Shreveport Approves 50 Cent’s $50M Entertainment District

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Shreveport, Louisiana is gearing up for a major transformation. The city council has officially approved Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s ambitious plan to build a $50 million entertainment district downtown — a move that promises to bring film, television, music, and live entertainment under one roof while rebranding the city as a creative hub.

What the District Will Include

The project, formally known as the Film and Entertainment Gateway Economic Development District, will house studios, production spaces, entertainment venues, and creative offices. 50 Cent’s G-Unit Film & Television will anchor the development, and Jackson has already secured Millennium Studios as part of the foundation.

A new series called Shreveport Justice is also in the works, spotlighting local culture and law enforcement, further tying the project to the city’s identity.

To support the development, a 2% sales tax will be collected within the district, with revenue funneled into a special trust for construction, infrastructure, and job creation. Construction is projected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.

Economic Promise & Community Debate

For many, the project represents one of the most significant economic opportunities in Shreveport’s history. Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor called it a “rebrand” for the city, envisioning a future where Shreveport stands alongside Atlanta as a Southern entertainment capital.

But not everyone is on board with the branding. Activist Craig Lee has argued that the district should honor the city’s cultural roots, proposing names like the Sam Cooke Cultural Arts District to better reflect Shreveport’s musical heritage. Others have raised concerns about gentrification and the need to ensure local artists and residents aren’t pushed aside in the process.

Why It Matters

• Jobs & Investment: A $50M project promises new careers in media, production, and entertainment.
• Cultural Impact: Done right, the district could strengthen Shreveport’s creative identity and keep local talent at home.
• National Spotlight: With 50 Cent at the helm, Shreveport could follow in the footsteps of Atlanta, where film and media investments reshaped the city’s global profile.

The Bigger Picture

50 Cent has made it clear he’s playing the long game in Shreveport, buying property and investing in infrastructure with Tyler Perry-style ambition. If successful, the district won’t just change the city’s skyline — it could redefine its cultural future.

Shreveport now has the green light. The question is whether this district will spark the generational change supporters hope for, or if the city will have to balance progress with protecting its cultural roots.