Shreveport council approves ordinance to let city donate or sell adjudicated property and convert holdings into tax-lien certificates

The Shreveport City Council on April 13 approved an ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the city code to allow the city to sell or donate adjudicated properties to redevelopment entities and to convert those properties into tax-lien certificates created under recent state statute.

City Attorney Marcus Edwards told the council the ordinance does three specific things: it permits the city to sell adjudicated property, it allows donation of adjudicated property to entities such as the Shreveport Implementation and Redevelopment Authority (Sierra) or a land bank, and it creates a process to convert previously adjudicated properties into the state’s new tax-lien certificate regime. “This does three very specific things,” Edwards said, summarizing the measure for members who asked for clarity.

Supporters said the change is intended to make properties that have sat on the city’s rolls more marketable and insurable, and therefore more attractive for redevelopment. Council members asked detailed questions about whether donations would require council approval, how nearby residents could purchase adjacent lots under the city’s $1 program, and whether a donation to Sierra would meaningfully clear title for future buyers.

Laura Settlemeer, operations lead for the Shreveport Implementation and Redevelopment Authority (Sierra), said Sierra’s stated intention is to perform title work and have titles cleared before marketing or transferring parcels. “The donation itself will not on its own clear the title,” Settlemeer said, adding that Sierra intends to clear title before transfer to a subsequent party wherever feasible.

Council members also discussed whether the city could underwrite or self-insure title risk for a portfolio of properties and whether that would require a reserve fund. Staff answered that clearing title often depends on property-specific issues — length of adjudication, outstanding liens and other clouds — and that cost estimates will vary by property.

The ordinance passed on second reading and final passage with a recorded vote of seven in favor. Council members said they expect follow-up work between the mayor’s office, Sierra and city staff to define processes for prioritizing parcels, estimating title-clearance costs, and protecting long-term residents from displacement.

Next steps called for Sierra and city staff to return with implementation details and for council oversight on any large blocks of donations or sales.