Shreveport Mayor Tom Arcneneuax addressed the North Shreveport Business Association today (Tues.)
He outlined the progress his Administration accomplished in 2025. Here are the highlights of his comments:
1. The Block-by-Block Initiative was very successful with 11 sweeps in 13 weeks
Over 3000 used tires were collected
Over 810 tons of trash was collected
Over 312 volunteers registered to help in the effort.
In 2026 reinvestments will begin by the city in selected city blocks.
2. Economic Development
The City relies upon NELP, BRF and the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce to recruit large new business projects.
The mayor hired an economic development director in Oct. 2024, and his efforts have been to simplify the process for doing business with the city and particularly with various permits. Additionally, a dashboard has been installed to track public works projects.
3. Public Works
Has completed construction of all the capital projects in bond issues prior to his term, except for Knight Street which should be completed this year.
The mayor listed the number of bond projects that have been completed, that are currently under construction and the number in planning stages.
4. The City has enacted a Vacant/Blighted Property ordinance for the downtown area that has the goal of having empty and/or dilapidated properties restored or placed on the market for sale.
5. The 2026 budget maintains the needed 8% reserve for unexpected revenue drops and/or major unanticipated expenses as well as to support the city’s bond ratings.
6. DOWUS
Currently the refurbishing/repainting of the water tank in West Shreveport is ongoing and this work should be completed this spring. Next year the third city water tank will be refurbished/painted. After 10 years of non-use, the water tank art the Port is now online.
The Mayor is optimistic that the 2024 EPA/Justice Department Consent Decree concerning the city water and sewage facilities will be amended to allow more time for compliance and to modify the decree’s onerous and unrealistic requirements.
7. Public Safety
The North Shreveport Police Substation is open, and it has had a substantial impact on crime reduction and economic development in that area
The North Market Police Substation should be open soon
Work has commenced on the Cedar Grove Police Substation, and it should be completed this year.
The City has signed a contract for the reconstruction of the SPD Headquarters Building at 1234 Texas Ave location. The bid awarded was $2 million less than anticipated and this expected savings can fund unplanned change orders and possibly a fourth water tank that is needed in Southeast Shreveport.
Serious crimes declined in 2025 and with 42 homicides compared to 53 in 2024.
Traffic fatalities have substantially increased, and SPD and the City expect to implement preventive measures this year to reduce this number.
8. MPC
The mayor believes that the MPC can become a city department without special legislation from Baton Rouge. He is making that a priority this year.
The mayor was well received by the audience and responded to questions in concise answers.
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.