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Senate committee advances bill to require professional expertise on Shreveport downtown board
Summary
Senate Bill 78, presented by Senator Jenkins, would require at least one of seven mayor‑appointed voting members of Shreveport’s Downtown Development Authority to have specified professional background (planning, real estate, architecture, engineering or related experience) and relax a residency requirement for that seat; the committee reported the bill favorably with no opposition.
The Louisiana Senate Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs on a recorded meeting advanced Senate Bill 78, a local bill from Senator Jenkins that would require at least one of seven voting members of the Shreveport Downtown Development Authority to have specified professional background in urban planning, land‑use planning, commercial real estate development or construction, commercial district management, architecture or engineering.
Senator Jenkins told the committee the measure is designed to bring technical expertise to boards facing complex development decisions. “We think that there are a lot of issues that are coming before these boards now. It’ll be good to have someone with that expertise,” Jenkins said, adding the bill would not change the overall appointive structure but would allow that one required seat to live anywhere in the City of Shreveport rather than strictly within the Downtown Development District to widen the nominee pool.
The bill intentionally leaves the term “background” flexible, Jenkins said, to allow both on‑the‑job experience and formal training to qualify. Senator Miller asked whether the bill should specify certifications, degrees or years of experience; Miller warned a loosely defined standard could allow weak matches. Jenkins responded he welcomes committee amendments but prefers flexibility so local nominating groups can find qualified candidates.
Jenkins outlined the nominating entities named in current law — including Downtown Shreveport Unlimited, the African American Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, the downtown development corporation, district legislators and two city‑council nominees — and clarified existing members would not be removed; the new requirement would apply when future vacancies arise.
Senator Gerald Boudreaux moved to report the bill favorably; the chair called for opposition and, hearing none, the committee reported SB78 in favor. The committee did not receive public testimony in opposition or support during the hearing.
The bill will proceed from committee to the Senate floor for further consideration.
