The agenda for Shreveport City Council's work session today includes Ordinance 97 which will create an economic district for properties owned by and leased by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson in downtown Shreveport. This ordinance cannot be adopted prior to the Sept. 23, 2025 Council meeting. A public hearing will be held that day.
The proposed district lines include the Millenium Studio, Texas Street, the dirt lot across from The Blind Tiger, a building next to Sandbar, the Dome parking lot and buildings on Commerce Street. This economic district will be funded by incremental sales and use taxes, and it will be authorized to issue bonds to finance economic development projects.
The district will be managed by a District Manager (to be selected) and governed by an initial board with Bonnie Moore, Arlena Acree, Terry Moore, Drayden Dunn and Harlan Chumley as directors. The qualifications listed for director have been strictly tailored to fit the backgrounds of these five individuals.
This is a complex ordinance that bears close scrutiny. In effect this ordinance sets up a financing vehicle for Jacksons' future economic plans in his properties. Forthcoming Settle Talk columns will review in detail this proposed plan.
To date Jackson has NOT filmed anything in his leased properties, NOR has he improved any of his downtown properties. Thus, the creation of a special piggy bank for Jackson should be closely reviewed.