Shreveport Mayor Proposes Blight Surcharge in Budget

Shreveport, October 3, 2025

News Summary

Mayor Tom Arceneaux has unveiled a proposed blight surcharge of 2% on sewer and water bills to raise $3 million for demolishing unsafe buildings in Shreveport. This measure is part of a $709.4 million budget with a 3.7% increase from the previous year. The surcharge is designed to help combat blight in the city, though some council members have voiced concerns about the impact on residents. The City Council has until December 15 to approve the budget and potential surcharges.

Shreveport – Mayor Tom Arceneaux has proposed a new 2% blight surcharge on all sewer and water bills as part of his proposed 2026 budget submitted on October 1, 2025. This surcharge is intended to generate approximately $3 million over the next 18 months to fund the demolition of blighted apartments and unsafe buildings throughout the city.

The complete proposed budget for 2026 allocates $709.4 million in spending, a 3.7% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the capital improvements budget exceeds $1.1 billion, with $34.3 million earmarked for new projects. The blight surcharge is designed to last for 18 months, after which future decisions regarding funding and blight management will lie with the next council and mayor.

Mayor Arceneaux emphasized that tackling the issue of blight is critical as it affects all neighborhoods, potentially leading to reduced property values and increased crime. He indicated confidence in the direction the city is heading, particularly in terms of collaboration with both city council members and the community at large.

Opposition to the proposed surcharge has emerged from Councilmen Grayson Boucher and Alan Jackson. They raised concerns about penalizing taxpayers when the issues stem from property owners’ negligence and highlighted existing water quality problems. Boucher advocated for exploring alternative funding solutions that would not burden residents.

Meanwhile, Council President Tabatha Taylor and Councilman Gary Brooks continue to review the surcharge proposal without making any commitments to support or oppose it. Should the surcharge be approved, demolition efforts could commence as early as early 2026.

In a related development, Governor Jeff Landry has requested that National Guard troops be deployed to multiple Louisiana cities, including Shreveport. Mayor Arceneaux noted that crime rates in the city have seen a downward trend over the past two years, with violent crime decreasing by 10% in 2025 and murders reduced by over 20%. Ongoing discussions among local officials are considering the implications of the National Guard presence on community trust in law enforcement.

Public reaction regarding the potential deployment of the National Guard has been mixed. Some residents view it as a necessary measure, while others express concerns that it may harm the relationship between the police and the community.

The Shreveport City Council faces a December 15 deadline to approve the budget and associated surcharges.

Budget Overview

• Total Proposed Budget: $709.4 million
• Increase from 2025: 3.7%
• Capital Improvements Budget: Over $1.1 billion
• New Projects Allocated: $34.3 million

Blight Surcharge Details

• Surcharge Rate: 2% on sewer and water bills
• Projected Revenue: $3 million over 18 months
• Demolition Initiatives: Focus on blighted apartments and unsafe buildings
• Duration: Designed to expire after 18 months

Crime Trends and National Guard Discussion

• Violent Crime Decrease: 10% in 2025
• Murder Rate Decrease: Over 20%
• Governor’s Request: Deployment of National Guard to Shreveport among other cities

City Council Timeline

• Approval Deadline: December 15 for budget and surcharges

FAQ Section

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Shreveport Bossier Advocate
• KSLA
• 710 KEEL
• Shreveport Times
• KTBS
• Wikipedia: Shreveport
• Google Search: Shreveport crime trends
• Google Scholar: Shreveport blight surcharge
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport Louisiana
• Google News: Shreveport 2026 budget

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.