Downtown Development Authority

Take time to “Discover” Downtown…

A walk through downtown Shreveport is a journey back in time where Elvis shook things up and Huddie Ledbetter strummed the blues on a 12-string guitar. Tourists can play a lucky hand and capture the day’s winnings at two premiere casinos, shop for contemporary art, take in a classic film at Robinson Film Center, or launch into orbit at the IMAX Theater.

Visitors can also catch national touring acts at the legendary Municipal Auditorium, where Elvis made his debut on the Louisiana Hayride, the majes.tic Strand Theatre, Scottish Rite Temple and the Shreveport Convention Center.

Enjoy Shreveport’s distinctive Festival Plaza and our local celebrations including Mudbug Madness, Red River Revel, Let the Good Times Roll, James Burton International Guitar Festival, Holiday In Dixie and many others. Stroll to Shreveport’s award-winning Riverfront Park and enjoy the relaxing fountain, breathtaking view and waterfront-jogging path. Take an art stroll and visit ArtSpace or follow the Film Trail to explore the sites of Shreveport-Bossier’s major movie industry.

Throughout downtown, you’ll find places to dine, art and music to enjoy, movies to watch, and great company along the way.  We invite you to live, work, and play with us and Discover Downtown Shreveport!

More about the DDA

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was created in 1978 by the Louisiana Legislature as the governing body in the special taxing district in the 120-square block area designated as the Downtown Development District.  A seven-member Board of Directors oversees the agency.  Directors, who serve for three years, are citizen volunteers appointed by the City Council upon nomination by the Mayor.  Nominations are submitted by the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce or its successor, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation, State Senators from District 37 and District 39 and state representations whose representative district is District 4, and the Shreveport City Council.

Core funding for operations and planning, supplemental services and capital improvements is provided by an 8.34 mill property tax. Additional funding is provided through contracts with the City of Shreveport to operate the ShrevePark Parking Service and Streetscape maintenance services.

DDA Mission Statement

To actively pursue, support, facilitate, and welcome initiatives that aid and encourage private development, and promote and coordinate public development within the Downtown Development District of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Downtown Shreveport is the area’s premiere location for commerce, culture, and public celebration.  Home to 14,000 workers, the district is the center of technology, banking, law, government, gaming, and the arts.  Unique festivals, special events, musical entertainment, museums, parks, historic architecture, and the Red River combine to make Downtown Shreveport a special place to live, work, and play.

The DDA meets at 3 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month in the DDA Board Room, 401 Edwards, Suite 205, Shreveport, LA 71101.