Creating jobs, supporting local entrepreneurs, attracting new industries, and building a culturally vibrant economy.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & JOBS

Craig’s vision is to position Shreveport as a culturally diverse city of opportunity—creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and building an economy that allows local residents and businesses to thrive.

CULTURAL TOURISM, FILM & GLOBAL IDENTITY

• Partner with the Shreveport-Bossier Tourism Bureau and Shreveport Convention Center toward the long-term goal of building an $8.7 billion cultural-tourism economy centered in District B.

• Work with G-Unit Film & Television, the City of Shreveport Film Office, and other production companies to expand film and television production while promoting Shreveport nationally and globally.

• Brand Shreveport as “The Magnolia Queen” and Shreveport-Caddo as the “Home of Lead Belly,” strengthening our identity within the global cultural economy.

• Develop the Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter Cultural Edutainment District in the West End and support more than 50 locally rooted businesses with the potential to grow beyond Shreveport.

• Advocate for Northwest Louisiana’s cultural economy and advance the principles of cultra-social entrepreneurship throughout the region.

• Grow Shreveport into a Tier 2 tourism destination within eight years and cultivate an equitable partnership with the SWAC to expand sports tourism.

JOB CREATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

• Support the creation of more than 1,000 jobs through the Lead Belly Cultural Edutainment District, Port City Medical Village, Sam Cooke Entertainment District, STEAM initiatives, and other viable economic-development projects.

• Partner with remote-friendly employers to connect at least 500 Shreveport residents with quality employment opportunities.

• Work with Amazon to expand equitable employment, contracting, and procurement opportunities for Shreveport residents and businesses.

• Establish an Intellectual Property Incubator to help residents develop, protect, and launch innovative ideas.

• Create a Cultra-Social Entrepreneurial Grant Program that provides local entrepreneurs with opportunities to compete for $25,000 to $50,000 in funding and receive technical assistance from the City of Shreveport and its business partners.

• Develop 100 youth entrepreneurs across Shreveport within four years and promote home-based microbusinesses as accessible pathways to financial independence.

• Advocate for lawful hemp and cannabis agriculture opportunities in Shreveport-Caddo.

INFRASTRUCTURE & ACCESS

• Increase passenger traffic at Shreveport Regional Airport to help lower airfares, improve connectivity, and expand the hospitality and tourism industries.

• Advocate for the completion of I-49 through Shreveport’s urban core and I-69 in South Shreveport.

• Improve transportation options for low-income residents and individuals transitioning from public assistance into the workforce.

EQUITABLE GROWTH & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

• Build productive relationships with local chambers of commerce, the Strategic Action Council, MSI, and other economic-development partners.

• Work with the Fair Share and Community Development departments to expand opportunities for African American and other minority-owned businesses.

• Partner with downtown businesses and the Downtown Development Authority to establish downtown Shreveport as a first-class destination to work, conduct business, live, socialize, and experience our city’s distinctive culture and hospitality.

Strengthening schools, supporting educators, closing the digital divide, and preparing young people to lead.

EDUCATION

Craig’s vision is to help young people develop the knowledge, character, confidence, and practical skills needed to succeed. By working with families, educators, community organizations, the Caddo Parish School Board, and other elected officials, he will advocate for stronger schools and greater opportunities for every student.

STRONG SCHOOLS & EDUCATOR SUPPORT

• Work with local and state officials to advocate for competitive compensation and greater support for teachers and school employees.

• Build productive relationships with teachers’ unions and other education labor organizations to better understand and address the needs of educators.

• Support collaborative strategies that improve safety in every school and create secure, positive learning environments for students and staff.

CULTURAL LEARNING & STUDENT IDENTITY

• Advocate for cultural-enlightenment training that helps teachers, administrators, and staff understand and effectively serve students from diverse backgrounds.

• Support culturally enriching curricula throughout Caddo Parish public schools so students can better understand their history, identity, and contributions to society.

• Explore Cultural Enlightenment Programs developed in consultation with respected scholars such as Dr. Naim Akbar, Dr. Kevin Washington, and Dr. Molefi Kete Asante.

TECHNOLOGY, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & CAREER PREPARATION

• Strengthen the connection between quality education, career preparation, and economic development throughout Caddo Parish.

• Help bridge the digital divide by advocating for Technological Empowerment Centers in underserved Shreveport communities.

• Establish a Youth Cultra-Social Entrepreneurship Program that helps students develop business skills, leadership abilities, and community-centered ideas.

• Promote innovative, nontraditional extracurricular programs that expose students to entrepreneurship, technology, cultural arts, leadership, and emerging career opportunities.

FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Expand Dads On Duty–USA and launch Moms On Duty–USA chapters throughout Caddo Parish, serving students from elementary through high school.

