history.
Revitalization of Industrial Sites
Recent developments have also seen SLB (formerly Schlumberger) take over more than half of the former General Motors plant in Shreveport. This facility is employing over 700 workers and specializes in manufacturing advanced cooling and energy systems for data centers. The site will be converted into a three-port business park, enhancing its role as a significant regional asset, alongside existing ventures involving the U.S. Postal Service and Hyundai Glovis.
There are ongoing discussions regarding the redevelopment of the Libby Glass Plant located near I-20. This project is currently undergoing final due diligence for potential recycling operations, which could further bolster local employment and economic development.
Future Industrial Development
Ward 2 is being marketed as a 950-acre industrial park, notable for being the only U.S. site holding a “Gold-Level Site” designation, indicating readiness for future industrial development. The state government is strategically focusing on aerospace and logistics sectors, leveraging its historical strengths, including partnerships with facilities such as NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility.
Overall, these initiatives by Louisiana Economic Development demonstrate a robust commitment to fostering a competitive business environment aimed at job growth and sustainable economic progress in the state.
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Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
