(By Nolan Mckendry/The Center Square) − The Louisiana Economic Development Partnership committee convened Tuesday to chart a course for drawing new industries to the state, unveiling an ambitious timeline for regional and statewide plans.

LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois emphasized a collaborative approach, engaging all eight regions of Louisiana to shape a unified vision for economic growth.

“Are we going to prioritize areas or look at everything as one big model?” Bill Fontenot, CEO of Cleco Energy, asked.

Bourgeois’ answer is to be inclusive. “We need to make sure every region in the state sees their place and opportunity,” she said.

The department aims to finalize a statewide plan by February, with eight regional strategies expected to follow by next summer, feeding back into the overarching blueprint.

The expedited timeframe means much of the groundwork will occur before the next meeting in February. Bourgeois assured attendees that funding for the initiative is already in place.

Unsurprisingly, data centers were a topic of conversation, with officials touting Louisiana’s reliable energy as a competitive advantage for the industry. Recent announcements, like Meta’s $5 billion data center project in Richland Parish, have underscored the state’s appeal to tech companies.

“Data centers bring a whole new type of economic development,” said Joshua Fleig, LED’s Chief Innovation Officer. “Some of the largest ones will employ 500 people. They are a major investment, not just in capital but in terms of jobs.”

However, Jay Johnson of General Dynamics cautioned that industries like data centers and artificial intelligence may not generate the volume of jobs and wages traditionally associated with economic development.

“It used to be that industry creates jobs, jobs create wages, a wider tax base, and more revenue,” Johnson said, noting that tech-driven sectors often require less manpower per square foot of operation.

The discussion also veered into national politics, with some members expressing optimism about the return of former President Donald Trump.

Meryl Farr, a rice farmer, voiced hope for a shift in agricultural policy under a new administration.

“President Trump will bring a different perspective,” Farr said, predicting an increase in onshore food production.

Dave Roberts, CEO of Excel Group, criticized the Biden administration for halting several pharmaceutical projects, anticipating a reversal if Trump returns to office.