As a boom in industrial and commercial investment is anticipated along the Baton Rouge-to-New Orleans corridor, transportation infrastructure and planning issues are more pressing than ever.

Connecting workers to training and employment opportunities, and connecting employers and businesses to the labor and markets they depend on are essential to ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared and sustainable, and quality of life is improved for all.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We need a plan.
A long-term vision for a prosperous and sustainable super region will only be realized if we plan for it; otherwise, we risk sacrificing long-term livability for short-term gains.  We must understand our assets, challenges and goals for the future, and dedicate the resources necessary to chart a path from here to there.

Current, comprehensive data is essential.
We need data that is accurate, in-depth and timely to inform decision-making. Data should be shared widely and easily accessible via a web-based clearinghouse. 

Transportation choices = More jobs for Louisiana
Too many people who need employment in Louisiana do not have access to training and job locations. The tremendous opportunities for local hiring will be unrealized unless we expand access to transit and strengthen our super-regional transportation network. Better transit will also help mitigate the environmental impacts of increased industrial activity throughout Southeast Louisiana.

Partnerships must be expansive and inclusive.
In order to be effective, super regional partnership must include robust industry participation, along with local government, community and the nonprofit sector.  Such partnership will provide the foundation for creating a shared agenda that is publically supported, pooling resources and developing solutions.  

Funding must be identified and dedicated.
Planning and implementation simply cannot move forward without dedicated funding.  Aligning existing resources with emerging priorities is a step in the right direction, but a careful examination of fiscal policies and additional sources of revenue are needed.

Recruit more champions and experts.
Planning and implementation simply cannot move forward without dedicated funding.  Aligning existing resources with emerging priorities is a step in the right direction, but a careful examination of fiscal policies and additional sources of revenue are needed.

Engage federal delegation.
We are stronger together. By forming interstate partnerships with other adjacent states in our region, we can coordinate our efforts and demand more attention from the Federal Executive Board and the federal delegation.