SHREVEPORT, La. — More than 120 leaders from Shreveport and Caddo Parish traveled to Baton Rouge for the 2026 Caddo Parish Day at the Capitol, where local officials, educators, law enforcement representatives and business leaders met with state agency officials and legislators to promote regional priorities.
The annual event brought together representatives from the Parish of Caddo, the city of Shreveport, Caddo Parish Public Schools, law enforcement agencies, higher education institutions, economic development groups and the Greater Shreveport Chamber, organizers said.
The program included a welcome reception Wednesday at the Watermark Baton Rouge Hotel and a policy summit Thursday at the Capitol Park Museum. Discussions focused on economic development, education and workforce issues, public safety and state funding processes.
Participants heard from officials from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, the Department of Revenue, Louisiana State Police and the Office of Juvenile Justice, as well as state education and workforce development leaders.
“Caddo Parish Day at the Capitol represents what’s possible when our community shows up with one voice,” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. “By engaging directly with cabinet officials and state leadership, we’re ensuring that the priorities of Shreveport and Caddo Parish are clearly understood and positioned for meaningful progress.”
Caddo Parish Administrator and CEO Erica Bryant said the event gave parish leaders a chance to align priorities and work directly with state officials.
“Collaboration at this level is critical to moving our parish forward,” Bryant said. “Opportunities like this allow us to align priorities, strengthen partnerships, and work directly with state leaders to advance solutions that improve the quality of life for our residents.”
Keith Burton, superintendent of Caddo Parish Public Schools, said education and workforce development remained central topics for the region.
“Education and workforce development are at the center of our region’s future,” Burton said. “Being part of these conversations ensures that the needs of our students, teachers, and future workforce are represented as decisions are made at the state level.”
The event concluded with a lunch discussion with legislators focused on policy priorities and regional needs.
Scott Ward, chairman of the board of the Greater Shreveport Chamber, said the turnout reflected coordination across public and private sector groups.
“Bringing together leaders from across business, government, and education sends a powerful message about the direction of our region,” Ward said. “This level of alignment strengthens our ability to advocate effectively and drive long-term economic growth for Northwest Louisiana.”
Sponsors included the Port of Caddo-Bossier, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, AT&T, Trinity Operating, Comcast, Delta Utilities, Brown Builders, Southwestern Electric Power Company, Louisiana Asset Management Pool, Government Consultants and Fairfield Property.