News Summary
Shreveport leaders are strategizing the city’s economic future amidst sustainability concerns. Initiatives aim to enhance business conditions, streamline processes, and boost job creation, focusing on housing and the film sector. Key insights from a recent meeting revealed a positive job growth forecast, despite challenges like competitive pressures in gaming and tax policy uncertainties. Local collaboration is pivotal to attracting business and supporting recovery in the wake of pandemic job losses.
Shreveport is facing both challenges and opportunities as local leaders discuss the city’s economic future amid concerns about its sustainability. A recent economic meeting held on May 20, 2024, organized by the Broadmoor Neighborhood Association, focused on strategies to enhance the local economy and improve business conditions. The discussion included various initiatives aimed at fostering growth and job creation.
Bill Sabo, Shreveport’s economic development director, highlighted the city’s objective to streamline the business process. Key initiatives presented by Sabo included substantial efforts to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and increase accessibility to important information for businesses through online resources. Local development strategies also emphasize boosting housing availability downtown, augmenting grant opportunities for small businesses, and revitalizing the film and entertainment sector.
Collaboration between Sabo and Mayor Tom Arceneaux has been pivotal in addressing issues of blight and enhancing the aesthetics of neighborhoods, which local leaders believe is essential for attracting more businesses and residents. An increased sense of neighborhood pride is seen as a critical component in stimulating economic growth.
Dr. Loren C. Scott provided insights during the meeting by presenting a 2025/2026 economic outlook for the Shreveport-Bossier metropolitan area, which encompasses Caddo, Bossier, Webster, and DeSoto parishes. The area’s economic stability is precarious, heavily reliant on manufacturing jobs that render it vulnerable to national recessions.
Currently, there are approximately 176,400 non-farming jobs within the combined four-parish region. However, Webster Parish’s designation as a rural area beginning in 2025 will diminish the size of the metropolitan statistical area. Significant employers in the area include Fibrebond, which has 640 employees and around 360 contractors, playing a crucial role in the local job market.
Looking ahead, job growth appears positive, as forecasts indicate the Shreveport-Bossier area could gain around 5,300 jobs in the next two years. Predicted job contributors include established businesses such as Amazon, Troubled Muse Studios, Fibrebond, and SLB, the site of the former General Motors plant. According to forecasts, Shreveport-Bossier is set to rank fourth among nine Louisiana statistical areas in job creation.
Economic indicators also point towards an increase in natural gas prices, driven by heightened demand from liquefied natural gas exporters. Currently, there are $34 billion worth of natural gas projects active in the region, with an additional $160 billion proposed for the future. This trend is expected to bolster the local economy significantly.
Despite losing 22,300 jobs during the pandemic, which resulted in an unemployment rate as high as 12.4%, recovery in the Shreveport-Bossier area has progressed well. Current estimates suggest that recovery is at 95%, outpacing other regional areas like Lake Charles and New Orleans, which sit at 50% and 77% respectively.
However, concerns remain about potential competitive pressures from the newly planned Bossier Live! venue on existing gaming markets within Shreveport. Additionally, Fibrebond has indicated plans for significant expansion, and employment prospects are expected to grow at several local businesses.
Furthermore, Scott pointed out the possibility of more than 2,000 jobs emerging at the Port of Caddo-Bossier over the next two years, attributed to upcoming commercial projects. On the flip side, uncertainties surround the impact of potential changes in tax policies, particularly regarding the film industry and corporate franchise taxes.
Looking toward the future, data centers are seen as transformative opportunities for the region, potentially involving multi-billion dollar investments that could further stimulate economic growth.
In conclusion, while Shreveport grapples with the pressures of an uncertain economic environment, local leaders are actively pursuing a range of initiatives designed to foster job creation, stimulate growth, and enhance the overall economic landscape of the area.
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Additional Resources
- KTAL News: Shreveport Economy Stagnant 2025
- KSLA: Shreveport’s Economic Development Director Discusses Changes
- KTBS: Local Economy Muddling Through So Far in 2025
- Shreveport Times: Economic Outlook for North Louisiana 2025-2026
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Economist Says Shreveport-Bossier Poised for Good Things
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.
