Shreveport Downtown: Why You Should Reconsider Your Perception

Cedric Glover Tackles Safety and Perception in Downtown Shreveport

Former Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover, now leading the Downtown Development Authority, says it’s time to stop dodging hard conversations about downtown’s future and instead, fix what needs fixing and tell the truth about what doesn’t.

Last week, Glover hosted what may have been the first public safety town hall focused entirely on downtown Shreveport. The turnout? Standing room only. That crowd told him two things: people care, and they’re ready to be part of the solution.

Downtown Is Safer Than You Think

While some still believe downtown is unsafe, Glover was quick to counter with facts. Glover recently told KEEL News:  “From a statistical standpoint,” he said, “downtown is the safest area in the region.” Still, he knows perception is everything. That’s why he and others are launching new strategies that pair enforcement with support, and facts with transparency.

Panhandling and Public Misconceptions

One major issue? Panhandling. But not in the way you might expect. Glover shared a study from Hope Connections revealing that out of 37 panhandlers surveyed, only two were actually homeless. The rest were part of an organized operation, trafficked, in some cases, and working as part of a criminal money-making scheme. “Stop giving them money,” Glover urged. “You’re not helping.”

READ MORE: Downtown Shreveport's Dark Secret: The Truth About Panhandling

Treating Downtown Like a Neighborhood

His office, alongside SPD and Caddo Sheriff’s deputies, is treating downtown like a neighborhood. They’re enforcing ordinances, but also bringing in social services to connect people to real help. “We go step-by-step,” Glover explained, “offering resources, then making it clear when enforcement becomes necessary.”

Shifting the Perspective

Local businesses echoed that they feel safe, but Glover challenged them to consider the customer experience. Just because employees know a familiar face isn’t a threat doesn’t mean visitors won’t feel uneasy and if people don’t feel welcome, they won’t come back.

A Community-Driven Conversation

The meeting wasn’t just a lecture, it was a two-way conversation. Attendees offered suggestions, expressed frustrations, and listened. “We wanted unfiltered input,” Glover said, and the crowd delivered.

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Up next, Glover will turn his attention to downtown properties in transition, including the State Office Building and the Centerpoint complex, now heading for auction. But the groundwork being laid isn’t just about buildings. It’s about shaping a downtown that feels as safe as it truly is.