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HR 223

MARKETING/PROMOTION: Urges and requests the city of Shreveport to partner with certain enumerated entities to advance the Southern Soul City initiative

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joy Walters

Urges Shreveport to partner with a multi-agency group to advance the Southern Soul City initiative, with annual planning and reports through 2028 to boost tourism and the local eco

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 223

Summary of HR 223 (2026 Regular Session, Louisiana)

Title

Marketing/PROMOTION: Urges and requests the city of Shreveport to partner with certain enumerated entities to advance the Southern Soul City initiative

Purpose and intent

  • Urges and requests the city of Shreveport to collaborate with a specified group of entities to advance the “Southern Soul City” initiative.
  • Frames Southern Soul as both a cultural expression and an economic development opportunity intended to boost tourism, hospitality, small business activity, and regional branding.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Establishment of a collaborative framework: The resolution identifies a set of enumerated entities that should partner with the city of Shreveport. These include:
    • Southern Soul City Foundation (chair)
    • City of Shreveport
    • Parish of Caddo
    • Shreveport Regional Airport
    • Shreve Memorial Library
    • Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission
    • Visit Shreveport-Bossier/Tourism
    • Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism
  • Development of an annual phased plan:
    • By no later than October 2026, the involved parties are to create an annual phase system designed to ensure the success of the Southern Soul City initiatives.
  • Annual reporting requirement:
    • The president of the Southern Soul City Foundation, with assistance from the city’s governing authority, must provide a written annual phase report to the Commissioner of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
    • Reports due by October 1 in 2026, 2027, and 2028, detailing progress on the Southern Soul City initiatives.
  • Communications and dissemination:
    • The resolution requires transmission of a copy to key local and regional leaders and entities (e.g., mayor, chamber of commerce, airport authority, library system, tourism bureau, and department commissioner).

Who or what would be affected

  • DirectlyAffected:
    • City of Shreveport and its municipal leadership
    • Caddo Parish government
    • Southern Soul City Foundation (role as convenor and reporting entity)
    • Shreveport Regional Airport
    • Shreve Memorial Library
    • Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission
    • Visit Shreveport-Bossier Tourism and related tourism authorities
    • Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism (in terms of reporting)
  • IndirectlyAffected:
    • Local businesses, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues benefiting from the Southern Soul branding and tourism activity
    • Regional cultural institutions and artists involved in Southern Soul initiatives
    • Wider community engaged with arts, culture, and economic development

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective action: The resolution urges and requests, not a binding appropriation or mandate; its effect is to formalize collaboration and planning.
  • Timeline:
    • By October 2026: Develop an annual phased plan in cooperation with the enumerated entities.
    • October 1, 2026; October 1, 2027; October 1, 2028: Submit written annual phase reports detailing progress on Southern Soul City initiatives to the Commissioner of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
  • Communications: A copy of the resolution and subsequent reports are to be transmitted to specified city and regional leaders and entities.

Context and background

  • The bill frames Shreveport as a cultural hub for Southern Soul, with aims to convert cultural heritage into an economic engine—through tourism, events (e.g., festivals), museum and exhibit concepts, and branding efforts associated with the Southern Soul identity.
  • Existing and related activities referenced include the Annual Shreveport Blues and Southern Soul Pre-Labor Day Fest, local restaurants, and events highlighting local African-American culture and entrepreneurship.

Bottom line

HR 223 is a non-binding House resolution urging a multi-agency and organizational partnership to advance the Southern Soul City initiative, with a structured planning and reporting timeline through 2028 to monitor progress and impact on tourism, culture, and the local economy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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