• Build stronger partnerships among families, schools, community organizations, and neighborhood leaders to support student achievement and school safety.

Expanding quality housing, improving infrastructure, and building stronger partnerships with neighborhoods.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Craig’s vision is to work alongside residents, neighborhood organizations, businesses, and the Shreveport Community Development Department to create stronger neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and move Shreveport toward becoming a world-class city.

HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

• Support the renovation and reconstruction of residential and commercial properties in underserved communities to expand access to safe, quality, and affordable housing.

• Partner with neighborhood associations to advance the goals of the Shreveport Master Plan and ensure residents have a meaningful role in shaping their communities.

• Build equitable, long-term partnerships among residents, city government, and businesses throughout District B.

INFRASTRUCTURE & PUBLIC INVESTMENT

• Advocate for greater investment in essential infrastructure, including streets, water systems, sewer systems, drainage, and other neighborhood needs.

• Promote the transparent and equitable distribution of federal Community Development Block Grant funds to eligible communities with the greatest needs.

• Educate residents about housing, financial assistance, neighborhood improvement, and other programs available through the Shreveport Community Development Department.

HOUSING POLICY & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

• Pursue an annual HUD-focused conference in Shreveport that brings together local, state, federal, community, and corporate leaders to address housing and community-development challenges.

• Strengthen collaboration among public agencies, private-sector partners, nonprofit organizations, and residents to attract resources and support sustainable neighborhood growth.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP & TALENT RETENTION

• Collaborate with student leaders from Centenary College, Byrd High School, and Caddo Magnet High School to establish an “Indigenous Human Capital Trust.”

• Use the initiative to encourage Shreveport’s homegrown students and young professionals to live, work, invest, and become future leaders in their community.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION & VETERAN SUPPORT

• Work with banks and credit unions to develop a comprehensive strategy for residents who are unbanked or underserved by traditional financial institutions.

• Advocate for critical issues affecting veterans and strengthen partnerships with the VA Hospital and other organizations that provide services to veterans and their families.

Preserving Shreveport’s cultural legacy while creating new opportunities for artists, organizations, and families.

CULTURAL ARTS

Craig’s vision is to establish Shreveport as “The Magnolia Queen”—a thriving, midsized international city that celebrates cultural respect, expands equitable access to the arts, and recognizes the cultural economy as a powerful source of identity, opportunity, and economic growth.

CULTURAL IDENTITY & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

• Partner with SRAC, KaDavien Baylor, the Roosevelt Daniels Art Guild, Achievement Through Art, Pamoja Art Society, Theater of Performing Arts, the Multicultural Center of the South, Playaz & Playettes Inc., and other arts organizations to preserve and promote Shreveport’s cultural legacy.

• Build stronger partnerships among artists, cultural organizations, businesses, developers, educators, and city leaders.

• Ensure Shreveport’s cultural programs and public investments reflect the full diversity of the people who live here.

FESTIVALS, EXHIBITS & ARTS INVESTMENT

• Work with developers, artists, event producers, and marketing professionals to create distinctive festivals and cultural experiences that authentically represent Shreveport.

• Advocate for diverse local, state, federal, corporate, and philanthropic funding for arts and cultural projects.

• Attract a broader range of cultural exhibits to Shreveport’s museums, galleries, and other public facilities.

ARTIST OPPORTUNITY & THE CULTURAL ECONOMY

• Help visual artists connect with marketing, exhibition, digital-commerce, and business-development opportunities that can increase their local and global sales.

• Promote the arts as an economic-development strategy that creates jobs, attracts visitors, strengthens neighborhoods, and supports locally owned businesses.

• Expand opportunities for Shreveport’s artists and cultural organizations to reach regional, national, and international audiences.

HISTORIC & CULTURAL PRESERVATION

• Partner with Star Cemetery advocates to preserve its history, protect the site, and honor the people and stories connected to its legacy.

• Support efforts to document, protect, and promote other significant cultural landmarks throughout Shreveport.

YOUTH ARTS & CULTURAL EDUCATION

• Advocate for After-School Culture Care Programs that identify and cultivate the artistic talents of children.

• Support Cultural Enlightenment Programs in Caddo Parish schools that strengthen students’ understanding of history, culture, identity, and community.

• Explore consultation with respected professionals such as Dr. Tommy Curry, Dr. Kevin Washington, and Dr. Joy DeGruy when developing cultural education initiatives.

Advancing community-based prevention, positive engagement, youth intervention, and stronger public trust.

CRIME PREVENTION & PUBLIC SAFETY

Craig’s vision is to help make Shreveport one of America’s safest cities to live, work, raise a family, and enjoy community life. His approach combines prevention, positive engagement, accountable policing, youth intervention, and meaningful opportunities for people returning to society.

