Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership

The 2026 Regular Legislative Session delivered meaningful wins for Louisiana’s Capital Region.

From expanding career-connected learning opportunities through the Learn and Earn Act to advancing policies that strengthen workforce development, economic competitiveness and regional growth, The Partnership was proud to help champion legislation that will create new opportunities for businesses, students and families across our region.

Thank you to the Capital Region delegation, legislative leaders, Governor Jeff Landry, our regional partners, business community and countless stakeholders who worked alongside us to advance these priorities. These successes would not have been possible without their leadership, collaboration and commitment to Louisiana’s future.

Swipe through to see some of this session’s key accomplishments, then read the full recap at greaterbatonrouge.org/legislative-recap.

The Partnership will host its $15K+ investor-exclusive Legislative Session Recap on June 24, 2026. Following sine die, we will invite several Capital Region legislators to provide a summary of the session's outcomes and what it all means for the business community and the region's economic landscape.

📆: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
📍: David E. Roberts Center for Economic Development
🕰️: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
🔗: greaterbatonrouge.org/recap

Meet The Partnership: Kean Jones, Director of Governmental Affairs 💠

As director of governmental affairs, Kean works with local and statewide elected officials to advance policies that support economic growth and opportunity across Louisiana’s Capital Region. A Baton Rouge native, Kean brings experience in legislative relations and campaign leadership to the role and enjoys spending time outdoors and supporting conservation efforts.

We are proud to highlight Kean as the 2026 Regular Legislative Session comes to a close today. Throughout the session, he has been instrumental in advancing key priorities for the Capital Region and helping secure meaningful wins for our region and state.

Learn more about The Partnership team: greaterbatonrouge.org

PARISH PROFILE: Ascension Parish

Ascension Parish is one of the Capital Region’s strongest economic drivers, anchored by a globally significant manufacturing and energy corridor. Companies like Air Liquide, BASF, CF Industries, Shell, Linde, and Methanex operate here, supporting billions in investment and thousands of high-wage jobs.

The parish’s momentum is accelerated by RiverPlex MegaPark, a 17,000-acre site along the Mississippi River driving major wins like Hyundai Steel and positioning the Capital Region for continued global investment.

Learn more about Ascension: greaterbatonrouge.org/ascension-parish

This is a huge win for Central Louisiana that is sure to have ripple effects across the entire state!

Louisiana continues to see historic investments from companies that recognize our state’s strengths in workforce development, industrial growth, and more. Applied Digital’s $3.6 billion AI factory campus in Rapides Parish is another sign that Louisiana is competing for the industries shaping the future economy.

Congratulations to Louisiana Central, Louisiana Economic Development, Governor Jeff Landry, local and regional leaders, and all the partners who made this project possible.

Momentum is reaching every region of Louisiana.

Applied Digital’s new investment in Rapides Parish reflects how stronger alignment, faster ex*****on and a clear focus are creating an environment for companies to succeed and opportunities for our people to thrive.

Projects like this show how Louisiana is competing differently — and delivering results statewide.

Learn more ⬇️: https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/news/central-louisiana-secures-3-6-billion-applied-digital-ai-factory-campus

Last week, we welcomed representatives from Louisiana Economic Development, Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, and the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce to Beard Construction Group for a Business Retention & Expansion discussion focused on growth, workforce development, and the future of industry across our region.

Louisiana continues to see major industrial investment, workforce demand, and long-term growth across the region. In 2025 alone, the state announced more than $61 billion in capital investment tied to new industrial projects and economic development initiatives. Keeping that momentum going requires alignment among the organizations attracting opportunity, the communities supporting it, and the companies building the infrastructure behind it. All sides staying aligned on where the region is headed next creates momentum for Louisiana’s future. (Source: LED 2025)

We appreciate the opportunity to have meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities shaping our market and how companies like Beard can continue to contribute to the economic growth of Louisiana and the Gulf South.

Transforming the Earth. Building with Integrity.

Meet the leader behind the Louisiana Capital Region’s economic development marketing strategy! 💠

Morgan Almeida serves as Senior Vice President of Marketing, leading the team behind The Partnership’s marketing and communications efforts. Since joining the organization in 2017, she has helped shape how we share the Capital Region's story with businesses, young professionals, and organizational partners. Outside of The Partnership, Morgan remains involved in the community through organizations like the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

Learn more about Morgan and The Partnership team: greaterbatonrouge.org/staff

PARISH PROFILE: West Feliciana Parish

West Feliciana Parish combines strategic location with a growing, diversified economy. With strengths in agribusiness, manufacturing, and emerging sustainable industries, the parish benefits from its position along the Mississippi River and access to major transportation routes, connecting local businesses to global markets and supporting continued economic growth.

At the same time, West Feliciana offers one of the most distinctive lifestyles in the Capital Region. Anchored by St. Francisville, the parish is known for its historic charm, preserved architecture, and vibrant tourism scene, alongside outdoor recreation and scenic landscapes that make it a destination for both residents and visitors.

Learn more about West Feliciana: greaterbatonrouge.org/west-feliciana-parish