By: Tiffany Hyde
While I was somewhat discouraged to see the recent report of Shreveport's shrinking population, I am quite encouraged by Mayor Tom Arceneaux's plan to address blighted properties “block by block”. It was defined clearly at the press conference on Monday, June 16, 2025, that SIRA would play a significant role in this initiative.
My husband and I are the owners of many properties locally and are keenly interested in seeing the Mayor's plan reach fruition soon, as these issues have been plaguing our community for years. The issue of "returning blighted properties to commerce" as described by SIRA, is exactly the kind of thing that spurs economic development and increases the chances of keeping Shreveport's current residents and attracting new ones.
Now is the time to move as this has been talked about and studied for years. I, here respectfully offer a few simple and relevant policy points/questions:
1). HOW. How does SIRA, the Mayor, and City Council plan to change the relevant City ordinance (s) and or state legislation, to enable a potential investor to swiftly clear a title in the most cost effective manner?
In other words, what entity possesses the legal authority to promptly clear title? Is it SIRA, the Mayor, the City Council? Who? Who is willing and able to provide a current list of properties the City owns that already have clear title? (I note that Title 40, Sec 600.33 provision (5) requires that a "blighted housing property list be prepared and updated by the relevant public official.")
2). WHO. It has been stated by City officials and directors of various City entities that community investors as well as people in those blighted communities themselves, have been contacted and included in this initiative. “Who” has been contacted, other than those who have repeatedly attended these SIRA meetings?
3). WHAT. What has changed with today’s plan for SIRA versus the plan initially put into place and funded back in 2015. Here we are 10 years later asking some of the very same questions.
4). WHERE. Where will the future funding for SIRA come from? It is public knowledge that the City Council has allocated $100k of Shreveport taxpayer funds to SIRA. In the future, where specifically will these funds come from? Where?
5). WILL. Will the City work with LOCAL investors with the same energy and enthusiasm with which it welcomes prominent outside investors?
Also, I have reviewed the Mayor's “Block by Block” survey and while I’m certain it's well intended, the questions posed in it strike me as more suitable for data gathering for a city Master Plan, not a streamlined effort to provide investors a path to gain clear title to blighted properties.
What role does SIRA play in the effort to collect this information? With our Director of the MPC taking retirement, is there currently a plan involving Economic Development, Community Development, and the City of Shreveport, that should be up for discussion and approval by Shreveport’s tax paying citizens?
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.