Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats

SWOT ANALYSIS

The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis for the 2025 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was developed through a multi-faceted approach that incorporated feedback from three key sources: public outreach meetings, Strategic Committee discussions, and regional data analysis. Each of these components played an essential role in shaping a well-rounded understanding of the region’s economic landscape.

  1. Public Outreach Meetings – Tangipahoa Parish (July 29, 2024), East Baton Rouge Parish (July 30, 2024) and West Baton Rouge Parish (July 31, 2024)

The Capital Region Planning Commission (CRPC) and planning consultants from Villavaso & Associates, facilitated public meetings in the region with participation from regional stakeholders, including local government officials, economic development professionals, educators, healthcare providers, and business leaders.

The meeting opened with a presentation outlining the CEDS process, regional trends, and economic indicators, referencing the Louisiana Economic Development 2023 Annual CEDS. Participants used Poll Everywhere, a real-time polling platform, to share input on regional Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. This interactive method enabled inclusive engagement and live visualization of responses. The session also introduced key contextual elements, such as the Jobs-to-Housing Ratio, and highlighted challenges that have emerged since 2019, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in growth patterns, and climate-related vulnerabilities. The consultants in conjunction with the CRPC Staff analyzed the results to prioritize items that may be actionable in this CEDS cycle which have asterisks by them in focus area SWOT analysis provided later herein.  

  1. Strategic Committee Engagement

Insights from the CEDS Strategy Committee, composed of leaders from chambers of commerce, higher education, workforce development, local government, and state agencies, were instrumental in shaping the SWOT analysis. Committee members provided perspectives based on their institutional expertise and sector-specific priorities.

Recurring themes raised during committee discussions included:

  • Workforce development challenges and skill mismatches with industry demands.
  • The need for improved regional infrastructure planning and investment.
  • Barriers to retaining young professionals and addressing affordable housing shortages.
  • Opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and alignment between education and workforce systems.
  1. Data Analysis and Regional Research

The SWOT findings were further substantiated by a comprehensive review of regional economic and demographic data. CRPC staff analyzed key metrics related to labor force participation, wage levels, education outcomes, public health, infrastructure, and industry trends. This evidence-based layer of analysis revealed systemic issues such as:

  • Disparities in educational attainment and K–12 performance.
  • High levels of economic dependence on legacy industries.
  • Limited digital connectivity in rural areas.
  • Rising public health and environmental risks.

At the same time, data pointed out promising opportunities, including:

  • Expanding STEM and technical training programs.
  • Supporting innovation ecosystems and small business development.
  • Leveraging natural and cultural assets to strengthen tourism and quality of life.

Below is a Summary SWOT, highlighting the major themes or issues in the 2025 CEDS.

 

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: https://crpcla.digitalceds.com/education-swot/