Let’s see what is going to be the next great thing to bolster Shreveport’s economy, increase its population, and make it the nirvana all Shreveporters' desire.

In 2020 the "save the Shreveport" bandwagon was promoting a massive development of Cross Bayou.

 Thankfully the Shreveport Council pulled the plug on this economic magic potion.

A recent re-iteration of the "dream come true" was the construction and opening of the Amazon Fulfillment Center off North Market.

The Amazon pot of gold offered 1000 jobs, starting at $15 per hour. It also promised the potential of many satellite businesses to bolster the economy. Located near the MLK area, Amazon could provide needed jobs for a depressed area of Shreveport.

The status of Amazon is up in the air. The mayor will have a "hard hat" visit to the facility in May.

The reality of Amazon's fortunes nationwide are widely known. Massive employee layoffs, reduction in fulfillment centers, and loss in stock value.

The dull shine on Amazon has now been replaced by the bright and shiny REV Entertainment ballpark/hotel/recreational venue at the State Fairgrounds.

 In a few weeks, the total projected cost of Phase I for the ballpark and hotel will be released. Whether or not the projected contribution of $75 million from the City of Shreveport will increase is unknown.

So here is what IS known:

a. The mayor has said that any moneys from Shreveport will not be raised from General Obligation Bonds or an ad valorem tax increase. This leaves the most viable option to be revenue bonds tied to the ballpark venture that are guaranteed by the city.

b. Mayor Tom is in the process of hiring the well-respected firm Baker Tilly to conduct an in-depth feasibility study at a cost expected to be $100 grand, using riverfront moneys. Its big bucks from a declining casino fueled fund, but it is good government.

c. The demolition contract for the old stadium has been cancelled by the City with the payment of a contract cancellation fee. The delay costs of the contract and the litigation pushed this economic decision which is reflective of good government principles.

d. The city must resolve the litigation filed by the Friends of Fairgrounds Field to allow for the demotion of the old stadium. No court date has been set for the next hearing.

e. The fairgrounds area, sans the Louisiana Museum, the historic fire station owned by WK Health Systems and Fair Grounds Field, is subject to a 99-year lease with the State Fair of Louisiana. This lease must be modified to allow for the proposed three phases of the REV plan.

f. The city's downgrade of the bond rating for the water and sewage enterprise system does not send a good message for other bond ratings.

g. The vote on the re-authorization of the ad valorem tax millage on April 29 will send a clear message to city officials on the temperament of Shreveport citizens on future city expenses.

h. The reality of shootings within the vicinity of the fairgrounds is a concern to the state fair and surely must be for REV, along with all Shreveporters. The two recent mass shootings further spotlight Shreveport crime.

Mayor Tom is going slow with varied optimism and rightly so. Hopefully the Shreveport council will also follow this approach, although it is unlikely that a majority will rein in their expectations.

Council member Tabitha Taylor pushed through the across the board 13% pay raise for ALL Shreveport employees including top administrators and departments heads. She was joined by James Green, Alan Jackson and Jerry Bowman Jr.

These three council members, along with new members Ursula Bowman (wife of Jerry) and Gary Brooks have jumped on board with REV, ignoring the payday that is coming due on the pay raise this year along with the growing unfunded pension liability of the city.

It’s time for ALL of the council to slow down on the premature rejoicing of REV and wait for the feasibility study.

Mayor Tom is on the right path. Hopefully all Shreveporters will not only acknowledge that but push back on unbridled optimism.