News Summary

The Shreveport City Council is set to vote on repealing several outdated ordinances, including regulations on astrology and sidewalk maintenance. City Attorney Marcus Edwards stresses the importance of modernizing local laws to build trust and prevent enforcement issues. The proposed changes aim to align the city’s regulations with contemporary practices while addressing pressing public safety concerns amid rising crime rates. Officials believe the repeal will have minimal impact on daily life as many of the ordinances have not been enforced for years.

Shreveport City Council to Repeal Outdated Ordinances

The City of Shreveport is set to vote on the repeal of several outdated ordinances on June 24, 2025, as part of an initiative to modernize the city’s code of ordinances. Among the proposed repeal items are provisions regulating practices like astrology and sidewalk maintenance.

City Attorney Marcus Edwards emphasized that updating the code is crucial for fostering trust with citizens and preventing potential litigation and enforcement issues that stem from outdated regulations. He indicated that cleaner, more relevant legislation helps ensure the city operates smoothly and aligns with contemporary practices and concerns.

Details of the Proposed Repeals

Four specific ordinances are under consideration for repeal:

• The “employee achievement and recognition program,” which has not been utilized in 30 years and incentivized city workers to suggest cost-effective practices.
• Sections 42-126 and 42-127, which require astrology and similar practitioners to obtain a permit and provide a $1,000 surety bond to operate legally in Shreveport.
• Section 42-279 also mandates a $1,000 surety bond for photographers, though this requirement has not been enforced for years.
• Sections 137 and 138 impose sidewalk maintenance requirements on property owners, demanding that they sweep sidewalks daily, yet these mandates have become outdated and are not actively enforced.

Officials maintain that repealing these ordinances is unlikely to substantially impact the daily lives of Shreveport residents, given that many of the regulations have been dormant for decades.

Broader Context and Public Safety Concerns

As the city prepares to modernize its ordinances, Shreveport is concurrently grappling with rising crime rates, particularly an increase in shootings. This has sparked discussions within the City Council regarding enhanced surveillance measures in key areas, including the vicinity of the “Psychic Corner.” The council is evaluating the placement of surveillance trailers to monitor potential crime hotspots more effectively.

Currently, there are three surveillance trailers deployed in the city, which cost between $37,000 and $40,000 each. These trailers are funded through the public safety fund, but their effectiveness in deterring crime, especially during public events such as summer festivals, remains a matter of debate among council members.

Furthermore, the city is facing a worrying trend with rising instances of domestic violence. In response, officials are considering establishing a multijurisdictional operation aimed at tackling pressing public safety concerns in a more collaborative manner.

Historical Relevance of the Ordinances

The ordinance regulating astrology and related practices has been particularly noteworthy given its long-standing non-enforcement status. Originally instituted to manage certain alternative practices, its repeal encapsulates a broader shift towards eliminating regulations that no longer make sense within the current cultural and operational framework. Likewise, the sidewalk maintenance requirements reflect outdated expectations and practices that the city no longer maintains.

In summary, Shreveport’s upcoming City Council vote to repeal archaic ordinances marks a step toward aligning local laws with the current needs and realities of the community, while also addressing more pressing public safety concerns in the area.

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Additional Resources

• Shreveport Bossier Advocate
• Wikipedia: Shreveport
• K945: Shreveport Psychic Corner
• Google Search: Shreveport City Council
• The Center Square
• Encyclopedia Britannica: City Council
• K945: Shreveport Iconic Downtown Business
• Google News: Shreveport Crime Rates

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.