The Louisiana economic development office must carry out listed state functions to support business investment, exports, small business growth, job training, research, and related economic development work.
§108. Offices; purposes and functions A. The purposes for which the offices of the Louisiana Economic Development are created shall be as set forth in this Section. B. The office of economic development shall perform the following functions of the state: (1) The office shall provide for the attraction, retention, and expansion of industrial and business investments to or in Louisiana. (2) It shall identify obstacles to growth of Louisiana industries and develop remedies for such obstacles. (3) International trade and investment attraction are vital to Louisiana's diversification and economic well being in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. The office shall assist in the promotion of Louisiana products and services to international markets and encourage and enable the development of export markets for Louisiana businesses. Further, it shall assist in the location of international companies in Louisiana. (4) The office shall include in various activities the facilities, capacities, and capabilities of ports and intermodal and infrastructure transportation systems functioning in the state. (5) The office shall provide services to small and medium-sized businesses in Louisiana, without regard to race or gender, and encourage and support the startup of new small businesses and the growth and retention of existing Louisiana firms. (6) It shall be responsible for job training assistance, including effective cooperation with the training programs of Louisiana Works, the Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Board of Regents, the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The office shall also coordinate its training efforts with the Louisiana Workforce Investment Council. (7) The office shall provide research necessary to support the work of the department and its offices, including analyzing new economic development policy directions, assessing the effectiveness of existing policies for the department and for the governor, and developing industry-specific research and promotional materials. (8) The office shall develop and maintain an economic information database and information networks and maintain relevant economic and market data. (9) It shall be responsible for a leadership role in developing an annual business plan for the department. (10) It shall provide an information ombudsman service for Louisiana businesses and others requiring information about doing business in Louisiana, including obtaining information from Louisiana government agencies and obtaining information about problems faced by such businesses. (11) The office shall develop and implement new policies and programs designed to encourage and enable economic and industrial diversification, and it shall be the focal point for technology-driven economic development strategies. (12) It shall support innovation and entrepreneurship within the Louisiana economy and provide leadership in the modernization of existing Louisiana firms. (13) It shall serve as a conduit between universities and businesses to encourage collaboration and research. (14) It shall provide entrepreneurial assistance when appropriate and work to identify and remedy laws, policies, and practices that impair the growth, expansion, development, and retention of Louisiana businesses. (15) It shall maintain and provide information on financial and infrastructure resources for businesses as well as identify gaps in the financial infrastructure available to support Louisiana businesses. (16) It shall promote and provide financial incentives for new investments. (17) It shall identify sources of nonstate funds for economic development purposes and develop and implement a plan to increase access to these funds. (18) It shall cooperate and collaborate with regional and local economic development entities throughout the state. (19) It shall promote and develop popular commercial music and its related industry in Louisiana. (20) Repealed by Acts 2003, No. 551, §5. (21) It shall provide support and assistance to community based nonprofit organizations engaged in economic development activities. Acts 1976, No. 513, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 83, §1, eff. June 22, 1977; Acts 1979, No. 258, §1; Acts 1984, No. 633, §1, No. 455, §2, eff. Oct. 1, 1984; Acts 1986, No. 571, §1; Acts 1988, No. 563, §1, eff. July 14, 1988; Acts 1991, No. 490, §1, eff. July 15, 1991; Acts 1992, No. 447, §2, eff. June 20, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 279, §1, eff. June 2, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 165, §§1, 2; Acts 2001, No. 8, §18, eff. July 1, 2001; Acts 2001, No. 9, §4, eff. July 1, 2001; Acts 2001, No. 586, §2, eff. June 22, 2001; Acts 2003, No. 551, §5; Acts 2008, No. 743, §7, eff. July 1, 2008; Acts 2010, No. 877, §3, eff. July 1, 2010; Acts 2023, No. 459, §1, see Act; Acts 2024, No. 312, §1, eff. July 1, 2024; Acts 2024, No. 755, §4; Acts 2025, No. 432, §1. NOTE: Acts 2001, No. 8, §18, repealed Subsection C. Subsection C was also removed by the revision of the Section in Acts 2001, No. 9, §4. NOTE: Acts 2001, No. 586, §2, amended language removed by the revision of this Section in Acts 2001, No. 9.