Despite the optimistic numbers reflected in the state's jobless rate at the close of 2011, Louisiana State University economists have predicted that the state's job growth over the next two years will be sluggish. Lake Charles is projected to have the largest percentage of job growth, while New Orleans is expected to have no job growth in 2012, followed by job loss (caused primarily by the anticipated closure of the Avondale shipyard).
The jobs forecast predicts that Louisiana will have 13,700 new jobs in 2012, and 14,800 in 2013, resulting in annual growth rates of 0.8 percent and 0.9 percent.
Note: this article was published in the March 2012 issue of the Louisiana eAuthority.
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