News Summary
Shreveport has launched the ‘Block by Block’ initiative, a program aimed at revitalizing communities by focusing on restoring neglected properties. Mayor Tom Arceneaux emphasizes community involvement, with canvassers collecting resident feedback to prioritize issues in specific neighborhoods. While some City Council members voice concerns over their lack of input in the steering committee, the initiative aims to enhance urban redevelopment through careful planning and local engagement. The first neighborhood sweep will take place in June, marking the beginning of targeted improvements throughout the city.
Shreveport has officially launched the “Block by Block” initiative aimed at combating neighborhood blight and revitalizing communities in the city. This comprehensive program, unveiled by Mayor Tom Arceneaux, focuses on restoring properties rather than tearing them down and will address specific neighborhoods one block at a time.
The “Block by Block” initiative is designed as a long-term strategy, not a temporary solution, and centers on neglected and vacant properties in high-need areas. It is part of an overarching plan developed with the assistance of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, indicating a structured approach to community improvements and urban revitalization.
Community involvement is a crucial element of the initiative. The program will depend on feedback from residents to prioritize neighborhood issues. Canvassers will conduct surveys throughout the city to collect data on residents’ priorities and to identify key challenges facing their neighborhoods. This participatory approach aims to ensure that local voices are heard and that initiatives reflect the community’s needs.
Despite the potential benefits of the initiative, some City Council members have expressed dissatisfaction regarding their lack of involvement in selecting members for the steering committee overseeing the project. Council members, such as Tabatha Taylor and Gary Brooks, have emphasized the importance of collaboration and participation for the initiative’s success. In response to these concerns, Mayor Arceneaux confirmed that the program will include collaboration with both community and civic leaders as it progresses.
The first neighborhood sweep under the “Block by Block” initiative is scheduled for June 21 in the Ingleside neighborhood at 8 a.m. Following this initial event, additional neighborhood sweeps will occur in various areas, including Highland on June 28, Queensborough on July 12, MLK on July 26, Cedar Grove on August 2, Allendale on August 9, Pines Road on August 16, Stoner Hill on August 23, Southern Hills on September 6, Mooretown on September 13, and Broadmoor on September 20. Each sweep will aim to address specific issues and improve local conditions.
The Shreveport Investment and Revitalization Authority (SIRA) will play a pivotal role in the Block by Block initiative, assisting in the return of vacant properties to active use and supporting overall neighborhood revitalization efforts. This aligns with the city’s goal of creating safer, livable, and more desirable communities.
Mayor Arceneaux highlighted the importance of aligning people with data and purpose to ensure the success of the “Block by Block” initiative. This structured approach, combined with community involvement, is expected to tackle key areas of concern and promote a proactive stance against blight in Shreveport.
As the city embarks on this significant endeavor, it seeks to transform neglected areas into vibrant neighborhoods, fostering a sense of pride and community among residents. The success of the “Block by Block” initiative could pave the way for a renewed focus on sustainable urban redevelopment in Shreveport, setting an example for other municipalities facing similar challenges.
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: Shreveport Launches Block by Block Initiative
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- KTAL: Shreveport Initiative Tackles Blight
- Google Search: Shreveport urban revitalization
- 710 KEEL: Shreveport Block by Block
- Google Scholar: Block by Block initiative Shreveport
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Block by Block Anti-Blight Initiative
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban revitalization
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.
