Page 28 - Shreveport-Bossier Destination Master Plan 2023

STRATEGIC GOAL #2
Accelerate Mixed-Use Development, Placemaking and Mobility innovation along the two Urban Waterfronts
Pretty much every city in North America with
a river running though it prioritizes the real estate in close proximity to the water for mixed-use
development that brings people together from all walks of life. Both Shreveport and Bossier City are actively subsidizing and supporting the continuing development of their riverfronts, but more can be done to steer visitor dollars to those locations to help accelerate the various placemaking efforts.
Safety, security and cleanliness were major discussion points during the community engagement to develop this plan. The initiatives in this strategic goal begin with addressing blight. This is critical in terms of optics and creating a greater sense of safety for both residents and visitors, first and foremost. Upgrading derelict buildings also goes a long way toward attracting investment to the area. Furthermore, investing in blight removal enhances civic pride and optimism, and it attracts more locals and visitors to patronize small businesses.
Simplified, urban development strategy and transformational placemaking is about providing an enabling and incentivized environment for investors and entrepreneurs to build businesses and commercial/residential spaces in clusters and corridors to drive economic activity.
In Bossier City, the Louisiana Boardwalk, the East Bank District and the anchor casino hotels are a prime example of that. The ongoing growth and planned future development
in those clusters and corridors prove the success of the City of Bossier’s long-term vision. The initiatives under this goal are designed to further enhance the visitor experience and increase business revenues.
Likewise, in Downtown Shreveport, the growth along Texas Street and other pockets is helping establish clusters of new business activity there. More needs to be done to connect those with upgraded pedestrian and alternative mobility corridors in both cities. This will be a marathon and not a sprint, so it’s important to publicly celebrate iterative, short- term wins to build and sustain momentum.
Visitor spending is key for ensuring the long-term success of businesses in those key clusters, which then provide enduring catalysts for development throughout an ever- widening circle of adjacent neighborhoods. Therefore, this plan recommends closer integration between city municipal governments, public/private urban planning professionals, and Visit Shreveport-Bossier, which can provide supporting data and insight on visitor behavior and spending.
In terms of mobility, helping people get out of their cars and onto streets and sidewalks is proven to drive incremental sales in restaurants, shops and attractions. Business leaders in both Shreveport and Bossier City are asking for improved transportation options and enhanced public and/or private security along those mobility corridors to support increasing investment in their commercial districts and business clusters.
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