If you build the jobs, will the workers come?

On this week’s episode, we’re talking about jobs on their way to the Gulf South.

Space Command is coming to Alabama and Hyundai is setting up in Louisiana. What’s not so clear, though, is who is going to get those jobs.

We talk with economic mobility reporter Stephan Bisaha about why Americans are less likely to move for work these days, and what the Georgia battery plant immigration raid means for Hyundai’s Louisiana plans.

This episode is hosted by Ryan Vasquez. The podcast is produced by Drew Hawkins, Kat Stromquist, Elise Gregg and Orlando Flores Jr. Nellie Beckett is our community engagement producer. Joseph King is our social producer. Our theme music is by DJ Supreme.

To get in touch with the team, email connect@gulfstatesnewsroom.org.

And support our local station partners by donating to WWNO, MPB, or WBHM.

READ MORE:

Economy

Space Command is moving jobs to Huntsville. Will workers move with it?

Stephan Bisaha

An Inspector General’s report last year revealed Space Command leadership worried civilian workers would not relocate to Alabama.

Listen • 4:14

WWNO

Louisiana nabs Hyundai’s first US-based steel mill as part of $21B investment

Stephan Bisaha

President Donald Trump touted the $5.8 billion manufacturing facility’s announcement as proof that his plan to impose tariffs on other countries is working.