Shreveport’s Director of Economic Development Bill Sabo wants to help small businesses start up and existing businesses expand. That was his primary job at his last employment in Fort Smith Arkansas.
Council districts A and F have a great incentive for small business development. Each of these districts have TIFs (Tax Incentive Financing).
A TIF is a public financing tool that allows cities to fund infrastructure projects by using future increases in property taxes to generate new development within a defined area. Taxes are locked in the year the TIF is created and future gains in ad valorem taxes due to increased real estate value are deposited in the TIF trust fund.
Currently the TIF for District F has approximately $194 thousand in its trust fund. The estimated tax revenue for 2026 is $150 thousand. This would fund the operating reserve of this TIF by over $340 thousand.
Currently the District A TIF has $31,800 in its trust fund. The estimated 2026 tax revenue of $30,000 will build the TIF’s operating reserve to over $61 thousand.
TIF money can be used for down payments for SBA guaranteed small business loans. These funds can also be used to improve the building structures of existing businesses. Sabo is very familiar with all the applications of TIF funds and he, along with other agencies, can provide great economic incentives for both council districts.
Council approval of the expenditure of TIF funds is required, which means approval of the respective council representatives is a must. Tabatha Taylor represents District A and James Green represents District F.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.