Lake Charles Ranks in Top 10 Cities for Job Growth Nationwide

Louisiana in general and Lake Charles specifically never seem to do well in polls. It seems that every time a new poll comes out, especially if it has anything to do with quality of life, Louisiana and Lake Charles are way down there. Well, those times are changing and changing fast.

According to New Geography, Lake Charles is ranked no. 6 out of 253 other small cities across the country for job growth and local leaders say they are ready for any challenges that come their way.

KPLC interviewed George Swift, President, Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and according to Swift,

"It's not surprising because of all the construction projects that we have, the energy projects that are coming, we are anticipating about 25,000 construction jobs and 20,000 permanent jobs,"

We've all been hearing about how this part of the state is experiencing growth and this latest report lends credence to all the rumblings we've all heard. Right now, Lake Charles is beating out Monroe, Alexandria, Hammond, and the Houma-Thibodaux area. They all ranked outside the Top 150 small cities.

City Administrator John Cardone says:

"In order to be competitive, we need to be able to keep up with technology; it's important to recruit the workforce; it's important for recruiting employees and maintaining employees,"

The results of this poll should give everyone here a sense of pride. Look out Lafayette, Lake Charles is nipping at your heels. Don't ya love this place?