Politics
Shreveport City Council Passes 2026 Infrastructure Bond for Road Repairs and Workforce Training
The July 7 vote directs $45 million to projects in north Shreveport and the Shreveport Job Center, affecting daily commutes and local hiring.
How we reported this
The Shreveport City Council approved the 2026 Infrastructure and Workforce Bond by a 7-2 margin during its July 7 meeting at City Hall. The measure allocates $45 million for road resurfacing along the I-20 corridor and expanded training slots at the Shreveport Job Center.
Why the vote occurred now
The council acted after the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reported that 18 miles of city streets in Caddo Parish required immediate repair to meet federal safety standards. The bond draws from the city's capital improvement plan, which had listed these segments as priority items since the 2024 fiscal year audit.
Residents in north Shreveport will see crews begin work on Greenwood Road and North Market Street by September. The Shreveport Job Center will add 200 training positions focused on construction trades and water utility maintenance, open to applicants living within city limits.
City records show the bond will cover 20 miles of pavement replacement and upgrades to three aging water pump stations near Cross Lake. These stations currently serve 12,000 households and have recorded 14 service interruptions in the past 12 months.
Next steps for residents
Project bids will open in August under the city's procurement office. The Shreveport Works program will begin accepting applications for the new training cohort on August 15, with priority given to workers displaced by the 2025 closure of two local manufacturing plants.
Monthly progress reports will be posted on the city's website starting in October. Property owners along affected streets can request temporary parking permits through the Department of Public Works during construction phases.