Economic Development

Over the past twenty years, Natchitoches has experienced an amazing economic rebirth.  With such achievements behind us, we look to the future with an expanded vision for success and distinction.  Ambitious, but realistic, economic development goals have been set, and we have the tools, the financial subsidies, the tax incentives, the workforce training and assistance programs, the infrastructure and the community commitment to make it all happen.  Natchitoches is a city dedicated to improvement.  We have a policy of strong public/private partnerships and a shared vision of the future. 

Development Goals

Within the next ten years, Natchitoches hopes to complete the rehabilitation of all the historic buildings on   Front Street (the main street in the commercial district), to develop a new hotel, museum, riverfront park, extensive walking and biking trails, boast at least one new retirement complex, and add a second public golf course. Processes are in place to facilitate and expedite the procedures involved in establishing new business initiatives in Natchitoches.  With over one million visitors annually, our downtown commercial district is an ideal location for most small businesses. 

LA 478 Development Corridor

Encompassing 6,335 acres of minimally developed land, the Water Well Road Development Corridor connects Interstate 49 to LA Highway 1 via Highway 478.  A preferred land use plan sites suggested locations for single and multi-family residential developments, business districts, certain light and heavy industries, agriculture and public and private recreation.  To preserve the Corridor’s visual appeal, certain requirements relating to building scale, proportion, setbacks, buffer zones, and construction materials must be adhered to. We are prepared to provide a powerful package of assistance to commercial developers and mid-sized businesses interested in a location at this major development.

Industrial Park Developments

The City of Natchitoches has three primary industrial parks – the original Air Industrial Park adjoining the Natchitoches Regional Airport; Natchitoches Industrial Park established to facilitate the base tenant, Alliance Compressors; and the Natchitoches Industrial Park South, recently developed to facilitate the Pilgrim’s Pride Feedmill project.  Additional small vacant parcels in the 20-acre to 40-acre size are available in Natchitoches Industrial Park and are ready for immediate development.  The Industrial Park South provides large sites of 170-acres, as well as several smaller sites in the 40-acre range.  All of these park areas are fully developed with road access and utility infrastructure.  The City has been successful in regional and statewide partnerships that play a significant role in each of these park developments.

Competitive Business Advantages

In addition to its unique historic identity, its natural beauty and small town “feel”, Natchitoches delivers a number of business advantages including:

•  A well-developed transportation network that includes air, rail, interstate highway and water transport options
•  A diverse economy built around Northwestern State University, medical and social services, manufacturing, the retail trade and tourism
•  Low taxes and competitive operating costs
•  A strategic location between Alexandria, LA (50 miles) and Shreveport, LA (72 miles) on I-49
•  A good regional medical facility
•  A multitude of cultural, historical and recreational offerings

Workforce training is available at Louisiana Technical College; Northwestern University has a small business development center; the Chamber of Commerce offers workshops and networking assistance; and the Main Street program offers training and assistance to business owners within the Historic District.