Shreveport-Bossier Poised for 5,600 New Jobs by 2027 

Economist Dr. Loren Scott told KEEL News on Friday that the Shreveport-Bossier area has reason for optimism. His latest jobs forecast projects 5,600 new positions by 2027, a number fueled by port activity, technology growth, and surprising expansions from major employers. 

Economic Forecast Brings Optimism to Northwest Louisiana 

Driving near the Port of Caddo-Bossier during the interview, Dr. Scott pointed to more than 1,000 jobs already tied to port operations. “One of the primary reasons the Red River Waterway is kept navigable is because of the economic activity happening at this port,” he explained. 

Major Projects Already Paying Off 

Several local anchors are exceeding expectations. Amazon’s Shreveport fulfillment center, originally announced as a $200 million investment with 400 jobs, has grown into a $1 billion facility with 2,000 workers. Likewise, SLB at the former General Motors plant has doubled its workforce to more than 800. 

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The Cyber Innovation Center has surpassed 1,000 jobs and has a project in the pipeline that could add another 750. “We’re really keeping our fingers crossed about that one,” Scott noted. 

Possible Data Center on the Horizon 

Scott also addressed speculation about a major data center project. “Everybody is under strict NDAs,” he said, “but everything I’m hearing indicates the next announcement may come up in your area. If not by year end, by the first quarter.” 

He pointed to Monroe’s new facility, a $10 billion investment that could expand to $50 billion, as an example of how transformative a data center can be. “It’s turning Monroe into a mining-town atmosphere, like the gold rush,” he said. 

Big Energy Investment Ahead 

Another project to watch is Bia Energy, a $2 billion methanol plant proposed at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. The company recently renewed its land lease and must decide by 2027 to take advantage of federal tax credits. Scott believes the project remains on track. 

Meanwhile, the Haynesville Shale may see renewed drilling activity, as rising natural gas prices could push rig counts higher. 

Ripple Effect Across Sectors 

Scott emphasized that growth in heavy industry and technology spills into other parts of the economy. “When you get growth in those areas through the multiplier effect, you’re going to get growth in retail sales and professional services and health care,” he said. 

While the forecast for Northwest Louisiana is strong, the statewide picture is even bigger: 75,000 new jobs over the next two years, driven by nearly $100 billion in construction along I-10 and the Mississippi River corridor. 

For Shreveport-Bossier, the message is clear, economic momentum is building, and the next two years could be extraordinary.