Block by Block initiative launches in Queensborough

By: Dr. Kirkpatrick Williams
Published July 13, 2025

Mayor Tom Arceneaux officially launched the Block‑by‑Block initiative in Queensborough, part of the city’s broader neighborhood revitalization strategy. Modeled after the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership program, the campaign empowers residents to help combat blight and restore community pride, with the first wave of clean‑ups targeting Queensborough blocks on July 12, 2025.

A Grassroots Approach
Rather than relying on top‑down directives, Block‑by‑Block adopts a neighborhood-centric model. Local leaders meet weekly and, working with data and resident input, identify block-level priorities, from vacant lot clean-up to property repairs and code enforcement. The initiative establishes a “lifecycle tracking system” that monitors violations, abatements, legal actions, demolitions, and redevelopment plans.

How Queensborough Fits In
Occurring on July 12, the Queensborough clean-up mobilized community members, civic groups, and city agencies in a coordinated sweep. Residents were invited to help identify recurring issues and set priority actions, with the Shreveport Revitalization Agency (SIRA) playing a central role in returning vacant properties to productive use.

Local Leadership Speaks Out
Mayor Arceneaux emphasized that this effort isn’t a short-term fix, but a “fundamental change” in addressing neglected neighborhoods. “By aligning our people, our data, and our purpose, we can reverse decline and spark renewal,” he said.

Marcus Edwards, City Attorney and executive sponsor of the initiative, echoed that sentiment: “We believe by investing in neighborhoods we can reverse the cycle of decline and spark renewal.”

What's Next?
Following Queensborough, the initiative will move block‑by‑block through other neighborhoods, including MLK, Cedar Grove, Allendale, and more, concluding in the fall. Each area receives tailor‑made plans and ongoing tracking to ensure sustained progress beyond the initial clean-up.