Mayor Arceneaux has selected a dynamic group of local leaders to take aim at tackling blight and revitalizing Shreveport’s neighborhoods. This dedicated group will participate in the prestigious Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, traveling to Cambridge this week for an intensive multi-day workshop to learn best practices from experts and city leaders across the country.
The group is a broad cross-section of the community, including:
- Marcus Edwards, group leader and City Attorney;
- Bill Sabo, Shreveport Economic Development Director;
- Kristi Gustavson, CEO of the Community Foundation of North Louisiana;
- Theron Jackson, Pastor of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church;
- Verni Howard, Executive Director of Providence House and Appointee as Shreveport Director of Community Development;
- Thea Scott, Shreveport Interim Director of Community Development; and
- Terrence Green, Shreveport Director of Property Standards.
Harvard School of Business and Harvard Kennedy School of Government faculty will lead the group in discussions to develop a preliminary plan and use collaborative efforts to finalize and implement a plan to reduce blight and encourage neighborhood redevelopment in Shreveport.
The group has been participating in online meetings with Initiative faculty and meeting locally for several months to prepare for the workshops at Cambridge. Upon returning, they will use a collaborative process in the community to determine and implement targeted initiatives, working alongside public officials, local organizations, and residents to drive meaningful progress.
Shreveport is one of a select group of cities participating in this leadership initiative, an opportunity that underscores the city’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges with fresh, strategic solutions. The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative pays all costs of attendance, including tuition, travel, lodging, and meals, for each participant.
