The City of Shreveport and the Downtown Development Authority are launching a public survey as part of a broader effort to create a five-year strategic retail plan aimed at guiding the future growth and development of downtown.

The survey marks the beginning of a partnership with Downtown Strategies, a division of Retail Strategies, to develop a roadmap for attracting businesses and investments that align with the needs of residents, workers, visitors and investors.

The planning process will include research and discovery, market analysis, a review of existing plans, stakeholder engagement and a strategic visioning process designed to identify opportunities for growth and redevelopment in downtown Shreveport.

Community members are being asked to share what they value most about downtown, the challenges they believe need to be addressed and the improvements they feel would have the greatest impact. Survey responses will help shape priorities related to business growth, tourism, walkability, redevelopment, design, downtown vibrancy and overall quality of place.

City and downtown leaders say the effort comes at a pivotal time as significant private investments continue to take shape in the downtown area. Among those investments are G-Unit’s expanding presence and the ongoing expansion of Bally’s casino, developments officials say creates an opportunity to align public input and private investment around a shared vision for downtown’s future.

“Downtown Shreveport is one of our city’s greatest assets, and this is the right time to build on the momentum we’re seeing,” Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. “We want to hear directly from the people who live, work, invest, and spend time downtown so we can focus on practical improvements that will strengthen downtown for years to come.”

Officials said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening downtown as a center for commerce, entertainment, tourism, housing, culture and civic life.

The strategic retail plan will also help guide future business recruitment efforts and support the Downtown Development Authority’s work to update the Downtown 2010 Redevelopment Strategy.

“Downtown Shreveport is at an important point in its development, and this planning process gives us an opportunity to build on the momentum we are seeing today,” said Cedric B. Glover, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority. “The most effective plans are shaped by the people who live, work, invest, and spend time in Downtown Shreveport. We encourage everyone who has a connection to Downtown Shreveport to participate in the survey and help identify priorities that will guide our work as Downtown Shreveport continues to rise.”

The survey is anonymous and will be available through online platforms operated by the City of Shreveport, the Downtown Development Authority, the Greater Shreveport Chamber and other community organizations.

Officials are encouraging anyone who lives, works, visits, invests in or has an interest in downtown Shreveport to participate.

The survey can be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DowntownShreveportLA.