Kevin Knowlton, president of the Cyber Innovation Center, told the Bossier City Council that the center and the adjacent National Cyber Research Park have delivered jobs, federal contracts and local economic growth since the project began in 2007.

Knowlton told council members the initial public investment — $25 million from the city, $25 million from the parish and $57 million from the state — bought 64 acres and seeded what he described as a 3,000-acre research park anchored by the Cyber Innovation Center. “That initial investment has proven to be one of the best returns in our region’s history,” Knowlton said.

The presentation said tenants and affiliated programs have generated more than 2,600 jobs and hundreds of millions in household earnings and sales for Bossier Parish businesses over 18 years. Knowlton highlighted cyber.org — a workforce initiative funded by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency — and StrikeWorks, an innovation arm that supports Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Council members thanked Knowlton and discussed workforce and training opportunities. Councilman Brian Hammonds said artificial intelligence training is an important future focus; Council President Cliff Smith and Councilwoman Deborah Ross expressed support for continued collaboration.

The presentation did not request a council vote. Knowlton closed by saying the center is pursuing additional federal contracts and private tenants to expand jobs and investment in Bossier City.