Setting the Table for the 2026 Economic Outlook

Jake Polansky from the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership joins the show to discuss the evolving 2026 economic outlook for the Capital Region. Each year, the organization releases an economic report informed by a comprehensive survey targeting business leaders, owners, and executives. The survey gathers insights on expected hiring trends, revenue projections, and key challenges facing businesses. A central component is the “issue question,” which lists over 20 obstacles—from healthcare costs to crime and education—allowing respondents to identify their most pressing concerns. This data helps inform advocacy efforts with local government and legislators.Historically, workforce shortages and crime have topped the list of concerns, with businesses citing difficulty in finding qualified applicants. However, early 2026 survey results reveal a shift: traffic has emerged as the leading issue for the first time in years. This could reflect logistical challenges like shipping delays or personal frustrations with commuting, especially as more people return to office work post-COVID. Supporting this, a Texas A&M study shows traffic has worsened in 90% of major U.S. regions, including Baton Rouge, since 2019.The survey also explores regional collaboration, asking how effectively governments, businesses, and nonprofits work together across parish lines. A new question probes who respondents believe should lead long-term progress. Preliminary results show business leaders see themselves as the primary drivers of change, more so than elected officials or nonprofit leaders. This reflects a growing awareness that regional challenges require cross-parish cooperation and shared responsibility.Polansky encourages all qualified professionals to participate in the survey at greaterbatonrouge.org/EOsurvey, emphasizing its role in shaping policy and regional development priorities for the coming year. The data will guide strategic planning and advocacy to address the Capital Region’s most urgent economic and infrastructural challenges.