July 12, 2025

Shreveport Businessman Launches Downtown Sentiment Survey

News Summary

Bob Thames, a Shreveport businessman, has initiated a sentiment survey to enhance community engagement in downtown Shreveport. The survey seeks feedback from residents and visitors about their experiences and suggestions for improvement. Thames aims to collect between 1,000 and 10,000 responses in hopes of creating a more vibrant and appealing downtown atmosphere. The initiative reflects local sentiment and aims to strengthen community ties, improve amenities, and develop a lively urban environment.

Shreveport Businessman Bob Thames Launches Downtown Sentiment Survey to Foster Community Engagement

Shreveport, La., has become the center of a new initiative aimed at enhancing community engagement and improving the local downtown area. Businessman Bob Thames, co-founder of Single Source Business Solutions, launched a sentiment survey on July 8, 2025, to gather input from residents and visitors about their experiences in and perceptions of downtown Shreveport.

Since its launch, the survey has generated over 100 responses in a short period. Thames has set an ambitious goal of collecting a total of anywhere between 1,000 to 10,000 responses over the next month. He believes that the feedback will help identify what residents and visitors appreciate about downtown Shreveport, as well as what could encourage more frequent visits.

Survey Details and Goals

The survey includes questions focused on various aspects of the downtown experience, including the frequency of visits, the reasons for visiting, and suggestions for improvements. Respondents also have the opportunity to express their desires for specific types of businesses, their thoughts on living downtown, and why some past residents may have moved away.

Thames has designed the survey to be comprehensive, even allowing participants to share additional feedback and ideas. The initiative seeks not only to improve the downtown atmosphere but also to establish a stronger sense of community among inhabitants and business owners.

Understanding Local Sentiment

Initial feedback from the survey suggests that there is a perception among respondents that public opinions regarding downtown Shreveport are often overlooked. Thames emphasizes the importance of local officials being aware of the resources available in the downtown area to better cater to visitors and residents alike.

The responses received thus far reflect a varied demographic, with participants ranging in age from 18 to 64, predominantly featuring Millennials aged 35 to 44. Key themes within the responses indicate an expressed interest in more dining options, retail opportunities, and recreational activities in the area. However, concerns regarding parking availability, safety issues related to crime, and the overall walkability of downtown have also been highlighted by several respondents.

Thames’s Vision for Downtown Shreveport

Thames has a personal investment in downtown Shreveport, currently leasing a location at the Andress Center, situated at 717 Crockett St. He aims to ultimately own a building and reside in downtown, viewing the area as “the heart of the city.” His vision is to elevate downtown Shreveport’s significance in the community, enhancing its appeal and fostering a lively urban environment.

He notes that improving downtown is not solely about increasing the number of residents but enhancing the quality of life in the area through better amenities, cleanliness, and entertainment options. The ultimate goal is to create a vibrant nightlife that attracts both locals and visitors.

Next Steps and Community Involvement

The survey will remain open for one month, during which Thames invites everyone to contribute their insights and aspirations regarding downtown Shreveport. The findings will be compiled and made public, with plans to share the results with key stakeholders to assist in shaping future developments and improvements in the area.

Through this initiative, Thames hopes to leverage existing resources in downtown Shreveport to boost the overall experience for all who live, work, and visit this critical part of the city.

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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.

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