re: Shreveport has a lot of potential,

It's main export is depression...and population.

The problem with Shreveport is that it wants to be Dallas, but is light years behind and in a state that itself has a unique identity.

Also contributing is that it shuns its neighbor of Bossier that it also loses population to. Speaking of population, it annexed too much city in the 80s and 90s chasing tax base, and now it has to support a larger footprint with city services all while the children of the annexed areas haven’t returned after leaving, losing a whole/half generation of economic momentum. It additionally has too much generational wealth sitting on the sideline from a civic involvement-standpoint. It has a relatively interesting architectural downtown that is a ghost town because its buildings are holding space on some family trust’s balance sheet.

It needs to understand that its only way to survive is as a region. Turn the Texas street bridge into a pedestrian bridge. Build residential living in the old buildings, commercial space on the Bossier side. Let go of their pearls and allow some semblance of a nightlife downtown. Let go of Texas, embrace its Louisiana. Let Forbing secede, and cut your losses.

Shreveport has an interesting musical history that it has never really leveraged to any great extent, as well. No reason they shouldn't attempt a Hayride Fest or something. Put it in May and call it "May-ride" and let actual musicians help pick bands.

ETA: 20 miles away from a 26% raise in MFI and 3 years additional life expectancy.