Shreveport, LA, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport has experienced a significant $153 million increase in spending over the past five years, raising concerns regarding the city’s financial management. Recent reports reveal that while expenditures have surged to $507 million, revenues have only modestly increased. Highlights include a drastic drop in federal funding and ongoing fiscal issues flagged in audits, prompting city officials to implement corrective measures, including budget adjustments and dedicated resources to monitor expenditures.
Shreveport has witnessed a striking $153 million increase in spending over the past five years across all major funds, raising pressing concerns over the city’s financial management. Recent financial reports indicate that while spending has surged since 2020, revenues have only increased at a slower pace, leading to significant fiscal challenges.
In 2020, Shreveport’s total revenue from the general fund was $201 million, along with $139 million from the nongeneral fund major revenue, bringing the total to $340 million. That same year, expenditures across all city funds reached $354 million. However, spending has escalated sharply since then, climbing to $425 million in 2021, which included $233 million from general fund expenses. Conversely, revenue in 2021 showed only modest growth, with $235 million reported from the general fund and $160 million from the nongeneral fund major revenue.
The financial situation worsened in 2022 when total expenses hit a peak of $507 million, with $286 million attributed to the general fund. Spending decreased slightly to $484 million in 2023 but rebounded to $507 million in 2024. This pattern of fluctuating expenditures comes amid a growing budget, which has expanded from $498 million in 2020 to a planned $670 million in 2025, peaking at $692 million for 2024.
One of the critical factors influencing Shreveport’s fiscal environment is a notable drop in federal funding. In 2024, the city’s audit revealed a drastic decline in federal contributions, plummeting from $286 million in 2023 to only $54 million. As a result, the city received a modified opinion from auditors regarding federal recovery funds due to various oversight issues, including late healthcare filing penalties and uncollected property liens.
Concerns expressed by city officials include multiple issues flagged by auditors, such as negative fund balances, payroll lapses, and a significant proportion of city employees who have not completed state-mandated ethics training. Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dark acknowledged ongoing issues but highlighted measures being taken to address these problems, including the allocation of an intern dedicated to tracking police and fire leave.
Despite these challenges, Shreveport’s assets increased by $55 million last year. However, liabilities also rose significantly by $44.6 million, largely due to bond debt and ongoing litigation claims. The city’s 2024 audit also noted penalties from the IRS concerning late healthcare filings and highlighted continuing fiscal issues within the water and sewer system.
Shreveport’s Mayor Tom Arceneaux reported that by the end of 2024, the city maintained a general operating reserve of $29 million. The 2025 budget appears close to being balanced, reflecting a healthy reserve of 8 percent of the operating budget. However, city officials faced disappointment as 2024 sales tax revenues did not meet expectations, resulting in necessary budget adjustments.
To navigate these financial challenges, Shreveport utilized American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds in 2024 but exhausted them, which has prompted careful prioritization for the 2025 budget. Additionally, voters approved three capital bond propositions totaling $256.1 million in April 2024 for necessary infrastructure projects. The city successfully sold initial bonds for $88 million in 2024, securing a favorable interest rate of 4.598%.
On a brighter note, in 2024, Shreveport experienced a significant drop in crime rates, particularly homicides, compared to 2023. This decrease may reflect the city’s ongoing efforts in safety and law enforcement, although long-term fiscal sustainability remains a pressing concern.
FAQ
What is the total increase in Shreveport’s spending over the last five years?
Shreveport has experienced a $153 million increase in spending over the last five years across all major funds.
How much did Shreveport spend in 2022?
Total expenses reached $507 million in 2022, with $286 million coming from the general fund.
What significant financial issues did Shreveport’s audit reveal?
The audit flagged concerns including late healthcare filing penalties, negative fund balances, payroll lapses, and uncollected property liens.
What was the outcome regarding the federal funding in 2024?
In 2024, the audit revealed a major drop in federal funding from $286 million in 2023 to $54 million in 2024.
What measures is Shreveport taking to improve its financial situation?
The city is implementing measures to address financial issues, including dedicating an intern to track police and fire leave.
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Additional Resources
- Black Chronicle: Shreveport City Expenses Show $153M Increase Over Five-Year Period
- Wikipedia: Shreveport, Louisiana
- KTBS: Spending Millions Collecting Pennies, Shreveport’s Audit Woes
- Google Search: Shreveport City Budget Deficit
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Shreveport’s Attempt to Cut $4M from 2025 Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport
- KTAL News: City of Shreveport Faces Budget Deficit in 2025
- Google News: Shreveport City Audit
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.
