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Council unanimously approves lease of Stage Works to G Unit Film and Television Louisiana
Summary
The Shreveport City Council voted 7-0 to authorize a lease of parts of the city-owned Stage Works (Expo Hall) to G Unit Film and Television Louisiana after amendment correcting the public‑inspection date. The vote followed public support for the project and comments from the lessee.
The Shreveport City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize a lease of portions of the city-owned Stage Works (Expo Hall) to G Unit Film and Television Louisiana.
The ordinance (No. 40), as amended to correct the date the lease was available for public inspection, passed on a 7-0 vote after multiple council members and public supporters described the proposal as an economic development and tourism opportunity for downtown Shreveport.
The amendment (Amendment 1) clarifies the date the lease was available for inspection in the office of the clerk of counsel; Councilman Green moved the amendment and Councilman Jackson seconded it. The underlying ordinance — moved by Councilman Green and seconded by Councilman Jackson — was approved following debate and public comment.
Curtis Jackson, appearing in the chamber, described the project as personal and far‑reaching. “This project is a legacy project for me,” Jackson said during public remarks earlier in the meeting. After the council vote and photo opportunities, Jackson told the council he intended to make the facility a regular site of activity and said, “I promise y’all I will over deliver.”
Craig Lee, chair of Get Up Incorporated, urged the council to approve the lease in public comment, saying Jackson “represents the best opportunity” in North Central Louisiana to increase tourism revenues.
Council members who spoke in favor emphasized collaboration with the mayor’s office, Visit Shreveport‑Bossier and city administration to maximize the facility’s use. Councilman Talifaro (spoke at length) framed the lease as part of a broader downtown strategy to bring family‑oriented tourism and youth programming to the Expo, while Councilman Butcher said he would not be a “no” vote and expressed support after discussions with the mayor and staff.
The passage authorizes the mayor to execute the lease documents consistent with the terms read into the record and as amended. City staff and the city attorney remained on the record during debate to clarify legal and procedural points.
The council briefly paused after passage for a group photo with Jackson and members of the council and administration.
Votes at the final roll call were announced by the clerk as “passes with 7.” No individual roll‑call names were recorded in the minutes for the ordinance vote in the transcript excerpt.
This ordinance will now be implemented according to the lease terms and standard municipal contracting procedures; the transcript did not specify a start date for the lease or a dollar amount in the chamber record.
