Unemployment of residents in a city/parish is always a challenge for many reasons. It is much more challenging in the minority communities.
Large scale construction projects always provide many, many jobs for laborers, --especially those without highly technical job skills.
These projects also help small local businesses not directly related to the construction. Think convenience stores, food truck vendors, clothing and tool retailers, and other small businesses.
In Richland Parish practically anyone who can walk can easily get a job with a construction company or an ancillary construction business. These jobs have raised the standard of living for not only Richland Parish but also neighboring parishes.
Shreveport has a large population with low salaries and few job opportunities. The construction of a billion-dollar data center will provide opportunities not presently available to these residents.
With an estimated five-year construction timeline, these new jobs will provide a lengthy timeline for people seeking reliable employment. Unfortunately, this has not been the norm for Shreveport/Caddo Parish in recent years with only a few exceptions.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.