Shreveport Council Candidates Debate Data Center Impact
Candidates discuss water usage and economic growth tied to a massive new facility.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Utilities
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Shreveport City Council candidates Gary Brooks and Tabatha Taylor recently addressed the city's future, focusing on the infrastructure demands of a proposed data center. The project aims to drive job creation while raising questions about regional utility capacity.
Why it matters
The discussion highlights the balancing act between attracting large-scale industrial investment and managing critical municipal resources like water supply. Candidates are weighing the long-term economic benefits against the immediate requirements of infrastructure development.
The proposed data center requires 4 million to 7 million gallons of water daily, while Shreveport currently produces 79 million gallons per day and sells 35 million to 40 million. Meanwhile, the city is managing a $256 million bond passed in March 2024.
The players
Gary Brooks
He is a Shreveport City Council member currently campaigning for reelection in District B.
Tabatha Taylor
She is a Shreveport City Council member currently campaigning for reelection in District A.
Bill Sabo
He serves as the economic development director for the City of Shreveport.
The details
The administration is working with the Metropolitan Planning Committee and economic development director Bill Sabo to streamline permitting for the $124 million G-Unit project. Officials project that the facility will generate thousands of construction jobs alongside a couple hundred permanent positions.
Timeline
Shreveport passed a $256 million bond for infrastructure projects in March 2024.
The mayor hired an economic development director to improve permitting processes over a year ago.
Market Landscape
This development follows the passage of the $256 million infrastructure bond, which serves as the financial anchor for current municipal expansion. The project forces the city to reconcile legacy water systems with the aggressive utility demands of modern, large-scale industrial tenants.
Residents may see shifts in local infrastructure priorities as the city balances new industrial water needs with established municipal services. The project's success depends on streamlining permitting, which aims to accelerate both street repair and economic development.
The takeaway
Large-scale industrial projects like data centers require cities to carefully evaluate their existing utility surplus and long-term infrastructure health. Citizens should monitor city council sessions to see how these massive projects align with ongoing public infrastructure goals.
Further reading
For more information on current infrastructure projects, visit the Shreveport Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTBS.
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Should your city prioritize hosting large-scale industrial projects to drive local economic development?
