2026 Northeast Louisiana Economic Trends Report
Northeast Louisiana is changing. The data shows where.
Released at the 2026 Northeast Louisiana Economic Summit, the report tracks what is moving across 12 parishes and what the region already has to build on. BRIP convened the Summit because understanding change is the first step toward shaping it.
Presented by BRIP with the University of Louisiana Monroe and Grow NELA · Research by Michael Crenshaw, Crenshaw Analytics
What the report found
Two numbers show the momentum. Two show what the region already has to build on.
The money is here
+41%
Sales tax across the ten parishes that report it, first half of 2026 vs. first half of 2024: $170 million to $240 million. All ten are up.
Report section 2.2
Companies are looking
20 → 74
Project leads from companies considering the region, tracked by Grow NELA: 20 in 2024, 74 in 2025, and 53 more through Sept. 23, 2026.
Report section 5
The talent is here
6,022
Credentials the region's four colleges award each year, against about 3,775 openings a year that call for one. The region trains more people than it has jobs for.
Report section 3.1
The research base is here
$617.6M
Income ULM added to the 12 parishes in fiscal year 2023–24, as estimated by Lightcast in 2025. About three-quarters comes from alumni working here.
Report section 2.12
Source: Michael Crenshaw, Crenshaw Analytics, Northeast Louisiana Economic Trends Report 2026. Figures as reported; see the report's appendix for sources and methods.
“Whatever the size of the check, the two groups were separated by what was already there when the next company came looking.”
Northeast Louisiana Economic Trends Report 2026, section 1.4, on what set apart the towns that kept growing after their data centers were built
From breakthrough research to businesses that grow here
The report shows money moving and companies looking. It also shows a gap: the region graduates more people than it has jobs for, and Lightcast estimates 28% of ULM students leave Louisiana after they finish. BRIP exists to help close that gap.
A Monroe-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Biomedical Research and Innovation Park connects researchers, educational institutions and private industry so discoveries become marketable products and growing companies. The goal is a more diverse regional economy, higher-value careers, and more reasons for graduates to build their futures here.
Why BRIP convened the Summit
The report shows money moving and companies looking. It also shows a gap: the region graduates more people than it has jobs for, and Lightcast estimates 28% of ULM students leave Louisiana after they finish. BRIP exists to help close that gap.
A Monroe-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Biomedical Research and Innovation Park connects researchers, educational institutions and private industry so discoveries become marketable products and growing companies. The goal is a more diverse regional economy, higher-value careers, and more reasons for graduates to build their futures here.
Building the infrastructure for innovation
18 acres
Site in development
Research park site near ULM’s College of Pharmacy. Roads, infrastructure, landscaping and lighted sidewalks are in place, funded by the EDA, the Ouachita Economic Development Corporation, ARPA funds through the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, and the State of Louisiana.
52,000 sq ft
Planned research building
Lab and office space, business guidance, and connections to technical expertise and funding for researchers bringing products to market. BRIP is working with area legislators to fund construction.
4 fields
Research focus
Biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, technology and agricultural research, building on ULM’s research strengths and Louisiana Delta Community College’s workforce training.
Get the report
88 pages covering sales tax, construction, paychecks, hotels, the workforce, housing, retail and household opportunity, plus a two-page profile of each of the 12 parishes.
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Watch
Northeast Louisiana, in two minutes
The people, places and projects behind the numbers.
Building something in Northeast Louisiana?
Researchers with a discovery to commercialize, companies weighing where to grow, and partners ready to invest in the region’s next chapter: BRIP wants to hear from you.
About the Summit. The 2026 Northeast Louisiana Economic Summit was held October 22, 2026,
hosted by BRIP with the University of Louisiana Monroe and Grow NELA. The Economic Trends Report
was prepared for the Summit by Michael Crenshaw of Crenshaw Analytics.
Biomedical Research and Innovation Park · Monroe, Louisiana · briplouisiana.org