Could a City Like Shreveport Ever Become Debt-Free?

Can a City Like Shreveport Ever Be Debt-Free? Let’s Talk Reality.

Recently, a Bossier City Council candidate told KEEL News of their goal of reducing, or even eliminating, city debt. It sounds great, who wouldn’t want a city with a clean financial slate? But is it even possible for a city of any decent size to be debt-free?

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Well, sort of. The Houston Chronicle recently acknowledged that a tiny, wealthy town outside of Houston, Hunters Creek Village, has done it, and proudly claims they’ll never take on debt. That’s impressive, but let’s be real—Shreveport isn't Hunters Creek Village. And frankly, Hunters Creek Village is no Shreveport.  Let’s break it down.

First of all, Hunters Creek Village is a tiny place—just 2 square miles with around 4,400 people living there. That’s about the size of a neighborhood in Shreveport. By contrast, Shreveport sprawls across 123 square miles with a population of about 187,000. That means a whole lot more roads, water pipes, police officers, firefighters, and everything else that makes a city run.

Money Talks

The median household income in Hunters Creek Village is a jaw-dropping $250,000+. Yep, quarter-million-dollar salaries are the norm there. Meanwhile, the median household income in Shreveport sits at around $48,000—a solid living, but not exactly “debt-free city” level of cash flow. Hunters Creek can just write checks for its infrastructure projects. Shreveport? Not so much.

Roads, Utilities, and the Reality of All That Expensive Stuff

Hunters Creek only has 22 miles of city-maintained streets. Meanwhile, Shreveport has...well, a LOT more. Not to mention an aging infrastructure that needs constant repair, a bigger police force, fire stations, and public services. The cost difference is massive.

Could Shreveport Ever Really Go Debt-Free?

Short answer? Not likely.  And understand, this is not a slam on the current, or even previous administrations.  Because this could apply to just about any medium size city in the country. But about the only way Shreveport could go Debt-free would be if a bunch of billionaires suddenly decide to move here and pay off the bills, or we could get a small sheet of paper with 6 precise numbers and a Powerball.

But does that mean the city can’t reduce its debt? Of course not. It's been amazing to see what DOGE has been able to uncover on the federal level in just a couple of weeks. But on the local level, fiscal responsibility, smart spending, and increasing revenue without overburdening taxpayers can make a big difference.

Bottom line? The idea of a debt-free Shreveport is nice, but it’s about as likely as Buc-ee’s opening a location downtown. Instead of chasing an unrealistic goal, city leaders should focus on wise spending and long-term financial health—and that’s something for which voters should hold them accountable.