About JEDCO
Projects & Initiatives
Driving Strategic Growth Across Jefferson Parish
JEDCO takes a holistic approach to economic development, tackling everything from housing and insurance to site readiness and industry growth. Our special projects span it all: from launching a loan program for a newly-created design district and creating a brand for the off-bottom oysters in Grand Isle to redeveloping Brownfield properties and overseeing the design, engineering and construction of a regional food and beverage incubator. JEDCO has also spearheaded a number of important policy, planning, and research initiatives, such as the Jefferson EDGE, Jefferson Parish Insurance Report and Action Plan, and Jefferson Parish Housing Stock Enhancement Strategic Plan.
Data
By the Numbers
Sustainable Oyster Innovation
Grand Isle Jewels
With grant support from Louisiana Economic Development, JEDCO and partners developed and launched Grand Isle Jewels, the umbrella brand for the unique and boutique off-bottom oysters harvested in Grand Isle, Louisiana. Off-bottom oyster cultivation was born in Grand Isle and has been adopted as a sustainable aquaculture practice across the U.S. Gulf Coast and Eastern seaboard, as well as in Canada, Australia and parts of Europe. Numerous businesses operate under the brand, which has seen success in growth among area and regional restaurants.
There’s nowhere in the world better suited to grow oysters than Grand Isle, where the sea kisses the estuary. That’s why oysters were such a big deal here when my grandfather farmed traditional Grand Isle oysters back in the ’50s. Years later, in the ’80s, I would watch caravans of 18-wheelers loaded down with sacks of our oysters, heading inland. But the sea floor has changed, and we can’t grow oysters here the same way my grandfather did. Finding this new way to bring oyster farming back to Grand Isle and deliver these delicious Jewels makes me very proud.
Albert ‘Buzzy’ Besson
Barataria Beauties
Advancing Culinary Entrepreneurship
Food & Beverage Incubator
Culinary products are the lifeblood of the Greater New Orleans region, with Jefferson Parish being the home to many legacy food manufacturing brands, ranging from Zatarain’s to Camelia Beans to Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning to Reily Foods and more. Starting a new food business, however, is challenging and costly. That’s why JEDCO is spearheading the construction of a regional food & beverage incubator for the innovators in our community looking to grow their brands and get them on grocery shelves. The approximately 15,000 sq ft facility, to be located in Churchill Park and funded by a federal EDA award, will not only have three commercial kitchen spaces and equipment for start-ups to rent, but a suite of seminars and services to help companies learn the critical pillars of food safety, labeling, distribution, and more.
Revitalizing Industrial Sites
Brownfield Assessments
In 2021, JEDCO was the recipient of a major Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant to fund Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments of Brownfield properties in the industrial corridors of the Mississippi River West Bank. After assisting with major redevelopment projects such as the former Johns Manville facility, the former Knight Celotex facility, and more, the grant has since expanded to all of Jefferson Parish. Email brownfields@jedco.org for more info.
Strengthening Parish Housing
Housing Stock Enhancement Strategic Plan
The Housing Stock Enhancement Strategic Plan is a joint effort between JEDCO and Jefferson Parish, funded by the Jefferson Parish Council. Guided by a Blue Ribbon Comittiee of diverse industry experts, the comprehensive plan outlines a multi-faceted approach to meet the housing needs of existing and future residents in Jefferson Parish. The plan confronts the Parish’s challenges and establishes a strategy to revitalize its existing housing stock, foster development of needed housing choices, and improve the quality of life in Jefferson Parish neighborhoods.
Supporting Creative Enterprise
Jefferson Parish Design District
Established in 2025 by JEDCO and Jefferson Parish, the Jefferson Parish Design District supports a growing cluster of design-focused companies in Old Jefferson. The district strengthens the region’s creative industry by combining targeted property tax incentives with access to JEDCO capital. The effort grew from significant organic business momentum and was championed by local leaders before being integrated into the Jefferson EDGE 2025 plan. To fuel continued growth, JEDCO launched dedicated revolving loan funds and partnered with the Jefferson Parish Council to create an Economic Development District that enables eligibility for Restoration Tax Abatements for qualifying property renovations.
Guiding Long-Term Growth
Jefferson EDGE 2030
Over the course of its 25-year history, The Jefferson EDGE has provided a roadmap for promoting sustainability, job growth, and investment in Jefferson Parish. First adopted in 2000, the Parish’s official economic development strategic plan has helped set the course for many of Jefferson’s most successful initiatives. The Jefferson EDGE 2030’s six interconnected priorities – Industry Ecosystem Development; Talent Attraction, Retention and Development; Placed-Based Development; Business Climate Improvements; the parish’s Regional Positioning; and JEDCO’s Organizational Effectiveness – aim to guide JEDCO with the resources needed to make efficient and impactful progress, ensuring that Jefferson Parish remains competitive, resilient, and inclusive for generations to come.
