Shreveport stakeholder meeting focused on downtown development

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — The downtown development authority and Shreveport police held a stakeholder meeting aimed at tackling long-standing issues impacting the heart of downtown.

Wednesday’s stakeholder meeting brought together downtown property owners, business leaders, and city officials for an open discussion on issues facing downtown. Public safety was top of mind.

Shreveport’s police chief says data points to crime being down year-over-year.

“Real-time, they can take that to the bank that this was current up to date and these—this is the exact information that report to the FBI. That’s Shreveport’s report card when it comes to crime. So they know date to date what’s happening in their community,” said Chief Wayne Smith.

Local business owners voiced their concerns and expressed gratitude for improvements, but they called for a more consistent police presence.

“We’ve gotten new lighting in our area that’s helped certain scenario, but I think that that missing piece is definitely police presence, and it’s got to be every day,” Chase Boytim, local business owner, said.

Homelessness, cleanliness, and business development were also discussed. The DDA says these honest conversations are needed for unified action.

“Being open, being transparent, being willing to accept unfiltered feedback and comments from this downtown constituency and let them know that we’re listening… And that we’re going to be proactively, not reactively, but proactively addressing those issues,” said Cedric Glover.

“So when we hear those, unfiltered concerns, we can address those,” said Sheriff Henry Whitehorn.