Top Economist: Outlook Optimistic for Shreveport, Bossier

Economist Loren Scott talks with 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wriht and Erin McCarty about his recently released economic outlook for 2020-21. In that report, the Baton Rouge economist says the overall outlook for the ArkLaTex is optimistic.

Report details from ktbs.com:

"The annual report helps people understand the state's economy, and gives business leaders and idea of what to expect in the future.

A few of Scott’s predictions from last year have shifted a bit. Part of the outlook explains expectations for the Shreveport-Bossier area, which also includes Webster and DeSoto parishes.

Last year, Scott predicted the region would add 600 jobs in 2019 and 2020. But this year's report cuts that to 300 jobs over the next two years. That puts the region in the lowest growth rate in the state. The report also states the area could lose 900 jobs this year.

More than 1,300 gaming industry jobs were lost between 2014 to this year, according to data from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. The outlook also explains revenue at the casinos and race track have fallen by $67.2 million during that time.

Scott also predicts a loss of 263 military and civilian positions at Barksdale Air Force Base."

Filed Under: loren scott