Shreveport, LA, September 29, 2025
News Summary
The Shreveport City Council has approved the creation of the Film and Entertainment Gateway Economic Development District to boost local economy and support film productions, notably by rapper 50 Cent. The district will impose a 2% tax on properties, impacting not residents but those making purchases within the area. Despite setbacks from flooding issues, G-Unit Studios aims to produce local projects, emphasizing economic growth and cultural heritage in downtown Shreveport.
Shreveport, LA – The Shreveport City Council has taken a significant step towards revitalizing the local economy by approving the creation of the Film and Entertainment Gateway Economic Development District, which aims to support production projects led by rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. The district will impose a 2% tax on all properties within its boundaries, which includes areas owned or leased by Jackson’s G-Unit Film & Television. Importantly, this new tax will not require local residents to pay unless they make purchases within the district.
In a major development for local film production, G-Unit Film & Television signed a 30-year lease on the former Millennium Studios in 2024, renaming it G-Unit Studios. This studio, which boasts a sprawling 985,000 square feet, is now recognized as the second-largest Black-owned studio in the United States, following Tyler Perry’s studio. Additionally, 50 Cent has invested $2.4 million in downtown Shreveport’s real estate market, positioning himself as one of the largest property owners in the area.
However, efforts to commence production at G-Unit Studios have faced setbacks due to flooding issues attributed to the city’s inadequate drainage systems. Shreveport’s Chief Administrative Officer highlighted that officials are prioritizing drainage improvements to ensure production can resume without interruption. Currently, the studio is in the process of developing a new show titled “Shreveport Justice,” which will prominently feature local law enforcement and the sheriff’s office.
The city’s initiative seeks to enhance economic growth and attract more entertainment projects to the region. Councilman James Green has pointed out the importance of addressing the flooding problems before making further investments in production facilities, emphasizing a careful approach to resource allocation. Shreveport officials are actively working on strategies to manage drainage around G-Unit Studios to mitigate the risk of future flooding.
In a public council meeting that concluded with a unanimous 6-0 vote, the establishment of the economic development district was confirmed. The revenue generated from the 2% sales tax will be allocated to fund various economic development projects within the district. This localized tax is designed to minimize the financial load on Shreveport residents while simultaneously promoting film and television production.
Local residents and business owners have largely expressed their support for the initiative, believing it will stimulate economic activity in downtown Shreveport. Some community members have suggested renaming the entertainment district as the Sam Cooke Cultural Arts District in honor of the city’s rich cultural history. City officials are also engaged in discussions about how to integrate longtime downtown business owners into the broader redevelopment strategy.
In summary, the collaboration between private investment and public policy represents a unique opportunity for Shreveport to revitalize its downtown area, drawing on both local cultural heritage and the growing entertainment industry.
Key Features of the Initiative:
- Creation of the Film and Entertainment Gateway Economic Development District
- 2% tax on properties within the district, without imposing new taxes on local residents
- G-Unit Studios, formerly Millennium Studios, now the second-largest Black-owned studio in the U.S.
- Future production of “Shreveport Justice” showcasing local law enforcement
- Focus on addressing flooding issues for continuous production
- Unanimous council support for economic development efforts
- What is the purpose of the Film and Entertainment Gateway Economic Development District?
- To support production projects led by rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
- What tax is applied within the district?
- A 2% tax is imposed on all properties within the district but will not affect local residents unless they make purchases in the area.
- What is G-Unit Studios?
- It is the former Millennium Studios, now owned by 50 Cent, covering 985,000 square feet and recognized as the second-largest Black-owned studio in the U.S.
- What show is currently in development at G-Unit Studios?
- “Shreveport Justice,” which will highlight local law enforcement and the sheriff’s office.
- What has caused delays in production at G-Unit Studios?
- Flooding issues due to the city’s poor drainage systems.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Shreveport Partners with 50 Cent for Downtown Redevelopment
50 Cent Invests $50 Million to Boost Shreveport’s Entertainment Scene
Shreveport to Emerge as New Film Hub Thanks to Major Investment
Shreveport Council to Vote on Downtown Entertainment District
Strand Theatre Prepares for Landmark Centennial Celebration
UK Retail Sales Surge Amid ONS Data Issues
Shreveport Welcomes G-Unit’s Economic Expansion Plans
Additional Resources
- AfroTech: 50 Cent Ventures in Shreveport
- KTAL News: Shreveport Downtown Rebirth Project
- Shreveport Times: Economic District for 50 Cent’s Properties
- Vibe: 50 Cent’s Louisiana Entertainment District
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- Google Search: Shreveport Economic Development
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.
