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HCR 66

ECONOMIC DEVELOP/DEPT: Requests Louisiana Economic Development to develop and implement a coordinated rural economic development strategy

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Wyble

LED should develop and implement a coordinated, data-driven rural economic development strategy in partnership with other agencies, with a dedicated Rural Economic Development Coor

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HCR 66

Summary of Bill: HCR 66 (2026, Louisiana) – Economic Development / Rural Strategy Coordinated Approach

Basic Information

  • Type: House Concurrent Resolution (HCR)
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session
  • Jurisdiction: Louisiana
  • Sponsor: Rep. Wyble (Co-sponsor: John Wyble)
  • Subject: Requests Louisiana Economic Development (LED), in coordination with other state agencies, to develop and implement a coordinated rural economic development strategy.

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution urges and requests LED, working with other state agencies, to continue studying and evaluating the economic assets, infrastructure capacity, workforce resources, and development opportunities in Louisiana’s rural parishes.
  • It seeks to establish a more intentional, data-driven, and regionally coordinated approach to rural economic development to enhance competitiveness, maximize ROI on investments (state and federal), and ensure benefits reach every parish.

Key Provisions and Requirements

  1. Continued Study and Evaluation (Executive Scope)

    • LED, with other state agencies, is to continue assessing:
      • Economic assets in rural parishes
      • Infrastructure capacity
      • Workforce resources
      • Development opportunities

  2. Development and Implementation of a Coordinated Rural Strategy

    • LED is tasked to develop and implement a statewide coordinated rural economic development strategy that:
      • Coordinates with the Office of Rural Development and other relevant agencies to align funding streams and strategic initiatives
    • Strengthens alignment between workforce development programs and rural employer needs
      • Identifies industry sectors and competitive advantages unique to rural parishes
      • Provides periodic reporting to the Legislature on measurable outcomes, benchmarks, and progress

  3. Rural Economic Development Coordinator (Staffing)

    • The Resolution urges LED to dedicate a staff person within LED to serve as a Rural Economic Development Coordinator.
    • Responsibilities include:
      • Implementing directives of the Resolution
      • Facilitating interagency coordination on rural development initiatives
      • Tracking measurable rural outcomes

  4. Interagency Cooperation and statutory alignment

    • Encourages cooperation among all relevant state agencies (as listed in the resolution) to carry out coordinated rural economic development efforts.
    • Acknowledges LED’s statutory authority under R.S. 51:2301 to promote, coordinate, and assist statewide economic development activities.

  5. Reporting and Accountability

    • LED must provide periodic reporting to the Legislature on:
      • Measurable outcomes
      • Benchmarks
      • Progress of rural economic growth initiatives

  6. Administrative and Protocol Provisions

    • A copy of the Resolution is to be transmitted to:
      • LED Secretary
      • Commissioner of Administration
      • Heads of relevant state agencies (including Agriculture & Forestry, Conservation & Energy, Environmental Quality, Health, Transportation and Development, LED, Louisiana Works, Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity, Office of Community Development, Office of Rural Development)

Who Is Affected

  • State Agencies: LED and the listed agencies (various departments) would engage in coordinated planning, funding alignment, and joint initiatives.
  • Rural Parishes: Rural communities and economies stand to benefit from targeted investments, workforce alignment, and improved infrastructure.
  • Louisiana Legislature: Receives periodic reporting and benchmarks to inform policy and funding decisions.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill is a concurrent resolution, not a law, and expresses the Legislature’s intent and guidance rather than creating new statutory mandates or funding.
  • It directs LED to develop and implement the coordinated rural strategy in alignment with existing statutory authority (R.S. 51:2301).
  • The resolution calls for ongoing study, interagency coordination, and periodic reporting to the Legislature, but it does not specify exact deadlines or funding levels within the text provided.

Bottom Line

HCR 66 urges a more integrated, data-driven approach to rural Louisiana economic development. It calls LED to:
- Continue evaluating rural assets and needs
- Develop a coordinated strategy with interagency alignment and workforce partnership
- Appoint a Rural Economic Development Coordinator
- Provide regular progress reports to the Legislature

This measure emphasizes leveraging rural assets to sustain broader state economic growth and improve outcomes for rural communities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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