Page 19 - Shreveport-Bossier Destination Master Plan 2023 Updated

KEY OPPORTUNITIES
FOR LEVERAGING THE VISITOR ECONOMY TO SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The following high-level opportunities define the future success of Shreveport-Bossier’s visitor economy, and therefore, the acceleration of incremental successes in economic, workforce, and community development in the region. These opportunities have been culled from 15 key takeaways coming out of all the public and private sector research, industry and community stakeholder engagement, and resident outreach during the development of this master plan.
1. More alignment and collaboration is needed at local, parish and state levels across the public, private and civic sectors
The most significant takeaway from the hundreds of hours of community engagement was that residents and businesses will benefit appreciably from greater collaboration between local governments, industry leaders and community groups. The process begins with improving how everyone shares business intelligence and data as openly and widely as possible. Visit Shreveport-Bossier can be a critical part of that process by providing important data on visitor behavior, sentiment and spending throughout the year.
2. There is a lack of mixed-use waterfront development and transit options in Downtown Shreveport and Bossier City
Few cities in America have as much empty prime real estate as Shreveport-Bossier does along the Red River. The waterfronts are the key catalysts for economic growth throughout the parishes. Both cities are exploring options for mixed-use development including residential housing, commercial space and public transit, which will accelerate private-sector business investment throughout the urban cores. Visitor dollars are a key revenue source to support that development.
3. Downtown Shreveport can be reactivated by strategically developing clusters and corridors in phases to create a greater critical mass of residents and visitors gathering throughout the week
The process for bringing more life to Shreveport’s urban core in the short- to medium term begins with developing one business at a time, and then linking them with well-lighted, safe and clean streets with modern wayfinding every step of the way. The tourism and hospitality industry can collaborate with local organizations to continue to develop and expand events that bring locals and visitors together, as well as advocate collectively for downtown development funding to implement strategic directions.
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