News Summary
A town hall meeting in Shreveport focused on issues such as crime reduction, homelessness, and property vacancies. Local leaders discussed safety measures and community collaboration to revitalize the area. Law enforcement officials reported a decline in crime rates, while businesses expressed concerns over homelessness affecting public safety. Innovative solutions and revitalization plans were also proposed to address the economic challenges faced by downtown Shreveport.
Shreveport – A town hall meeting held on June 18, 2025, addressed significant challenges facing downtown Shreveport, including crime reduction, homelessness, and property vacancies. The forum provided a platform for local business owners, law enforcement officials, and community stakeholders to express their concerns and propose potential solutions.
Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr. and Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith were prominent speakers at the event, emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve public safety. Chief Wayne Smith reported a decrease in overall crime statistics, with calls for service in the downtown area dropping from 250 in 2024 to 153 in 2025. The city has established a Real Time Crime Center, which currently monitors 70 cameras in the downtown region and has access to over 400 additional feeds from local businesses to bolster security measures.
During the meeting, Sheriff Whitehorn highlighted the importance of community safety and crime prevention, explaining that the use of surveillance cameras is intended to protect residents and visitors rather than invade their privacy. Despite these advancements, business owners in the area shared ongoing struggles with homelessness, which they believe affects public safety and the customer experience.
Local business owner William O’Brien shared insights into aggressive encounters between tenants and homeless individuals, attributing these issues to underlying mental health disorders and substance abuse. Christa Hawkins, executive director of HOPE Connections, acknowledged the challenges posed by homelessness but clarified that not all panhandlers in the area are homeless. A recent study conducted by her organization identified 37 panhandlers in downtown Shreveport, of which only two were classified as homeless.
To help address the situation, Hawkins provided information cards for community members to distribute to panhandlers. These cards outlined available services in Shreveport, encouraging individuals to seek help rather than providing direct financial assistance. Innovative marketing strategies were also discussed, including a plan to introduce a car air freshener featuring a QR code. This QR code would allow passersby to report the locations of homeless individuals directly to HOPE Connections.
Addressing the issue of property vacancies, Mark Sealy of Sealy & Co. discussed the long-term economic decline of downtown Shreveport. He attributed the downturn to the exodus of major industries and highlighted the necessity for a revitalization plan. Currently, many office buildings in downtown require at least 70% occupancy to remain financially viable. The discussion turned notably urgent with the upcoming auction of the former CenterPoint office building at 525 Milam Street on July 7, which follows a trend of distressed properties in the area.
However, proposals to convert commercial office spaces into residential housing have met with skepticism. Studies suggest that approximately 75% of office buildings may not be suitable for such a transition, raising concerns about the feasibility of revitalizing the downtown landscape in this manner.
Cedric Glover, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority, emphasized the need for honest dialogue regarding the challenges faced by downtown Shreveport and the development of viable solutions. The town hall allowed community stakeholders to voice their thoughts and suggestions, indicating a strong community desire for collective action in addressing these pressing issues.
Overall, the meeting underscored the critical necessity for ongoing communication and collaboration among stakeholders to facilitate economic growth and improve downtown conditions. The involvement of local authorities and community organizations aims to create a more revitalized and secure downtown Shreveport, making it a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
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Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
