Shreveport, Louisiana, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Dr. Loren Scott will present the Louisiana Economic Outlook for 2026-2027, predicting 5,700 new jobs in the Shreveport-Bossier area. This report highlights key economic indicators and potential growth from major construction projects, including a new data center. Concerns regarding federal tariffs and their impact on economic growth are addressed, while overall statewide forecasts anticipate the creation of 75,000 new jobs across Louisiana over the next two years.
Shreveport, Louisiana – Dr. Loren Scott will unveil the 2026-2027 Louisiana Economic Outlook on Friday at 9 a.m. during an event at The Port of Caddo-Bossier’s Regional Commerce Center, located at 6000 Doug Attaway Boulevard. The annual report examines essential economic indicators, including employment trends, growth projections, and the status of Louisiana’s oil and natural gas industries.
Business leaders, policymakers, and regional stakeholders are expected to pay close attention to Dr. Scott’s insights. This year’s event is co-sponsored by The Port of Caddo-Bossier and the Shreveport-Bossier Committee of 100. The report suggests the Shreveport-Bossier area could see the addition of approximately 5,700 new jobs, resulting in a growth rate of 3.3% over the next two years.
One of the key contributing factors to this job growth is the potential construction of a data center in the region. Plans for this significant data center project in the Resilient Technology Park in west Shreveport have been reported but are confidential due to nondisclosure agreements. Additionally, prospects for growth come from developments at Cyber Research Park and the Port of Caddo-Bossier, which has laid out a new master plan for a 1,000-acre expansion with retail, office space, recreational areas, and small manufacturing facilities.
However, concerns around federal tariffs have been raised, which could impact the overall economic optimism, predicting a slower growth trajectory. An increase in shipping and interest rates may affect project financing and home purchasing conditions. Despite these tariff challenges, Dr. Scott believes that federal tax reforms under President Trump, such as the extension of tax cuts, have provided benefits to the economy.
The state’s real GDP is projected to grow by 1.5% in 2025, 1.8% in 2026, and 2.5% in 2027. Additionally, Lake Charles is anticipated to be among the fastest-growing economies due to the ongoing construction of LNG facilities. The decline in oil prices has resulted in fewer domestic drilling rigs, which may lead to reduced global oil demand.
The outlook also signals an increase in job creation and industry growth across various sectors, notably healthcare and retail. Companies like Amazon and SLB have expanded significantly, suggesting a rise in employment opportunities. The Shreveport-Bossier metropolitan statistical area (MSA) will undergo reclassification as Webster Parish shifts to a rural designation, affecting job metrics.
Jobs within the MSA are expected to grow significantly, with an estimated 5,300 new positions anticipated from major employers between 2025 and 2026. Meanwhile, the Port of Caddo-Bossier is in the process of developing a $2 billion methanol plant project, which might be impacted by federal tax credits nearing expiration. Economic growth is expected to have positive ripple effects across different sectors, including retail, services, and healthcare due to the multiplier effect.
The overall statewide forecast predicts the creation of 75,000 new jobs in Louisiana over the next two years, largely driven by substantial construction projects along key corridors.
Key Economic Projections
- 5,700 new jobs in Shreveport-Bossier over 2 years (3.3% growth rate)
- Overall statewide forecast: 75,000 new jobs over 2 years
- Real GDP growth: 1.5% (2025), 1.8% (2026), 2.5% (2027)
- Anticipated job growth in the MSA: 5,300 new positions (2025-2026)
Ongoing Developments
- Confidential data center project in Resilient Technology Park
- Expansion plans at Cyber Research Park and Port of Caddo-Bossier
- $2 billion methanol plant project under development
Challenges Ahead
- Concerns over federal tariffs potentially slowing economic growth
- Impact of rising shipping and interest rates on project financing
- Declining oil prices affecting domestic drilling operations
Conclusion
The economic outlook from Dr. Loren Scott will provide critical insights that could guide business investments and policy decisions in Louisiana, highlighting both growth opportunities and potential challenges.
FAQ
- When will Dr. Loren Scott release the Louisiana Economic Outlook?
- Dr. Loren Scott will release the 2026-2027 Louisiana Economic Outlook on Friday at 9 a.m.
- Where is the event being held?
- The event is hosted at The Port of Caddo-Bossier’s Regional Commerce Center, located at 6000 Doug Attaway Boulevard.
- How many new jobs is the Shreveport-Bossier area projected to gain?
- The Shreveport-Bossier area could add approximately 5,700 new jobs, reflecting a 3.3% growth rate over the next two years.
- What significant project is under consideration in the region?
- A potential construction of a data center in the region could significantly increase job projections.
- How many new jobs is Louisiana expected to create statewide?
- The overall statewide forecast anticipates 75,000 new jobs in Louisiana over the next two years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Louisiana Economic Outlook Highlights Job Growth and Investments
Shreveport-Bossier Area Set for Job Growth Surge
Bossier Chamber Hosts Public Policy Luncheon with Legislators
Shreveport-Bossier Area Faces Restaurant Closures Amid Economic Hardships
Shreveport-Bossier Set for Nearly 6,000 New Jobs
Shreveport-Bossier Region Projects 6,000 New Jobs
Shreveport’s Amazon SHV1 Center Receives Industry Award
Shreveport Experiences Economic Growth with Job Creation
Shreveport Sees Promising Economic Growth with Job Expansion
50 Cent Invests $50 Million to Boost Shreveport’s Entertainment Scene
Additional Resources
- KTBS: Dr. Loren Scott to Release 2026-2027 Louisiana Economic Outlook
- Wikipedia: Economy of Louisiana
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Two Years of Growth for Shreveport-Bossier
- Google Search: Shreveport Bossier economic outlook
- Shreveport Times: Economic Outlook for North Louisiana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Growth
- Louisiana Radio Network: Economic Growth Predictions
- Google News: Louisiana Economic Forecast
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.
