SIRA is the Shreveport Implementation and Redevelopment Authority.
SIRA was created by an act of the State legislature, and its role is to effectuate redevelopment of properties in Shreveport.
SIRA owns an empty five acre tract on Exposition Avenue. It was donated to SIRA in January of this year. This land is in a neighborhood of modest, well-kept homes.
SIRA has recently completed the purchase of the old YMCA on Pierre Avenue. The City of Shreveport funded SIRA with $550,000 to buy this old building. A recent appraisal has valued this dilapidated structure at substantially less than the purchase price.
SIRA was funded $100,000 in the City's 2025 budget. What funding, if any, will be in the 2026 City budget for SIRA is unknown at this time.
The SIRA Board is busy getting a post office box, engaging a website designer, hiring a CPA firm, approving an annual budget, developing policies and procedures along with planning a board retreat.
In the meantime, the grass is growing on SIRA's five acre tract. And drugs are still being sold on the corner of the SIRA's building on Pierre Avenue.