PREVENTION & POSITIVE COMMUNITY PRESENCE

• Partner with Dads On Duty–USA, BEST 13, neighborhood organizations, churches, and other community groups to expand positive engagement and visible community presence.

• Replace cycles of incarceration with mentoring, intervention, accountability, and opportunity while working to dismantle the “Village-to-Prison Pipeline.”

• Host anti-violence and crime-prevention summits that bring together community leaders, hip-hop influencers, violence-prevention professionals, and credible messengers with direct experience of gang involvement and street violence.

• Support targeted intervention for juveniles and first-time offenders to reduce repeat offenses and help young people pursue more productive paths.

COMMUNITY-CENTERED POLICING

• Advance community-based policing in neighborhoods experiencing higher levels of violent crime.

• Strengthen the role of community liaison officers and create more opportunities for residents and law-enforcement officers to build trust outside of crisis situations.

• Promote a service-oriented approach to policing that views officers as community partners rather than relying primarily on militarized enforcement strategies.

• Advocate for cultural-awareness and Cultural Enlightenment training that improves communication, reduces preventable misconduct, and lowers the risk of costly litigation against the city.

REENTRY & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

• Continue MOVE Empowerment workshops in partnership with city and parish reentry programs.

• Expand job training, career-development, and small-business programs for formerly incarcerated residents.

• Build partnerships with employers, workforce organizations, and entrepreneurs willing to create genuine second-chance opportunities.

ACCOUNTABILITY & PUBLIC TRUST

• Work with state legislators, city officials, legal experts, and residents to pursue a lawful and independent Citizens Oversight Board.

• Promote transparent public-safety policies that protect residents, respect constitutional rights, and hold both public officials and community members accountable.

• Use community feedback and measurable outcomes to evaluate crime-prevention programs and improve public trust.

Making city government more accessible, transparent, accountable, and responsive to residents.

POWER FOR THE PEOPLE

Craig’s vision is to give grassroots residents a stronger voice in local government by making City Hall more accessible, transparent, informed, and responsive to the people it serves.

RESIDENT VOICE & REPRESENTATION

• Establish a District B Citizen Advisory Board to help identify community priorities and provide input on equitable, fair, and effective public policies.

• Ensure the advisory board reflects the diverse neighborhoods, generations, professions, and lived experiences found throughout District B.

• Host monthly community meetings in District B to keep residents informed, answer questions, gather feedback, and discuss important city issues.

ACCESSIBLE & RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT

• Advocate for City Council meetings to begin at 5:00 p.m. instead of 3:00 p.m., allowing more working residents to attend and participate.

• Maintain a District B constituent-services office where residents can ask questions, report concerns, receive assistance, and follow the progress of unresolved issues.

• Create clear and reliable methods for residents to communicate with their council representative between public meetings.

TRANSPARENCY & PUBLIC INFORMATION

• Expand the city’s use of its website and social-media platforms to broadcast City Council meetings and other public-government proceedings.

• Provide accessible recordings and public information so residents can stay informed even when they cannot attend meetings in person.

• Communicate important votes, policy proposals, public meetings, and city projects in clear language residents can easily understand.

PREPARED & ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP

• Advocate for continuing education and professional development for City Council members.

• Encourage training in municipal finance, real estate and land use, tax policy, ethics, law, oil and gas, economic development, and other subjects that affect city decision-making.

• Promote leadership that is informed, ethical, and prepared to make responsible decisions on behalf of Shreveport residents.

CIVIC EDUCATION & FUTURE LEADERSHIP

• Help Caddo Parish students understand how local, state, and federal government works and why civic participation matters.

• Partner with student government associations at SUSLA, LSUS, Centenary College, and Grambling State University to develop a 20-Year Political Empowerment Master Plan for Shreveport.

• Encourage young people to become informed voters, community advocates, public servants, and future elected leaders.

Strengthening families, supporting women, protecting vulnerable residents, and investing in future generations.

WOMEN, CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Craig’s vision is to strengthen families, expand opportunity for women, protect vulnerable residents, and help children grow up in safe, healthy, and empowering communities.

FAMILY HEALING & EMPOWERMENT

• Develop Ujima Empowerment Villages that connect families experiencing generational trauma with supportive services, mentorship, education, and community resources.

• Promote the principle, “It takes an empowered village to empower our children.”

• Support programs that address the social and economic challenges affecting families and help make Louisiana a better place to raise healthy, thriving children.

SAFETY & DOMESTIC-VIOLENCE PREVENTION

• Partner with domestic-violence advocates, service providers, law enforcement, and community organizations to strengthen prevention strategies.

• Improve public awareness of domestic abuse and help connect survivors and their families with safe, accessible support services.

• Encourage community-based education that promotes healthy relationships and helps identify warning signs before violence escalates.

ECONOMIC EQUITY & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

• Work with elected officials, employers, and economic-development partners to expand access to higher-paying jobs with quality benefits for women.

