The Shreveport Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has a tax renewal on the Nov. 3 ballot. Although the additional ad valorem tax only affects property in the designated downtown area, the renewal is voted upon by all Shreveport voters.
Cedric Glover-- former Shreveport council member, former Shreveport mayor, and former state representative—was appointed the DDA Executive Director in October of 2024, with a salary well over $100,000.
Many question what Glover and the DDA have accomplished to improve the downtown area, recruit and retain new business and building occupancy, and improve safety--both real and perceived.
The flight of businesses and employees from the downtown area has not stopped and has probably increased since Glover was appointed.
Glover and the DDA just launched an “Operation See, Sign, & Secure” initiative that includes signs outlining city ordinances against open containers, panhandling, and marijuana smoking, while promoting alternative outreach giving options in downtown Shreveport.
The new partnership brings together the Shreveport Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the City of Shreveport and several local supporting organizations to bolster the downtown corridor.
The new program will also feature a private security firm, reportedly hired for 90 days for $200,000, that will patrol the downtown area in ATVs. These post-certified personnel, two to a vehicle, will NOT have arrest powers and will only have very limited powers to detain lawbreakers before SPD personnel can arrive.
These units, with markings and lights are set to begin patrol on or about Oct. 1—as in tomorrow—and they will operate out of a Red River Entertainment District location provided by the City of Shreveport.
Since becoming the Executive Director there have been many widely reported incidents of downtown violence and it has taken Glover two years to come up with this plan that may not be renewed after a $200,000 expenditure and 90 days.
Glover, who is severely physically challenged and can barely walk a city block, has a well-earned reputation for poor work ethic, great oratory and few results. There is very little reason to consider this initiative more than window dressing launched at the last minute to save the ad valorem tax renewal on November 3 and Big-G’s job.
Further Settle Talk columns will review the details of this new plan.
