What To Do On This Page:

Review our progress so far: Take some time to read through the public engagement summaries from Phase 1 and the overview of Phase 2 using the tabs below. Click on the header of each tab to expand it and see more details.

Share your thoughts: Once you have finished reading about our progress so far and the Phase 2 Overview, you will find 2 activities below the Phase 2 Overview tab. These will allow you to share what you think about our approach in Phase 2 and where we can come out to the community and engage with residents about their perspectives.

Focus of Engagement

Phase I of the One Shreveport community engagement initiative has been underway for the past few months. This phase has involved two in-person community workshops, online engagement activities, outreach and input via our community ambassadors, and participation in various local meetings and events. The primary goal of these efforts has been to establish a clear understanding of Shreveport’s current state, gather residents’ concerns and ideas, and begin identifying key priorities and visionary concepts for the city’s future.

Round 1 / Workshop 1 (September - October 2024)

The first round of engagement aimed to expand the project team’s understanding of the community context and establish a clear direction for the project. Activities gathered input on aspirations, stories, and reflections of the 2030 Master Plan Update process.

Round 2 / Workshop 2 (November - December 2024)

The second round of engagement aimed to deepen the team’s understanding of specific planning interests such as housing, mobility, and workforce development. Workshop activities encouraged community members to engage with these topics, and reflect on areas and services Shreveport needs.

Forms of Engagement

In-Person Workshops

Workshops were held at Riverview Hall on Saturday, September 14 and Saturday, November 2nd. Workshops were held in person and Riverview Hall and were fully open to the public.

Online

One Shreveport has an online engagement site called Social Pinpoint, which hosts the same activities to the in-person workshops so people who are unable to attend the events can voice their ideas later online.

Community Ambassadors

Ambassadors take meeting materials out into the community to gather feedback at events or other existing meetings. Community Ambassadors represent different all of the different planning areas throughout Shreveport.

Phase 1 of the One Shreveport process included three Community Workshops, three Steering Committee meetings, and dozens of outreach events coordinated by the thirteen Community Ambassadors.

While we know we have reached hundreds of Shreveport residents through these workshops and events, we want to ensure there are ample opportunities to hear from the community.

The project team is adding a second phase of additional engagement opportunities to be held in Spring 2025. We need your ideas to help us refine our strategy and identify how we can bring this process to the community!

The One Shreveport plan will build on the ten Vision Themes (aspirations) identified in the “Great Expectations” Master Plan.

Five Key Strategies will guide the City of Shreveport’s work planning and staff efforts and collaboration across planning themes and City departments:

• Community Design
• Neighborhood Equity
• Quality of Life
• Collective Impact
• Community Capacity

During Phase 2, the project team will develop a major deliverable or implementation tool to guide specific policy, staffing, and programming actions.

The legal authority for planning is rooted in protecting and furthering the public health, safety, and welfare. While “classic” planning tools include land use regulation and capital projects, the reality is that implementing a master plan requires support and action from the whole community.

One Shreveport reframes the Great Expectations plan’s implementation strategy in a Collective Impact approach focused on two themes: building capacity to more effectively implement the Master Plan’s city-led recommendations, and facilitating partnerships to achieve the community’s vision.

Below are two (2) activities for you to share your perspectives on the strategies that will guide Phase 2 of this planning project:

1. Where We're Headed: Share you thoughts about each of the 5 strategies we have identified that we will be exploring more in Phase 2. We want to know if we're on the right track with each strategy, and how you think we can shape these strategies to be practical and actionable for the City and your community.
2. Where Should We Go? For Phase 2 we want to continue to meet the community where you are to have conversations about the plan. We want to know from you what events are coming up that we could attend to engage with your community.
   

Activity 1: Where We're Headed

Help us make sure we're on the right track!

During Phase 1 of the One Shreveport planning process, community members validated the 10 Vision Themes from the “Great Expectations” Master Plan and provided feedback on how this vision is being executed.

Phase 2 of the One Shreveport process will develop an action plan for how the City of Shreveport and its partners will better realize each vision theme.

Before we get started, we want to make sure we're on the right track. This is where we need your help!

Activity Instructions:

Review each of the five strategies to learn about the Great Expectations vision themes, feedback received to date, and where we propose to dive deeper in the Phase 2. You can view each individual strategy by clicking between the 5 tabs below.

As you review each strategy, at the bottom of each tab is a simple yes-no scale for you to tell us if you think we are on the right track and space for you to tell us more about what you think about each strategy.

Theme 1: High standards of quality in development and design.

What it means:

Decisions are made in line with the community’s vision and new development adheres to high-quality standards.

What we've heard from you so far:

We heard this theme has the 5th largest gap between importance and execution.

We heard that residents hope to see new development and opportunities, and that property maintenance is a major concern.

Theme 2: Connected people and places.

What it means:

People are connected across race and class, natural features are connected by greenways and people have safe and efficient transportation.

What we've heard from you so far:

We heard this theme has the 5th largest gap between importance and execution.

We heard that residents hope to see new development and opportunities, and that property maintenance is a major concern.

In Phase 2, we will develop strategies to Invest in Every Neighborhood.

The question is... How can we better coordinate and encourage high-quality public and private investment?

