A Landmark Year for Louisiana’s Economic Development
Louisiana closed out 2025 with unprecedented economic momentum, and Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the numbers tell the story. The state announced $61 billion in new capital investment this year alone. These projects created 9,300 new direct jobs, not including the thousands more expected through indirect economic growth.
Bourgeois says this year’s success reflects both strong policy changes and smart, intentional strategy. The state’s improved standing with the Tax Foundation and rising education scores helped create a business-friendly environment that made these wins possible.
Hyundai Headlines a Year of Major Project Wins
Louisiana’s biggest headline of the year came early with Hyundai Steel’s massive investment in Ascension Parish. The company evaluated nearly 100 sites nationwide before selecting Louisiana. The project’s significance caught national attention, ultimately being announced at the White House.
Other major projects followed in the final weeks of the year, bringing billions more in investment across multiple regions. Bourgeois credits Louisiana’s planning—such as the development of the megaplex park in Ascension Parish—for enabling these large-scale wins.
Wage Growth Surges and Outpaces the State Average
One of the most striking highlights is the dramatic increase in wage growth. Of the jobs announced this year, the average salary is $91,000, a full 50 percent higher than the current Louisiana average of $60,000.
Bourgeois says the department rewrote incentive structures to reward companies for offering higher-paying jobs. “Wage growth is the measure that matters most,” she says. “More money in the pockets of Louisiana families is the true indicator of progress.”
Looking Ahead to 2026: More Big Announcements Coming
Economic development rarely sleeps, and Bourgeois says Louisiana used high-profile events—like hosting the Super Bowl—to open new doors with global companies. The pipeline for 2026 is already strong, with major announcements expected in January and February.
She credits aggressive collaboration across state agencies, noting that Louisiana’s “Lightning Speed” permitting initiative has become a competitive advantage as companies prioritize speed to market more than ever.
Louisiana enters 2026 with momentum, strategy, and confidence—positioning the state for another year of transformational economic growth.