Shreveport, August 31, 2025
News Summary
The Shreveport City Council has approved significant budget amendments for community development and public safety. Ordinance 27 reflects allocations from emergency funds, while Ordinance 30 adds $200,000 to the Airport Maintenance Equipment project. However, Ordinance 33 remains pending due to additional state funding required for the Choice Neighborhood Park. These amendments aim to bolster public safety and support city infrastructure amidst financial challenges.
Shreveport, LA – The Shreveport City Council convened recently to discuss significant amendments to the budget for the 2025 fiscal year, resulting in the approval of two ordinances and the postponement of a third until June 10. These decisions are essential as they affect the funding for community development, capital improvements, and public safety initiatives.
The council passed Ordinance 27, which amends the 2025 Community Development Special Revenue Budget to reflect allocations from the Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Emergency Solutions Grant fund. This ordinance received strong support, with seven votes in favor. Ordinance 30 was also approved, which restructured the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget by adding $200,000 to the Airport Maintenance Equipment project. This was made possible through a $235,000 increase in federal funding from the FAA and a $35,000 decrease in state funding.
However, Ordinance 33, related to the Capital Projects Fund Budget for the Choice Neighborhood Park, remains pending. The city awaits additional funding from the state, which has allocated an extra $150,000 in State Capital Outlay funding for this project. According to the rules, this ordinance cannot be adopted until after June 10.
The budget amendments come amid ongoing financial challenges within the city. Outside of government funding, Shreveport’s anticipated operating reserve is projected at $22.5 million by the end of 2024. Mayor Tom Arceneaux reported that the city’s fiscal health relies heavily on fluctuating sales tax revenues while federal funds continue to decrease. To maintain service levels, the budget has included provisions for increasing salaries, particularly for first responders like police and firefighters, amidst a pressing need for more personnel due to high crime rates.
For context, in recent years, Shreveport has dealt with numerous hardships, including natural disasters that have complicated service delivery and public safety efforts. The city faced a grim crime record, reporting 74 homicides in 2023, largely attributed to personal disputes and retaliatory violence. The police department is currently down about 150 officers, prompting the budget to incorporate hiring incentives, such as $7,200 bonuses for new hires.
The city council has introduced a Citizens Capital Improvement Committee tasked with recommending projects for capital funding. The city council will finalize the funding amounts for proposed capital projects based on these recommendations, further shaping the city’s development trajectory.
In summary, the Shreveport City Council’s recent actions address both immediate budgetary needs and long-term funding strategies for essential community projects, with a focus on maintaining public safety and improving city infrastructure.
FAQ
What ordinances were passed by the Shreveport City Council?
Two ordinances, namely Ordinance 27 and Ordinance 30, were approved. Ordinance 27 amends the Community Development Special Revenue Budget, and Ordinance 30 amends the Capital Improvements Budget to include additional funding for airport maintenance.
What is the status of Ordinance 33?
Ordinance 33, associated with the Choice Neighborhood Park project, remains pending and cannot be adopted before June 10 due to additional state funding requirements.
How will the budget amendments impact public safety in Shreveport?
The amendments include salary increases for city employees, particularly for police and firefighters, as Shreveport’s police department is short about 150 officers.
What are the projected financial reserves for the end of 2024?
The anticipated operating reserve for Shreveport at the end of 2024 is expected to be $22.5 million.
What challenges is Shreveport facing in terms of crime and public funding?
Shreveport experienced 74 homicides in 2023, largely driven by personal disputes, complicated by a shortage of police officers and limited federal funds.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport Police Department Opens New West Substation
Construction of New State Office Building Begins in Shreveport
Shaquille O’Neal Named King of the Krewe of Bacchus
Senator Alex Padilla Considers Run for California Governor
Shreveport Police Successfully Use Drones to Apprehend Suspect
Shreveport Leaders Push Back Against Newsom’s Crime Claims
Shreveport Officials Push Back Against Newsom’s Crime Claims
Shreveport Officials Respond to Governor Newsom’s Crime Comments
Shreveport Officials Defend Against Governor Newsom’s Crime Claims
Shreveport Police Investigate Fatal Shooting Incident
Additional Resources
- AOL: Shreveport City Council Looks to Amend Budget
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: State of the City Report
- Google Search: Shreveport City Council
- KTBS: City of Shreveport Top 10 Salaries
- Google Scholar: Shreveport Budget Amendments
- Shreveport Times: DNA Match Skull Found in Louisiana Woods
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport
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.
