Categories: Bossier City, LACommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Bossier City Community Development Advances with Scholarships

Engaged community members at a development forum in Bossier City.

News Summary

Bossier City is witnessing a significant step forward in community development as council member Chris Smith sponsors scholarships for the Community Development Institute. His inspiring journey through the program led him to recognize its transformative power, urging local leaders to understand and engage with community dynamics and challenges. The CDI’s training focuses on equipping individuals with essential skills to foster leadership within the community, aiming to combat issues such as out-migration and promote positive change. Enrollment for the next session begins on February 18, offering a chance for many to contribute to their community’s growth.

Bossier City Community Development Takes a Giant Leap Forward

Bossier City is buzzing with excitement as local council member and real estate agent Chris Smith steps up to the plate, sponsoring scholarships for the Community Development Institute (CDI). After his own life-changing experience in the program, Smith is passionate about helping others access these transformative opportunities.

The Leap of Faith

Initially, Smith was a bit reluctant to dive into the CDI experience. The program costs a hefty $1800 and took place during weeks that clashed with his busy work schedule. However, he decided to apply for a scholarship offered through the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. This decision turned out to be a game-changer in his perspective on community service and development.

A Valuable Curriculum

The Community Development Institute, which runs training sessions in February, June, and October, aims to equip local leaders and business owners with invaluable skills focused on community development. The curriculum dives into understanding the “built environment,” a term that refers to all the man-made infrastructure around us, including streets and sanitation systems, and its direct impact on businesses and communities.

Participants engage in various activities, such as mapping community assets and analyzing the local economy, which helps sharpen their skills to see the whole picture of community dynamics. Bossier City is notably one of just seven locations in the country hosting the Community Development Institute. This exclusivity puts Bossier in the spotlight when it comes to fostering strong community leaders.

Seeing Life Through New Lenses

One of the standout moments for Smith during the training was participating in a poverty simulation. This structured exercise forced him to step into the shoes of an unemployed head of a household with three children. The experience was eye-opening, as it highlighted the daily struggles faced by many in the community living in poverty: everything from financial constraints to the emotional toll of making tough decisions.

The Community Development Institute program aims to help leaders like Smith recognize systemic issues that play a significant role in the lives of those living in poverty. With this understanding, they can leverage their positions to create meaningful change in the community.

A Warm Invitation to Community Engagement

Smith is eager for everyone — from commercial bankers and business owners to passionate community members — to consider engaging with the program. Participating in the CDI can lead to becoming a Certified Professional Community and Economic Developer. Since the Bossier Chamber of Commerce began offering this training, the number of certified professionals in Louisiana has doubled from six to twelve.

Combating Out-Migration

With Louisiana grappling with an out-migration issue, training in community development has never been more crucial. By empowering local leaders and encouraging them to take proactive steps in community service, there is hope to motivate residents to stay in or return to the area. Smith’s initiative to sponsor scholarships is a vital move toward this goal.

Looking Ahead

Enrollment for the next Community Development Institute starts on February 18. This is an exciting opportunity for many eager to make a difference. In addition, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce recently announced new executive committee members and board members for the upcoming 2025 term, with Carl Thibodeaux from Community Bank of Louisiana stepping in as chair. These new board members will officially take their places during the chamber’s 77th Annual Meeting on February 11, 2025.

A Community United For Progress

With champions like Chris Smith rallying for positive changes in Bossier City, the future looks bright. It’s clear that when the community comes together, incredible transformations can take place. Here’s to building a stronger, more engaged community—one scholarship at a time!