About DDA

Get to know us

Shreveport 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 an independent film at Robinson Film Center, or launch into orbit at the Sci-Port IMAX Dome Theater.

Downtown is also the seat of local governments and the courts, and is the heart of business and finance. More than 14,000 people work downtown each day and they are seeing the street scene change in front of their eyes. Vacant historic buildings across the city center are under construction as office, retail and apartments, the Shreveport Common Art and Culture District brings thousands downtown for events ranging from giant puppet parades to huge street fairs, and the clean and safe Red River District is welcoming new businesses and exciting events.

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, play and Find It Downtown Shreveport!

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 original 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 (DSDC), State Senators and State Representatives who represent Downtown Shreveport, Downtown Shreveport Unlimited (DSU) and the Shreveport City Council.

Our Funding

Core funding for operations and planning, supplemental services and capital improvements is provided by an 9.04 mill property tax. DDA also works with the city to carry out two core services in downtown Shreveport—the ShrevePark Parking Service (meter patrol and maintenance) and Streetscape street and sidewalk cleaning services. To view our policies you can find them on our Policies & Procedures page.

Our Mission

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.

DDA Meetings

The DDA meets at 3:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month in the DDA Board Room, 416 Cotton Street, Shreveport, LA 71101, unless otherwise noted. 

Next Meeting

September 2024 DDA – Agenda

Previous 2024 Meetings

2024 DDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michael Corbin - Chair

(SWEPCO) Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce

Drayden Dunn – Vice Chair

(Envision Media & Marketing) Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce

Chelette Holden

(Family Services Unlimited) City Council

Mario Chavez

(MersaTech Merchant Service)

Kathy Malone

(Caddo Management Inc.) Downtown Shreveport Development Corporation

Terry Moore

(Merrill Lynch) Senate 37, Senate 39 & House District 4

Kyle Southard – Secretary

(Pinnacle Realty Advisors) City Council

The DDA Office

Interim Director

Janie Landry

Bookkeeper & Graphic Design

Stacie Leng

Secretary & Graphic Design

Peggy Hellyer