Shreveport Community Gatherings Shape Future Master Plan
In the heart of Shreveport, Louisiana, a new chapter is being written for the city’s future. Back in 2010, the community came together to create the Great Expectations Master Plan. However, life happens, and it hasn’t been updated in over a decade. But now, the city is rolling up its sleeves and diving deep into planning for 2030. Exciting discussions are underway, and community meetings are letting the voices of locals be heard loud and clear.
It’s Time to Dream Again
The first of several meetings recently took place to revisit the community’s dreams and priorities. It’s all about finding out how far Shreveport has come in the past 15 years and what changes the people want to see in the future. Andrew Knuppel, the director of Community Planning for Asakura Robinson, captured the essence of the meeting perfectly: “This is really all about today, understanding where we are as a community and what’s changed in the last 15 years.”
Residents had the chance to roll up their sleeves, map out their ideas, and stick pins on various locations to highlight what matters most to them. Sticky notes filled with thoughts and aspirations adorned boards, making the room come alive with community spirit.
Empowering Every Voice
Alan Clarke, the executive director of the Metropolitain Planning Commission (MPC), emphasized the importance of including every member of the community in this process. He noted, “People make up the city, and the success of the city depends on the people.” This isn’t just about engaging seasoned activists—this is about inviting those who have never had their say. The goal is to start a conversation that gets everyone involved in shaping their environment.
The Value of Planning
As Clarke pointed out, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Shreveport has a unique opportunity now to get it right by prioritizing planning efforts. Many things have changed over the last 15 years, which is a crucial reason to revisit the master plan. The MPC acknowledges that planning has not always taken center stage, but they are committed to ensuring that community input guides this new initiative.
Future Workshops Ahead
The meetings will cover a variety of important topics aimed at enriching the life of Shreveport’s residents. As Knuppel explained, each session will have a specific focus, including strategies for improvement and how to bring these ideas to life. “Our last workshop in December will all be about implementation. So what are the key projects we need to do? Where do we start first?” This collaborative spirit is inspiring excitement and optimism about the city’s future.
So what’s next? Community members are invited to mark their calendars for the next meeting on November 2, at 9 a.m. at Riverview Hall. It’s a chance to contribute and make a real difference in shaping a city that everyone can be proud of. The final outcomes of this planning process will touch on everything that affects Shreveport’s quality of life, promising a future that is bright and full of possibilities.
Your Participation Matters!
Shreveport is going through a transformative process, and noteworthy changes lie ahead. These meetings are an excellent opportunity for residents to be part of something significant. You don’t want to miss out on having your voice heard! No matter how long you’ve lived in the city or how many ideas you have, each thought adds value to this collective dream.
Join the conversation, get involved, and together let’s work on making Shreveport not just a better place to live, but a place that reflects the hopes and aspirations of its people. After all, shaping the future starts today!
