SWLA Alliance Launches Regional Strategic Planning Process, Announces Survey for Public Input

The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance (SWLA Alliance) has launched a regional effort to develop a strategic plan that will guide investment and support lasting economic growth across the region’s five parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis. This regional planning process follows Louisiana Economic Development’s launch in March 2025 of Positioning Louisiana to Win, a comprehensive statewide strategic plan for economic development focused on positioning Louisiana for long-term business growth, innovation, and talent retention.

“As a newcomer to the area, I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting so many people who are deeply committed to Southwest Louisiana and passionate about seeing it thrive,” said Scott Walker, President and CEO of the SWLA Alliance. “This regional planning effort is not only about driving economic success – it is about building consensus and collaboration across the entire region, establishing a vision that reflects our collective wants and aspirations for economic prosperity, and developing a roadmap that clearly connects to that vision. I look forward to working with all of our partners and stakeholders in industry, business, government, and education, as we chart a path forward for sustained growth and success for Southwest Louisiana and its people.”

The planning process is heavily focused on engaging stakeholders across the region through interviews with leaders from the community, parishes, economic development organizations, ports, and businesses, as well as regional and parish-level listening sessions to discuss the region’s current economic landscape and opportunities for future growth. Additionally, a dedicated group of community and business leaders from across the region are serving on a steering committee to guide and support this planning process and help ground the final plan in the priorities of the communities it is designed to serve.

As part of this focus on broad engagement, the SWLA Alliance is conducting a survey to gather input on the region’s economic opportunities and strategies or initiatives that can help support positive economic outcomes. The survey can be accessed by clicking here and will remain open through Wednesday, August 20.

The SWLA Alliance will be analyzing data, research, trends, and insights from this survey and other engagement efforts in the coming months to inform the development of a new five-year strategic plan for Southwest Louisiana that reflects the perspectives and priorities of the entire region. The plan is set to be finalized and launched by the end of 2025.