Shreveport, LA, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Mayor Tom Arceneaux has put forward a $709.4 million operating budget and a $1.1 billion capital improvements budget for Shreveport. This proposal represents a 3.7% increase from last year and allocates over $34.3 million for new projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and public services. Additionally, a 2% blight surcharge on water and sewer bills is proposed to generate funds for demolishing blighted properties. The City Council will review these proposals over the coming months with public hearings planned for community input.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux has proposed a $709.4 million operating budget and a $1.1 billion capital improvements budget for the year 2026. The proposal was submitted to the City Council on October 1 and signifies a 3.7% increase from the operating budget of 2025.
The capital improvements budget includes over $34.3 million set aside for new projects, which is expected to significantly enhance infrastructure and public services throughout the city. Mayor Arceneaux has focused on several key priorities in his budget message, emphasizing collaboration with the City Council and the citizens to foster community development.
One of the main objectives outlined by the Mayor is to continue decreasing major crime rates by working closely with the Shreveport Police Department. Another prominent focus is to advance bond issue-funded projects from previous years, particularly those from 2021 and 2024, moving them into construction and completion phases.
Additionally, the budget aims to address and redevelop blighted areas through strategies modeled after the 2025 Block-By-Block program. The Mayor also plans to streamline processes that improve business interactions with city government, thereby fostering economic development opportunities across Shreveport.
In maintaining fiscal responsibility, the proposed budget includes an 8% operating reserve in the city’s general fund. To support its initiatives focused on blight elimination, the budget proposal incorporates a 2% blight surcharge on all water and sewer bills, pending City Council approval. This surcharge is projected to generate $3 million over 18 months, which will specifically target the demolition of significant blighted properties, including abandoned apartment complexes.
Mayor Arceneaux has indicated that residents can expect a modest increase in their bills due to the surcharge, estimated to be about a dollar or two. The City Council is slated to review these budget proposals over the upcoming two months, with final approvals needed by December 15, 2025, to comply with legal deadlines.
In November, public hearings are scheduled to facilitate community feedback regarding the proposed surcharge, marking an effort to engage and consider local opinions. The Mayor has stressed the imperative to fund demolition efforts as a means to prevent crime and enhance the overall aesthetics of the city.
Key Budget Figures
- Proposed Operating Budget: $709.4 million
- Change from 2025: 3.7% increase
- Proposed Capital Improvements Budget: $1.1 billion
- New Projects Allocation: $34.3 million
- Projected Revenue from Blight Surcharge: $3 million
- Blight Surcharge Rate: 2%
Community Engagement
The commitment to public involvement is evident as budgetary discussions will unfold with the Shreveport City Council, aiming to ensure that citizen input is integrated into the city’s financial planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proposed operating budget for Shreveport in 2026?
The proposed operating budget for 2026 is $709.4 million, which represents a 3.7% increase from 2025.
What are the main focuses of the proposed budget?
Key priorities include decreasing major crime rates, advancing bond issue-funded projects, addressing blighted areas, improving business interactions, and fostering economic development.
What is the blight surcharge and how much will it cost residents?
The budget proposal incorporates a 2% blight surcharge on all water and sewer bills, anticipated to raise $3 million over 18 months, resulting in a modest increase in bills (about a dollar or two for residents).
When will the City Council review the budget proposals?
The City Council will review the budget proposals over the next two months, with final budgets needing to be adopted by December 15, 2025.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times: Mayor Arceneaux Submits 2026 Budget
- Wikipedia: City Budget
- KSLA: Mayor Arceneaux Shares Proposed Budget Plans
- Google Search: Shreveport budget 2026
- KTBS: Shreveport Mayor Presents Proposed Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Planning
- KTAL: Budget Proposal Includes Additional Fee for Demolitions
- Google News: 2026 Shreveport 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.
