The proposed Expo Hall lease is not an economic development deal—it’s a giveaway that puts taxpayers at risk while offering no guaranteed return for the city.
Under the terms of this lease:
The tenant will pay far below market value for Expo Hall while being allowed to rent it to government entities at full market rate—profiting off city property at taxpayers' expense.
The tenant can terminate the lease at any time, for any reason, with no notice, while the city must provide a full year’s notice and pay vague financial penalties to end the agreement.
There is no minimum economic impact requirement—nothing in the lease requires job creation, tax revenue, or any direct benefit to Shreveport.
A lease that only binds one party isn’t a lease at all—it’s a giveaway.
Even more concerning, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is already in violation of the original lease terms that were sold to the public. This property was intended to bring film, television, and new media production to Shreveport, yet no such work has taken place. Jackson previously announced a $20 million investment in Millennium Studios for 2024—but where is it? Has any construction begun? Have any permits even been pulled?
At a time when Shreveport faces major financial challenges—including a crumbling water system, underfunded police and fire pensions, and unresolved bond obligations—the city cannot afford another bad deal.
We fully support business growth and economic investment. But this Expo Hall lease is not a pro-business deal—it’s a one-sided agreement that fails taxpayers, fails businesses, and fails Shreveport.
We urge the city council to reject this lease unless major changes are made to ensure real economic benefits, accountability, and fair market value for city-owned assets.
Shreveport deserves real investment—not empty promises.