SHREVEPORT, La. — Caddo Parish commissioners are discussing the economic opportunities and challenges tied to data center development as new investments bring jobs and renewed debate over regulations.
 
During Thursday's Caddo Parish Commission meeting, leaders highlighted continued growth at the SLB manufacturing hub at the former General Motors plant site. The facility is fully leased and currently employs 1,500 workers.
 
Officials with the North Louisiana Economic Partnership said SLB produces cooling and electrical systems used for digital infrastructure and data centers.
 
The company plans to add 500 more employees by the end of the year, bringing total employment to about 2,000 workers.
 
Commissioners said the expansion represents continued investment and job growth in Caddo Parish.
 
Caddo Parish Commission President Gregory Young said his support for data center projects is focused on creating opportunities for younger residents.
 
"My interest in the data center is all about these young people," Young said. "It's all about the young people who are here."
 
Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watt said officials want to attract jobs that provide long-term benefits.
 
"We are making sure that we are getting jobs that not only pay, but jobs that stay," Gage-Watt said.
 
Commissioners also discussed concerns surrounding development, including temporary housing for workers involved in future data center projects.
 
Commissioner John-Paul Young proposed an ordinance during Monday's work session aimed at regulating temporary housing for data center workers. The proposal did not advance.
 
The issue was discussed again during Thursday's Special Projects Committee meeting. According to parish legal counsel, regulations involving temporary worker housing fall under city and state authority rather than parish authority.
 
Officials said the parish will continue evaluating how to support economic growth while ensuring development is properly managed.

Originally published on ktbs.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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