(The Center Square) — The Shreveport City Council meets this week to discuss potential budget amendments and hold a public hearing on the new Film and Entertainment Gateway Economic Development District.
The public hearing on Ordinance 97A concerns the newest economic development district downtown. The council voted in favor of the district in September, after Bond Attorney Mike Busada verified that it wouldn’t cost taxpayers anything additional outside of the district boundaries. The additional tax only applies to purchases made within the district.
Now, the council has made adjustments. Citizens can voice their concerns to the council during Tuesday’s public hearing on the Economic Development District.
Final passage takes place following the public hearing on the matter.
The city council agenda is packed with nine resolutions for final passage or only require one reading, including the two-year grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies totaling $400,000 to help Providence House construct new modular housing for homeless families.
If adopted, Providence House will fundraise the additional money needed for the $3 million project.
There are a few ordinances that can’t be adopted before Nov. 21 concerning the 2025 budget amendments.
Of the 2025 budget amendments, two concern the General Fund, one amends the Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund, another amends the Economic Development District “F” Special Revenue Fund and two amend the Capital Improvements Budget.
Ordinances 104, 105, 106 and 107 are up for final reading to amend the 2025 Capital Projects Fund Budget for Independence Stadium and Bayou Pierre, the Capital Improvements Budget for the Police Headquarters and the Metropolitan Planning Commission Special Revenue Fund Budget.
The council previously tabled the 2026 budget, so it is unclear if they plan to address it during Tuesday’s council meeting.