We think this might look like... Refining the Future Land Use Map to reflect how the City has changed in the last 15 years. Identifying priority neighborhoods and corridors to direct public and private investment. Improving coordination between land use decisions and capital projects like streets, transit, and parks.

We want you to tell us if we're on the right track, and how we can improve these strategies!

Theme 1: Fairness and Opportunity for Everyone.

What it means:

Every neighborhood is a “neighborhood of choice” with excellent infrastructure, services, and amenities.

What we've heard from you so far:

We heard this theme has the largest gap between importance and execution.

We heard that equitable distribution of city services like trash pickup and street maintenance were important, as well as access to housing and jobs.

Theme 2: Strengthen Assets and Enhance Possibilities.

What it means:

Easy access to high-quality work, travel, cultural events, shopping, and faith-based and non-profit opportunities.

What we've heard from you so far:

We heard this theme has the 6th largest gap between importance and execution.

We heard it is important that each neighborhood has activities for all ages, and that residents can live, work, and lead a fulfilling life.

In Phase 2, we will develop strategies to Activate Our Community Development Organizations.

The question is... How can we close the resource gap between neighborhoods?

We think this might look like... Developing a plan for the Shreveport Implementation & Redevelopment Authority (SIRA) to tackle adjudicated properties, supporting the growth of community development corporations and land trusts, and expanding access to development financing and capital in historically underserved neighborhoods.

We want you to tell us if we're on the right track, and how we can improve these strategies!

Theme 1: Good stewardship of our natural and cultural heritage.

What it means:

Protected water, air, and land. Strong historic preservation and support of arts and culture activities.

What we've heard from you so far:

We heard this theme has the smallest gap between importance and execution.

We heard that Shreveport residents value their history and culture, and there are important stories that could be elevated for better awareness.

Theme 2: A green and healthy community.

What it means:

Sustainable city with cleaner energy. Maintenance and improvement of existing infrastructure. Healthy lifestyles through access to good food and activities.

What we've heard from you so far:

We heard this theme has the 2nd largest gap between importance and execution.

We heard that safety, mental health, and access to healthy foods are important issues. Safe, clean streets were also mentioned as important.

In Phase 2, we will develop strategies to Build on our Cultural and Natural Assets.

The question is... How can arts, culture, history, and nature support our other community goals? How can we create a greener and healthier Shreveport?

We think this might look like... Creating neighborhood greenways and cultural trails that provide spaces for recreation and tell our story, beautifying neighborhoods with improved trees and landscaping to reduce heat and crime, and Improving access to quality park spaces and healthy food.

We want you to tell us if we're on the right track, and how we can improve these strategies!

Theme 1: A Business-Friendly Environment.

What it means:

Supportive of growth of local business and streamlined regulations.

What we've heard from you so far:

We heard this theme has the 7th largest gap between importance and execution.

We heard from other studies that permitting processes and zoning regulations can be barriers to starting small businesses.

Theme 2: Strong Local and Regional Partnerships.

What it means:

Partnerships among government, business, institutions, nonprofits, and communities across the region.

What we've heard from you so far:

We heard this theme has the 8th largest gap between importance and execution.

We heard that residents’ ties to community organizations including churches and neighborhood groups were important to their quality of life.

In Phase 2, we will develop strategies to Create A "Whole Community" Approach to Plan Implementation.

The question is... How can we engage new partners to realize this plan’s vision?

We think this might look like... Understanding the roles and needs of business in creating economic vitality and community wealth, engaging local philanthropic and service organizations whose missions are aligned with the One Shreveport plan, and developing a shared implementation strategy and partnerships to achieve our Vision.

We want you to tell us if we're on the right track, and how we can improve these strategies!

Theme 1: A Community of Learners.

What it means:

A center of lifelong education and learning for residents of all ages.

What we've heard from you so far:

We heard this theme has the 9th largest gap between importance and execution.

We heard that workforce development, such as building technical skills, was important for residents to find gainful employment.

Theme 2: Communication, Transparency, and Community Participation.

What it means:

Young people are engaged in civic life. Residents and businesses are well-informed and involved in decision-making.

What we've heard from you so far:

We heard this theme has the 3rd largest gap between importance and execution.

We heard that residents want to be more engaged in local decision-making and the city as a whole.

In Phase 2, we will develop strategies to Change the Culture of Planning and Engagement.

The question is... How can we get more Shreveport residents engaged in local decision-making?

We think this might look like... Creating new community outreach programs to bring local government out to the community, training our workforce and expanding continued learning and education, and reworking government processes and communications to be more transparent.

We want you to tell us if we're on the right track, and how we can improve these strategies!

Activity 2: Where Should We Go?

Where We’ve Been

Throughout Phase 1 of the engagement process, project team members have attended events such as the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival and spoken at neighborhood association and community organization meetings. Where can we bring this project to you?

Add Your Event Ideas to the Calendar!

Help us identify community events where project staff, Steering Committee members, or Community Ambassadors could attend to share information and gather community input. Use the form below to share the date, location, and description of the event you want us to know about. If they are recurring events/meetings or you don’t know the date, you can tell us in the description box and leave the date box blank. We will then add your event to the calendar below!