Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated that New Orleans is no longer as important to the state’s economic success as it once was. This statement comes amid an ongoing power struggle between state Republicans and New Orleans Democrats.

Background

Landry’s remarks were made after a press conference announcing the expansion of a Meta data center project in northeast Louisiana. He emphasized that the state’s focus has shifted, saying, ‘Where goes Louisiana will determine the fate of New Orleans, okay?’

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno responded by describing New Orleans as the state’s ‘largest economic engine’ that generates tax dollars for communities across Louisiana. Moreno also expressed her desire to meet with Landry to discuss the city’s fiscal situation.

Economic Impact

According to Stephen Barnes, an economist and director of the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center, New Orleans remains the largest cluster of economic activity in the state, despite other urban areas growing faster. The Louisiana Department of Revenue’s tax collection report for the 2024-2025 state fiscal year shows that the New Orleans region was still a significant generator of tax revenue.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.