Jobs & Economy in Monroe
Monroe's economy runs on a real, distinctive telecommunications-industry legacy, anchored further by a major university and hospital system.
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Learn moreLumen Technologies' real founding roots
What is now Lumen Technologies (formerly CenturyLink) traces its founding roots directly to Monroe, incorporated here in 1930 -- a genuine, distinctive corporate legacy.
ULM and CHRISTUS St. Francis Medical Center
The University of Louisiana Monroe enrolled approximately 8,678 students in fall 2025 (including ~1,680 graduate students), alongside CHRISTUS St. Francis Medical Center as a major local hospital employer.
A real, current economic-development push
Ouachita Parish was selected in 2026 for the state's FastSite program, with Louisiana Economic Development funding site preparation at the 130+-acre South Monroe Industrial Park to recruit larger employers.
Key takeaways
- Lumen Technologies' (formerly CenturyLink) founding roots trace directly to Monroe (1930).
- ULM (~8,678 students) and CHRISTUS St. Francis Medical Center anchor Monroe's local economy.
- Ouachita Parish's 2026 FastSite selection funds new industrial-park site preparation to recruit larger employers.
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