We understand that expanding into a new state or region is a challenge—one requiring the experience of attorneys well-versed in economic development law and incentive negotiation. From conception to completion, Jones Walker represents public and private interests in all aspects of economic development projects. Our broad-based representation begins with a thorough analysis of each project to better understand the needs and goals of the client, and our team approach emphasizes diligent and practical advice, recognizing that today's economic development and public finance clients often face difficulties in areas outside traditional finance and development law. In 2008, Southern Business & Development magazine named Jones Walker one of the "Top Ten Firms that Understand Economic Development," an honor reflecting our attorneys' capabilities in this area.

Our attorneys assist businesses with incentive, tax, environmental, real estate, government relations, utilities and labor and employment issues. We evaluate the challenges individual businesses and organizations face to negotiate custom solutions that are both effective and cost-conscious. Our uniquely experienced economic development attorneys employ a multidisciplinary approach, coupling experience in multiple areas of legal practice with an understanding of tax, public and private finance, real estate development, administrative law, and government relations to provide clients with innovative and creative approaches to financing economic development projects.

Some solutions we have engineered for clients include ad valorem tax relief, tax strategies on franchises and sales taxes, economic development districts, economic development corporations, job programs, Enterprise Zone Programs, Federal Renewal Community Status, economic development programs and structures, cooperative endeavors, new markets tax credits, payroll tax rebates, equipment tax incentives, worker training programs, enterprise and community development zones, and infrastructure improvements, as well as federal funding and grant opportunities.

We work closely with in-house and other company counsel; consultants; division, parent, and subsidiary administrators; CEOs; CFOs; tax administrators; human resources personnel; engineers; architects; and financial advisers. Our longstanding relationships with state and local government officials, economic development officials, developers, and national economic development and site-selection consultants ensure results in negotiating cooperative endeavors and achieving private-public partnerships.

Our firm has assisted many businesses and industries in negotiating with and securing attractive incentive packages from all levels of government. These packages provide significant benefits to businesses, including job training costs, facility development, tax reductions, and cash rebates and expenses for infrastructure improvements, such as roads and utilities.

News

• Hines Named to Transition New Orleans Economic Development Task Force
• 10/12 Magazine Profiles SRC and Members Hines, Chenevert
• Landry Highlighted in Business Report's "10 Questions," Quoted on Law Firm Growth
• Charles Landry Discusses Smart Growth in Baton Rouge Business Report

Events

• "Economic Development Financing in Louisiana"
• Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX) Smart Growth Summit
• "The State of Real Estate in Louisiana: Can You Finance Your Project?"
• "Economic Development Financing"

Publications

• Jones Walker Overview of 2008 Louisiana State Legislature Regular and Extraordinary Sessions
  Jones Walker, July 3, 2008