By: Tom Arceneaux • Mayor of Shreveport
The Mayor’s Small Business Task Force, which I appointed in August of 2023, is nearing the initial stage of its work to address the challenges that small businesses face when opening and operating in Shreveport.
I appointed Tim Magner, the President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber, to lead this important task force. He is joined by members Brittney Dunn, Trey Giglio, Bobby Jelks, Jimmy Jones, Charlotta Nordyke, Scott Ward, Kamesha (Kay) West, and Jerry White.
Under Magner’s leadership, the task force has focused on identifying and overcoming the obstacles that businesses encounter in Shreveport, particularly in areas such as permits, inspections, licensing, and zoning. These are critical components of the business process that can often be cumbersome and complicated, deterring potential entrepreneurs from setting up shop in Shreveport or expanding their operations.
Through the efforts of Kay West and Magner, the city engaged the Institute for Justice, a nationally recognized organization that is generously providing its expertise and services to the city at no cost. The Institute has a strong track record of advocating for economic liberty and has helped many cities across the country streamline their business processes.
One of the key strategies of the task force was to engage directly with citizens. The task force held four town hall meetings on August 20 and 21 to hear firsthand from business owners and residents about the difficulties they have encountered. The insights gathered from these meetings were invaluable, providing the task force with a clear understanding of the challenges on the ground.
The task force, assisted by the Institute for Justice, will now focus on developing specific directives and suggestions to streamline the business process in Shreveport. The goal is to make it easier for businesses to start, grow, and thrive in Shreveport, creating more jobs and opportunities for our residents.
The Arceneaux Administration is committed to transparency and accountability throughout this process. The task force will be providing regular updates on its progress, and the administration will work diligently to implement its recommendations. By addressing these challenges head-on, the administration hopes to create a more business-friendly environment that encourages entrepreneurship and economic growth in Shreveport.
I am grateful to Tim Magner and the members of the task force for their dedication and hard work. I also want to express my gratitude to the Institute for Justice for its invaluable assistance.
Together, we will make Shreveport a better place for businesses to flourish.