At Baton Rouge's 2026 seminar, he said recession fears remain low, but growth is below 3%, tariffs cloud investment, and Louisiana has $98.1bn in projects underway plus $119.1bn announced.
Higher interest rates have cut home sales and commercial construction, while office property faces added strain from remote work and emerging AI disruption.
Scott said LNG and petrochemical demand, including Ascension Parish's Hyundai steel project promising 1,400 jobs, supports industrial growth, though opposition to major projects could slow southeast Louisiana's expansion.
Louisiana secured $200B for industrial projects. So why are jobs stagnant and people leaving the state?
When officials sign secret deals, how can communities weigh the real health risks of new industrial projects?