Shreveport’s Path to Progress: The Great Expectations Master Plan 2030
Hey there, Shreveport! Exciting things are happening right here in our community as we look forward to shaping the future with the updated Great Expectations Master Plan. If you remember the original plan from back in 2010, you’ll know it has been quite a while since it was last reviewed. Well, now is the time for change!
On September 17, 2024, a community meeting kicked things off with a bang, gathering locals who are eager to share their thoughts on what Shreveport should look like by the year 2030. Andrew Knuppel, the director of Community Planning for Asakura Robinson, emphasized at the meeting how important this is. “This is really all about today, understanding where we are as a community and what’s changed in the last 15 years,” he said.
Community Voices Matter
One of the meeting’s highlights was the interactive element that encouraged everyone to get involved. Participants were given pins to mark various locations on a map and sticky notes to jot down their ideas and dreams for the future before sticking them on boards for all to see. This hands-on approach is designed to engage folks who may have felt left out of previous planning sessions. Alan Clarke, the executive director of the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC), shared this sentiment, stating, “People make up the city, and the success of the city depends on the people.” It truly seems like Shreveport’s residents are stepping up to shape their destiny!
Learning from the Past
It’s been quite a journey since the last plan was laid out. The MPC acknowledged that a lot can change in 15 years. Clarke reminded everyone, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. We have failed to plan because planning was not as important as it should have been.” In this new era of planning, it’s clear there’s a strong desire to prioritize the voice of the community and really think about what citizens want and need.
The upcoming meetings will focus on different aspects of the plan, guiding us towards actionable strategies to improve the quality of life in Shreveport. Knuppel described the importance of having these discussions, saying, “Our last workshop in December will be all about implementation. So what are the key projects we need to do? Where do we start first?” Clearly, this is a thoughtful approach to ensuring that the community’s needs are met.
Mark Your Calendars!
Excited yet? If you want to chime in on what Shreveport’s future should look like, there are still opportunities for you to do so! The next community meeting is scheduled for November 2nd at 9 a.m., taking place at Riverview Hall. This is your chance to share what’s on your mind, be part of the conversation, and help steer the direction of our beloved city.
It’s encouraging to see such active participation in shaping Shreveport’s future. With community members rallying together, we can pave the way for positive changes and enhancements in our everyday lives. So let’s keep the momentum going and make sure our voices are heard as we plan for the Shreveport of tomorrow!
