Shreveport, La. – In a clear effort to strengthen civic participation, the Office of the Shreveport City Council is hosting the inaugural Council Connects: Neighborhood Leadership Institute on Saturday at Southern University at Shreveport. The free, one‑day program is designed to empower local residents, build neighborhood leadership capacity, and demystify the inner workings of municipal government.

Program schedule and focus areas

Registration opens at 9 a.m. in the Alphonse Jackson Building, followed by an opening session at 10 a.m. The agenda features a series of interactive workshops led by city department representatives. Participants will receive practical instruction on navigating public works, property standards, municipal resources, and public safety functions. Each workshop emphasizes how citizens can effectively access city services and advocate for improvements in their neighborhoods.

Utility Partners Lunch Panel

Mid‑day, the institute will host a Utility Partners Lunch Panel that brings together representatives from SWEPCO, Delta Utilities, AT&T and Comcast/Xfinity. The panel offers community leaders direct access to the region’s major service providers, allowing them to raise infrastructure concerns, ask service‑related questions, and explore collaborative solutions.

Graduation and next steps

The day will conclude with a graduation ceremony at 2 p.m., recognizing participants who have completed the training. All activities are slated to finish by 3 p.m., leaving attendees with a clear set of tools to engage with city officials and pursue neighborhood improvements.

City Council members emphasized that the institute reflects a broader commitment to transparent, responsive governance. By equipping residents with knowledge of city processes, the council aims to bridge the gap between elected officials and the communities they serve, fostering a stronger, more collaborative Shreveport.

Local leaders and interested citizens are encouraged to attend, as the program seeks to build a network of informed advocates who can help shape the city’s future. For more information or to register, visit the Shreveport City Council website.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.