• Advocate for equal pay and greater transparency in compensation practices.

• Invest in home-based entrepreneurship programs that provide women with business training, technical assistance, and access to funding opportunities.

• Promote home-based microbusinesses as flexible pathways to income for parents, caregivers, and residents facing high childcare costs or unemployment.

EARLY CHILDHOOD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

• Advocate for stronger educational and developmental standards in childcare centers, preschools, and Head Start programs.

• Support high-quality early-learning programs that prepare children academically, socially, and emotionally for school.

• Encourage partnerships among families, educators, childcare providers, and community organizations to improve outcomes for young children.

INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTION & ELDER PROTECTION

• Create intergenerational programs that build meaningful relationships between young people and elders in their communities.

• Provide opportunities for elders to share knowledge, history, culture, and life experience with younger generations.

• Work with the appropriate state and local authorities to advocate for stronger nursing-home inspections, greater accountability, and improved protections against elder abuse.

Improving public spaces, expanding youth programs, and promoting healthier, more connected communities.

PARKS & RECREATION

Craig’s vision is to use parks, recreation, and community programming to help Shreveport residents become healthier, stay connected, and enjoy longer, more active lives.

WELCOMING & ACCESSIBLE PARKS

• Work with SPAR and neighborhood residents to create safe, clean, welcoming, and community-friendly environments throughout Shreveport’s park system.

• Improve park amenities, accessibility, lighting, maintenance, and recreational opportunities based on the needs of the neighborhoods each park serves.

• Encourage year-round programming that makes parks active gathering places for children, families, adults, and seniors.

COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS

• Partner with SPAR management, healthcare providers, fitness professionals, and residents to develop a Community Health and Wellness Master Plan.

• Expand access to outdoor fitness, walking programs, recreational activities, health education, and preventive-wellness resources.

• Explore a partnership with Robert “Superman” Blount to expand his Holistic Health and Wellness Program.

• Support initiatives that improve children’s nutrition, increase physical activity, and reduce the long-term health risks associated with childhood obesity.

ARTS, CULTURE & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

• Partner with local musicians, poets, actors, cultural organizations, and professional event producers to bring outdoor performances to Shreveport parks.

• Create affordable, family-friendly concerts and cultural experiences that celebrate Shreveport’s talent and bring residents together.

• Use park programming to support local artists, attract visitors, and strengthen neighborhood pride.

YOUTH SPORTS & DEVELOPMENT

• Advocate for greater support and appropriate funding for nonprofit organizations that provide youth athletic and recreational programs.

• Partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs and other youth-serving organizations to expand programs for underserved children and teenagers.

• Increase access to structured sports, mentorship, leadership development, and safe after-school activities throughout Shreveport.

Protecting Cross Lake, improving environmental quality, embracing green technology, and keeping Shreveport clean.

ENVIRONMENT & QUALITY OF LIFE

Craig’s vision is to improve the quality of life for every Shreveport resident by protecting our water, improving air quality, embracing responsible green development, and creating cleaner neighborhoods.

CLEAN WATER & CROSS LAKE

• Work with city, parish, and state officials, environmental experts, and community stakeholders to address invasive salvinia and other threats affecting Cross Lake.

• Protect and improve Cross Lake’s water quality as Shreveport’s primary drinking-water source and an important recreational asset.

• Partner with environmental organizations, the Caddo Parish Commission, and parish administration to develop responsible solutions for protecting our water and soil.

CLEAN AIR & ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY

• Work with grassroots organizations, environmental advocates, public-health professionals, and elected officials to improve the quality of the air Shreveport residents breathe.

• Support stronger monitoring, transparency, and enforcement of environmental standards for refineries, manufacturers, and other industrial facilities.

• Advocate for appropriate action when industrial emissions or unsafe toxins threaten public health, neighborhoods, or the environment.

GREEN DEVELOPMENT & ENERGY AFFORDABILITY

• Embrace green technology and energy-efficient development practices that can reduce long-term utility costs for residents and businesses.

• Partner with responsible developers to incorporate sustainable materials, renewable-energy solutions, and environmentally conscious design into future projects.

• Encourage green investments that create jobs, improve housing, and make Shreveport more resilient.

COMMUNITY CLEANUP & STEWARDSHIP

• Partner with Shreveport Green, Community Renewal, Centenary College, neighborhood associations, and other organizations to develop a 20-Year Community Cleanup Master Plan.

• Organize targeted cleanup and beautification projects throughout District B in partnership with residents, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, local scouting organizations, schools, colleges, and youth groups.

• Engage students from Centenary College, Southern University, Byrd High School, Caddo Magnet High School, and other institutions in hands-on environmental service.

• Build a culture of shared responsibility that encourages residents, businesses, public agencies, and community organizations to keep Shreveport clean.