Shreveport, LA, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Bonnie Moore, Shreveport’s Community Development Director, has retired after 22 years of dedicated service. Known for her behind-the-scenes efforts, she was honored with a surprise retirement party organized by friends and colleagues. Moore focused on housing, workforce development, and socioeconomic issues during her tenure, earning recognition for her role in combating homelessness and supporting community development. Verni Howard has been appointed as her successor, bringing extensive experience to the role.
Shreveport Community Development Director Bonnie Moore Retires After 22 Years of Service
Shreveport’s Community Development Director, Bonnie Moore, has officially retired after serving for 22 years in her role. Moore, who has always preferred to work behind the scenes and remained soft-spoken, did not seek a grand farewell, but friends and colleagues organized a surprise retirement party to celebrate her extensive contributions to the city.
During her tenure, Moore focused on critical areas including housing, workforce development, and socioeconomic development. She was a significant contributor to a coalition targeting homelessness, where she helped create a successful model in the late 1980s. Moore’s efforts in combating homelessness earned her recognition from Dock Voorhies Jr., who credited her with making drastic improvements in this area.
Former Shreveport Mayor Keith Hightower had previously endorsed Moore for the position, claiming she had the ability to perform miracles in community development. Moore’s philosophy revolved around rebuilding neighborhoods, executing her initiatives block by block.
Among her notable accomplishments was her pivotal role in the acquisition of Millennium Studios, a significant project that transformed the site into a workplace development resource center during former Mayor Adrian Perkins’s administration. The agreement with rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is projected to generate millions in revenue for Shreveport.
Shreveport City Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor praised Moore for her emergency work, particularly her interventions regarding uninhabitable apartment complexes. The impetus for Moore’s dedication to the homeless population stemmed from her personal experiences with homelessness, underscoring her commitment to community service and involvement.
Following Moore’s departure, Verni Howard has been selected to take over her position as the new Director of Community Development. Howard brings extensive experience, having previously served as the Executive Director of Providence House, and holds a master’s degree in public administration from LSU, alongside over 25 years of experience in banking and the non-profit sector. She is also active on the Board of Directors for the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and participates in the Harvard Bloomberg City Leadership Initiative.
Moore expressed that her successor should carry her unique vision rather than simply imitating her approach. Howard’s nomination is pending approval from the Shreveport City Council, with a potential start date set for April 16.
Summary of Key Contributions and Transition
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Community Development Director for Shreveport |
| Years of Service | 22 years |
| Main Focus Areas | Housing, Workforce Development, Socioeconomic Development |
| Key Accomplishments | Addressed homelessness, acquisition of Millennium Studios |
| Successor | Verni Howard |
| Successor’s Background | Former Executive Director of Providence House, experience in banking and non-profit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bonnie Moore?
Bonnie Moore has retired from her role as the Community Development Director for the City of Shreveport.
How long did Bonnie Moore serve?
Moore worked for 22 years as the community development director.
What were Bonnie Moore’s main focus areas?
Moore focused on housing, workforce development, and socioeconomic development.
Who will replace Bonnie Moore?
Verni Howard has been selected to replace Moore as the new Director of Community Development.
What background does Verni Howard have?
Howard has extensive experience, including past leadership as the Executive Director of Providence House.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: Shreveport Community Development Director Bonnie Moore Retires
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Old Shreveport Bank Building Will Be Sold Soon at Sealed Bid
- Shreveport Times: Shreveport Mayor Selects New Director of Community Development
- KTAL News: Shreveport Residents Urge Housing Funds
- KTBS: Shreveport Mayor Appoints Verni Howard as Director of Community Development
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- Google Search: Shreveport Community Development
- Google Scholar: Community Development Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport
- Google News: Shreveport 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.
