Two initiatives launched by Mayor Tom Arceneaux have received 2026 Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council yesterday. Block by Block was honored in the Neighborhood Development category, while the City’s modernization of its permitting processes received an award in the Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development category.
IEDC is the world’s largest organization for economic development professionals, representing more than 4,500 members worldwide. Its Excellence Awards recognize outstanding programs from cities, counties, states, economic development organizations and public-private partnerships. IEDC may present only one Gold, one Silver and one Bronze award within each category and population class.
"The City of Shreveport is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Modernizing the Permitting Process and Block by Block initiatives. These awards shine a spotlight on the City of Shreveport's commitment to its community and showcase the significant impact of economic development, said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. "IEDC is honored to present these awards to the City of Shreveport's Department of Economic Development to celebrate its leadership and innovation in the field."
“These awards confirm that Shreveport is capable of developing solutions that are not only effective here, but can serve as models for other communities,” Mayor Arceneaux said. “Block by Block demonstrates what can happen when residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations and City government work together. Modernizing our permitting processes shows that we are serious about making Shreveport easier and more welcoming for people who want to open and operate a business.”
Mayor Arceneaux also recognized the Department of Economic Development for earning two international awards during Bill Sabo’s first year as director.
“Bill took the priorities we established and turned them into programs that are producing measurable results,” Arceneaux said. “These awards reflect their work as well as the commitment of our task-force members, City employees, neighborhood leaders, volunteers and community partners.”
Mayor Arceneaux initiated Block by Block, the City’s award-winning Neighborhood Development initiative, following his participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. He brought together 25 City and community leaders to address one of Shreveport’s most persistent challenges: blight and its effects on neighborhoods, investment and quality of life.
Rather than imposing a plan from City Hall, the Block by Block Task Force worked directly with neighborhood residents to identify their priorities and develop community-led responses.
During the program’s initial Clean Sweep phase in 2025, 11 neighborhood cleanups were conducted in 13 weeks. More than 300 volunteers helped remove 1,936 tons—approximately 3.87 million pounds—of debris and collect 2,758 discarded tires.
IEDC judges particularly praised the initiative’s community-driven structure, measurable results and potential to be replicated elsewhere.
“I liked how the neighborhoods were asked what was important to them, rather than a top-down approach,” one judge wrote.
Another cited the program’s “great quantitative results” and “very clear measurement of the early indicators of success.” Judges also described Block by Block as scalable, replicable and an example of how bringing a community together can create the conditions for future growth and prosperity.
The City’s award-winning Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development initiative grew from Mayor Arceneaux’s Small Business Task Force, which was created to identify unnecessary obstacles encountered by entrepreneurs and existing businesses when dealing with City government.
Working with the task force and other City departments, the Department of Economic Development began updating outdated, paper-based processes and making permits easier to understand, obtain and renew. Reforms included modernizing Alcoholic Beverage Operator cards, liquor licenses and event-related permits; moving applications online; extending ABO card validity from two years to three years without increasing the price; and creating an optional two-year liquor license for restaurants and grocery stores.
Judges praised the City for “identifying and finding a creative way to solve a persistent problem faced by a specific sector of the local economy.” Another described the initiative as “a proactive approach to government bureaucracy and regulation everywhere.”
One judge noted that the reforms may not have the immediate “wow” factor of a major construction project but addressed a problem that was “sorely needed” and would have a lasting impact on Shreveport’s hospitality community.
“Economic development is not always a ribbon cutting or a major announcement,” Sabo said. “It also means removing unnecessary barriers, listening to business owners and making City government more flexible, predictable and transparent. Mayor Arceneaux gave us a clear mandate, and our department worked with people throughout City government and the community to turn that direction into results.”
Sabo credited the Block-by-Block Task Force, neighborhood leaders, community volunteers, participating organizations, City employees and members of the Mayor’s Small Business Task Force with carrying out the mayor’s initiatives.
“Receiving two international awards during my first year as director is a tremendous professional honor,” Sabo said. “But these awards belong to the mayor and everyone who helped do the work. They show what Shreveport can accomplish when City government and the community work toward a common goal.”
The awards will be presented during IEDC’s 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans. Award recipients will be honored at a reception on October 26 and recognized during the conference’s morning plenary session on October 27.
About IEDC
The International Economic Development Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization serving more than 4,500 economic development professionals. IEDC is the largest organization of its kind and represents professionals working in cities, counties, states, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and other organizations around the world.
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.