Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats

SWOT ANALYSIS

A SWOT Analysis is a method of charrette facilitation that seeks to identify information from stakeholders familiar with the subject matter. It is reliant upon open communication that identifies:

STRENGTHS: are a region’s relative competitive advantages and often are internal in nature

WEAKNESSES: are a region’s relative competitive disadvantages and are also often internal in nature

OPPORTUNITIES: are chances or occasions for regional improvement or progress often external in nature

THREATS: are chances or occasions for negative impacts on the region or regional decline and also often are external in nature

The analysis should drill down beyond the base of the subject for intricacies that are identified through knowledgeable stakeholders. The SWOT Analysis performed for the 2021 update to the CEDS called upon the expertise presented by the following Regional Task Force Members.

STRENGTHS
Strong regional anchor institutions and partnerships; focus on education-to-career pathways.
Skilled labor force; collaborative working organizations; regional work ethic and culture.
Quality healthcare systems; strong medical services and cultural venues.
Strong core industries in oil, gas, chemicals, and healthcare; strategic location near the Mississippi River; competitive cost environment.
Strategic trade and distribution location; vibrant downtown areas; access to waterways and ports.
Reliable utilities such as internet, sewer, and water.
Access to technical colleges, and universities; first-world infrastructure.
WEAKNESSES
Divided K-12 education system; lagging educational attainment; underperforming public education.
Mismatch of workforce skills with industry needs; prevalence of low-wage jobs; limited funding.
Lack of affordable childcare; poor mental health treatment availability.
Loss of skilled workers to other states; mismatch of workforce skills and industry needs.
Traffic congestion; inadequate infrastructure and lack of regional planning.
Limited connectivity in some areas; lack of investment in infrastructure.
Lack of affordable housing and childcare; antiquated criminal justice system; low wages.
OPPORTUNITIES
Collaboration with workforce systems; improving technical training access.
Expanding STEM programs; developing education pipelines from K-12 to technical colleges.
Enhancing rural healthcare; supporting education-to-health career pathways.
Leveraging natural and cultural assets; fostering innovation clusters; increasing living wages.
Implementing a regional drainage plan; better zoning and planning coordination.
Investing in digital infrastructure to expand access and improve connectivity.
Expanding job opportunities with living wages; strengthening community input and NGO collaboration.
THREATS
Higher education budget cuts; disadvantaged youth unable to access training.
Retention challenges with young professionals leaving the state; low labor force participation rates.
Increasing insurance costs; chronic illness and contamination risks in public water.
Economic dependence on industries like oil and gas; hyperinflation and fiscal constraints.
Environmental threats; risks from unplanned development.
Rising technology costs and lagging adoption in underserved areas.
Urban-suburban-rural economic divides; increase in crime without education and job opportunities.

A refined SWOT analysis is provided for each focus area or component in the 2025 CEDS. These analyses were developed through discussions led by members of the Strategic Committee, who facilitated conversations around potential actions and strategies outlined in the plan. While some findings may appear contradictory due to the aggregation of regional data, such inconsistencies were addressed through the localization of data in the development of specific strategies and action items. The SWOT analyses for each focus area in the 2025 Digital CEDS can be accessed through the links below:

Workforce Development: https://crpcla.digitalceds.com/workforce-swot/

Health: https://crpcla.digitalceds.com/health-swot/

Land Use: https://crpcla.digitalceds.com/land-use-swot/

Economic Opportunity: https://crpcla.digitalceds.com/equity-swot/

Economic Resilience: https://crpcla.digitalceds.com/resilience-swot/

Broadband: https://crpcla.digitalceds.com/broadband-swot/

Education: