COMMUNITY COUNTS. Using Data to Leverage Community Assets

COMMUNITY COUNTS Using Data to Leverage Community Assets 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from The Community Foundation 1 Executive Summary 2 Demographics 4 Poverty 6 Public Safety 8 Education 10 Civic Involvement and Community Relations 14 Economics 16 Housing 18 Health 19 Arts and Recreation 21 Methodology 23 To review all 12 indicators and additional data, visit www.nlacf.org/?communityreportcard

LETTER FROM THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 1 As Southerners, we think we know instinctively our sense of place. Any one of us could roll off a list of what makes this area so special the neighborhoods, the natural beauty, the festivals, the churches, and the people. Especially, the people! But how well do we know the specifics about the quality of life we all share? How do we evaluate whether our community is making progress? How do we prioritize our community investments to make the greatest impact? For the second year, The Community Foundation is pleased to present Community Counts, a report card on our area s quality of life. In these pages, 12 indicators of the strength and vibrancy of our life together are measured so that citizens can work together to set priorities, create policies, and effectively allocate our resources. We have made a commitment to ensure that this vital data is measured annually, so that each year our community can celebrate its successes and join hearts and hands to address any shortcomings. Not only are we measuring ourselves against past benchmarks, this year we are also comparing the Shreveport-Bossier community to four comparable cities: Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Columbus, Georgia; Jackson, Mississippi; and Montgomery, Alabama. Although none of these communities match the distinctiveness of northwest Louisiana, we believe that evaluating our community s data in this context will be helpful in assessing our area s strengths. We invite you to read through Community Counts, discuss it with your neighbors, question your local elected officials, think about ways that all of us can use what we have to strengthen this community for good. Whether you use this report card as a springboard for community conversations, as a guideline for social capital investment, or as a direction for volunteer hours, we hope that Community Counts will help you make Bossier and Caddo Parishes communities of excellence. Sincerely, Bobby E. Jelks, Chairman The Community Foundation

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Community Counts is a project of the Community Foundation to establish benchmarks and monitor trends in area indicators. The goal of the Community Foundation is to track progress in each of the priority areas to assess the impact of funding. The report examines 12 social indicators. These indicators are used to gauge progress in key areas of local development. Additionally, survey questions measure public opinion on a variety of community issues. In establishing the needs of the community, many different approaches may be taken. Communities can track trend over time, compare to the state and/or national averages, or compare to similar geographic locations. The first edition of Community Counts in 2008 began with tracking longitudinal data for Caddo and Bossier Parishes. This year, comparative data for four, similar Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) are included. MSAs are defined as a core area containing a substantial population nucleus, together with adjacent communities having a high degree of economic and social integration with that core. (http://www.census.gov/population/ www/metroareas/aboutmetro.html) The Shreveport-Bossier MSA includes all of Caddo, Bossier, and DeSoto Parishes. Peer comparison MSAs were chosen based on criteria outlined in the Methodology section of this report. They include Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Montgomery, Alabama; Columbus, Georgia; and Jackson, Mississippi. These Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) provide a new level of analysis and illustrate areas for growth and advancement. The results from the first Community Counts revealed three indicators where opportunity for improvement exists: education, health, and poverty. This year, the analysis reveals similar findings but also include crime. Crime was added to the priority list due to trends and comparisons to other metropolitan areas. These priority areas function in concert and fuel a growing problem of poverty. Poverty could be seen as both a cause and an outcome of these other indicator areas. A CLOSER LOOK Public school enrollment continues to decline in Caddo Parish at both the elementary and high school levels. Bossier Parish has seen only slight increases in the same numbers. Compared to peer MSAs, Caddo-Bossier has fewer adults with graduate or professional degrees and is below the state average for college and graduate degrees. Only moderate gains in these two areas are predicted over the next four years. In addition, the number of first-time college freshmen has remained stagnant, forecasting lower overall educational attainment in our community. Crime statistics indicate that violent crime is a more serious problem in Caddo-Bossier than in the peer MSAs, including Baton

3 Rouge. A general downward trend for overall violent crime is evident in all comparative cities over the last several years. However, violent crime is almost twice as high in our area as in other MSAs. This is largely due to significantly higher rates of rape and aggravated assault in our area compared to other MSAs in the study. Property crime does not mirror this trend and is lower in Caddo-Bossier than other areas. Sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, AIDS, and HIV are increasing in our area. Low birth weight babies continues to be higher in Caddo than Bossier as are births to teen mothers. However, births to teen mothers is lower in Caddo-Bossier than in other MSAs. Deaths due to heart disease are declining, but deaths from cancers continues to rise. $1 MILLION 1 2 Poverty remains a significant issue in our area though some indicators showed slight improvement over last year. These include a decline in FITAP (formerly Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) and the number of children receiving free lunch. However, compared to peer MSA communities, our area has a much higher proportion of the total population and children living in poverty. Food stamp usage also showed an increase during the past year. 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 Conclusions Results of the annual data collection and analysis point to positive social indicators for our area. While other parts of the United States have suffered massive job losses and housing downturns, Caddo-Bossier has shown moderate losses or in some cases, clear economic gains. Incomes continue to rise, but the largest area employers are cutting jobs. If $1 Million were available to combat a community issue, where do you think it should go? Education and School System Improvements and Issues Infrastructure Improvements Clean Up City Parks and Recreation Areas Crime and Drugs Community Workers Issues (including firemen, police, and teachers) Housing and Homelessness Youth Activities Health Care Employment and Job Opportunities The educational attainment of the adult population is a key concern. Businesses are attracted to areas with educated populations and without a suitable workforce, opportunities may be lost, fueling the cycle of poverty. The cycle appears to be that of intergenerational transmission of poverty and all of the social constraints that come along with it. Research shows that families who are poor are more likely to have children who are poor when they grow up. Poor kids have less education, poorer overall health, and are more likely to be exposed to violent crime. Addressing the issue of poverty will require addressing each of the other social indicators as well.

4 DEMOGRAPHICS WHO WE ARE Caddo and Bossier Parishes have experienced relatively little population change over the past year. The stagnation of the population size is not evenly distributed between the two parishes, as Caddo has remained unchanged while Bossier has seen a steady but small population increase. 800,000 700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 Population Estimate 2008 SHREVEPORT/ BOSSIER MSA BATON ROUGE MSA COLUMBUS, GA MSA JACKSON, MS MSA MONTGOMERY, AL MSA Shreveport-Bossier MSA has a total population of 387,583. About 52% of the population is female and 48% is male. The racial composition of Caddo-Bossier Parishes is 58% White, 40% Black or African American, and 2% Other. The median age is 35.7, similar to other MSAs in the study. Source: American FactFinder, Population Division, US Census Bureau, 2008 260,000 240,000 220,000 200,000 180,000 160,000 140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 Population 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Caddo Bossier Source: American FactFinder, Population Division, US Census Bureau, 2008

POPULATION CHANGE Natural increase refers to the difference between births and deaths in a population. Shreveport-Bossier MSA experienced a natural increase of about 2,000 people while losing about 200 to out-migration. 5,000 4,500 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500-500 0 Total Population Change SHREVEPORT/ BOSSIER MSA BATON ROUGE MSA COLUMBUS, GA MSA JACKSON, MS MSA MONTGOMERY, AL MSA Source: American FactFinder, Population Division, US Census Bureau, 2008 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Natural Population Increase SHREVEPORT/ BOSSIER MSA BATON ROUGE MSA COLUMBUS, GA MSA JACKSON, MS MSA MONTGOMERY, AL MSA Source: American FactFinder, Population Division, US Census Bureau, 2008 500 0-500 -1,000-1,500-2,000-2,500 Total Net Migration 2007-2008 SHREVEPORT/ BOSSIER MSA BATON ROUGE MSA COLUMBUS, GA MSA JACKSON, MS MSA MONTGOMERY, AL MSA Source: American FactFinder, Population Division, US Census Bureau, 2008 The total population for Shreveport-Bossier MSA increased between 2007 and 2008 due to having more births than deaths. Shreveport-Bossier MSA is about average in terms of the population increase and net loss to migration in context with the peer MSA communities. Shreveport-Bossier MSA experienced a net out-migration of 195 individuals between 2007 and 2008. The total population of Bossier Parish increased while the total population of Caddo Parish remained stable. Shreveport-Bossier has not experienced as much out-migration as compared to the peer MSAs. Between 2007 and 2008, Shreveport-Bossier MSA lost about seven hundred residents to out migration. Based on educational attainment, the group most likely to migrate from the Shreveport-Bossier MSA to another state were individuals who hold a Bachelor s degree, a trend that mirrors migration for the state of Louisiana in general. 5

6 POVERTY Poverty remains a significant issue in Shreveport-Bossier, although some figures actually show slight improvement over last year. The graphs show that Shreveport-Bossier has a higher percentage of the population living in poverty, compared to peer MSA communities. Poverty in the Shreveort- Bossier MSA, compared to peer MSAs, is higher for the total population. Poverty 20% 15% Percent of the Population Living in Poverty As a proportion of the total population, the Shreveport-Bossier MSA has more children living in poverty when compared to the peer MSA communities. 10% 5% 0% SHREVEPORT/ BOSSIER MSA BATON ROUGE MSA COLUMBUS, GA MSA JACKSON, MS MSA MONTGOMERY, AL MSA Source: Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates, US Census Bureau Children Living in Poverty as a Proportion of the Total Population 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% SHREVEPORT/ BOSSIER MSA BATON ROUGE MSA COLUMBUS, GA MSA JACKSON, MS MSA MONTGOMERY, AL MSA Source: Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates, US Census Bureau

7 Public assistance as a measure of poverty should be viewed with caution. FITAP, or Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program, (formerly Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) has a maximum benefit cap of 24 months within a 5-year period, and many people have exhausted their benefits. Extensions and waivers can be granted to extend the maximum benefit. FITAP Recipients per 1,000 People 15 12 9 6 3 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Caddo Bossier Source: Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates, US Census Bureau The number of people receiving FITAP (formerly Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) has shown a steady decline. The number of food stamp recipients has continued to increase slightly while the number of children receiving free or reduced lunch has declined slightly over the past year. Number of Food Stamp Recipients (Yearly Average) 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Caddo Bossier Source: Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates, US Census Bureau Number of Public School Children Receiving Free/Reduced Lunch 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 Caddo Bossier Source: Small Area Income & Poverty Estimates, US Census Bureau

8 PUBLIC SAFETY 1,200.0 1,150.0 1,100.0 1,050.0 1,000.0 950.0 Violent Crimes Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants Shreveport-Bossier MSA 2005 2006 2007 2008 Overall crime rates in the Shreveport/Bossier MSA have been declining over the past three years. The most significant drop in crime rates occurred within violent crimes. However, when compared to the MSAs included in this study, Shreveport-Bossier City has over twice the rate of violent crime. Source: 2005-2008 Crime in U.S. Report, Federal Bureau of Investigation Total Property Crime Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants Shreveport-Bossier MSA The general decline in violent crime is mirrored in the other MSAs included in the study. 6,000.0 5,000.0 4,000.0 3,000..0 2,0000 1,000.0 0.0 2005 2006 2007 2008 Source: 2005-2008 Crime in U.S. Report, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Results below are standardized to represent the total number per 100,000 residents. Due to the variation in collection procedures, comparative results should be interpreted with caution. 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0 Violent Crimes Reported 2005 2006 2007 2008 Shreveport/Bossier MSA Jackson, MS MSA Baton Rouge MSA Montgomery, AL MSA Columbus, GA MSA Source: 2005-2008 Crime in U.S. Report, Federal Bureau of Investigation 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Forcible Rapes Reported 2005 2006 2007 2008 Forcible rape in Shreveport-Bossier City is about the same as Jackson and higher than other areas. However, the number has declined significantly over the past four years. Aggravated assaults in our area are significantly higher than other MSAs in the study and this trend holds true over time. Shreveport-Bossier MSA has similar property crime rates compared to other areas in the study, with half the MSAs having higher property crime rates and half having a lower property crime rate. 9 Shreveport/Bossier MSA Baton Rouge MSA Columbus, GA MSA Jackson, MS MSA Montgomery, AL MSA Source: 2005-2008 Crime in U.S. Report, Federal Bureau of Investigation 1,000 800 600 400 200 Aggravated Assaults Reported per 100,000 Inhabitants 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 Shreveport/Bossier MSA Jackson, MS MSA Baton Rouge MSA Montgomery, AL MSA Columbus, GA MSA Source: 2005-2008 Crime in U.S. Report, Federal Bureau of Investigation

10EDUCATION K-12 EDUCATION Caddo-Bossier Parish Elementary Public School Enrollment PK-8th Grade 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 Caddo Bossier Louisiana Department of Education; www.doe.state.la.us Source: Louisiana Department of Education; www.doe.state.la.us Secondary public school enrollment has remained stable in Bossier but continues to decline in Caddo. Caddo Parish has a lower percentage of 9th graders who will graduate in 4 years compared to Bossier Parish and state averages. Caddo-Bossier Parish Secondary Public School Enrollment 9th-12th Grade 14,000 13,000 12,000 11,000 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 Caddo 2002-2003 2003-2004 Bossier 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 Source: Louisiana Department of Education; www.doe.state.la.us Percent of 9th Graders who Graduate in 4 years 1998-1999- 2000-2001- 2002-2003- 2004-2005- 2006-2007- 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2007-2008 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% State of Louisiana Caddo Parish Bossier Parish 2006 2007 Source: Louisiana Department of Education; Louisiana State Education Progress Report; www.doe.state.la.us

TEACHER SALARY Teacher salaries continue to rise. 11 $48,000 $45,500 $43,000 $40,500 $38,000 $35,500 $33,000 $30,500 $28,000 1998 Caddo-Bossier Parish Average Teacher Salary 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Teacher salaries compare favorably to Louisiana Median Household Income. Caddo Bossier Source: Louisiana Department of of Education; www.doe.state.la.us Median Household Income Compared to Average Teacher Salary 2007 $48500 $46000 $43500 $41000 $38500 $36000 State of Louisiana Caddo Parish Bossier Parish Median Household Income Average Teacher Salary Source: www.demographicsnow.com; subscription-based online market demographics analysis website

12EDUCATION HIGHER EDUCATION When compared to the peer MSA communities, Shreveport- Bossier has lower overall adult educational attainment. Percent of the Population with a Bachelor s Degree 20% 15% 10% Shreveport-Bossier has a lower total percent of the population with a graduate or professional degree. Projections show that the total number of new college graduates is expected to remain stable through 2012 and the total number of adults with graduate degrees will only rise slightly. 5% 0% SHREVEPORT/ BOSSIER MSA BATON ROUGE MSA COLUMBUS, GA MSA JACKSON, MS MSA MONTGOMERY, AL MSA Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2007 American Community Survey Percent of the Population with a Graduate or Professional Degree 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% SHREVEPORT/ BOSSIER MSA BATON ROUGE MSA COLUMBUS, GA MSA JACKSON, MS MSA MONTGOMERY, AL MSA Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2007 American Community Survey

PERCEPTIONS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION Caddo-Bossier residents were asked to grade locals schools and school boards. Most residents rank public education efforts around a C. Grade Given to Local Schools by Survey Respondents 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Source: Community Survey March 2009 A B C D F Residents are most likely to give local school boards a lower rating than public education in general. Caddo Parish schools and school board were ranked lower than those in Bossier Parish. When asked what the biggest issues facing public schools were, residents responded by saying discipline, standardized testing, and parental involvement. There were no significant differences based on demographics for these responses. 13 Grade Given to Local School Boards by Survey Respondents 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% A B C D F Source: Community Survey March 2009

14 CIVIC INVOLVEMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS Public perception about the diversity of elected officials does not reflect reality. The leadership of the community reflects the diversity of the community 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Agree Unsure Disagree 2008 2009 Source: Community Survey March 2009 Gender Diversity of Elected Officials 2007 The gender and racial composition of Caddo- Bossier are not reflected in the diversity of elected officials. However, most residents reported that elected officials do represent the diversity of our community. This disconnect was most pronounced in higher wage and education households. 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Male Female Caddo Bossier Source: Louisiana Secretary of State, Elections Division website. http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/ Racial Diversity of Elected Officials 2007 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% White Black Caddo Bossier Source: Louisiana Secretary of State, Elections Division website. http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/

VOLUNTEERISM Volunteerism in Caddo-Bossier is largely unchanged from last year. The average volunteer is a middle-aged, white woman who volunteers with a religious organization. About 13% of the respondents in the survey said that either they or someone in their home volunteers. 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Reasons for Volunteering Opportunity to give back to the community Sharing with those less fortunate Source: Community Survey March 2009 55% 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 0% 5% Religious Organizations Feeling of being needed Belief that if you help others, others will help you Where We Volunteer Education Source: Community Survey March 2009 Human Services Organizations Health Meeting new people Youth Environment International Development Organizations National figures estimate that about 35% of the adult population volunteers. Louisiana is ranked 48th out of 50 states for volunteerism rates. In Louisiana, the volunteerism rate is around 20%. The most popular reason for volunteering was the opportunity to give back to the community Almost half of the respondents volunteer with religious organizations. Local volunteers spend the least amount of their time volunteering on environmental and international issues. Most people in the survey stated that they began volunteering after the age of 25. This is different than the national average which is during the teen years. Over 90% of the individuals who volunteer also donate money to nonprofit organizations, though only about half claim this on their taxes. 15

16ECONOMICS EMPLOYMENT Economic indicators for Caddo-Bossier Parishes are generally positive. However, there may be a lag effect to the national economic downturn that has yet to impact our local area. In 2008, the national unemployment rate stood at 5.8%. This rate was above that in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. 7.5% 7.0% 6.5% 6.0% 5.5% 5.0% 4.5% 4.0% 3.5% 3.0% Unemployment Rate 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 The average annual wage in 2008, for Caddo and Bossier Parishes was well below the national average of $41,000. Caddo Bossier Source: Louisiana Department of Labor, Labor Market Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics Program and Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program Average Annual Wage $38,000 $36,000 $34,000 $32,000 $30,000 $28,000 $26,000 $24,000 $22,000 $20,000 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Caddo Bossier Source: Louisiana Department of Labor, Labor Market Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics Program and Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program

INCOME Compared to peer MSAs in the study, Shreveport-Bossier has a significantly lower median household income and per capita income. $25,000 $24,000 $23,000 $22,000 $21,000 $20,000 $19,000 Per Capita Income, 2007 SHREVEPORT/ BOSSIER MSA BATON ROUGE MSA COLUMBUS, GA MSA JACKSON, MS MSA MONTGOMERY, AL MSA Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007 American Community Survey Median Household Income, 2007 Per capita income refers to the income earned per person in the population including those who do not work. Median household income refers to income at the 50th percentile of all households regardless of family status. Income measures in Shreveport-Bossier continue to rise but fall short of the peer communities included in the study. 17 $45,000 $40,000 $35,000 $30,000 $25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $0 SHREVEPORT/ BOSSIER MSA BATON ROUGE MSA COLUMBUS, GA MSA JACKSON, MS MSA MONTGOMERY, AL MSA Median family income refers to the earnings of at least two individuals related by marriage, birth, or adoption residing together. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007 American Community Survey Median Family Income Shreveport-Bossier $51,000 $49,000 $47,000 $45,000 $43,000 $41,000 $39,000 $37,000 $35,000 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007 American Community Survey

18HOUSING New housing starts have dropped dramatically in the past year. However, the value of property in our area has remained fairly constant. Average Costs of Single-Family Home Shreveport-Bossier City $155,000 Housing values have remained high over the past year. When compared to peer MSA communities, Shreveport-Bossier City MSA has one of the higher costs of housing. $145,000 $135,000 $125,000 $115,000 $105,000 $95,000 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Reflecting national trends, single-family housing starts in Caddo- Bossier are down. Actual utility costs have steadily increased. Source: Northwest Louisiana Association of Realtors - Multi-List Service. 1,050 950 850 750 650 550 450 350 Single-Family Housing Starts Caddo-Bossier 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Caddo Bossier Source: Caddo Parish Assessor s Office & Bossier Parish Assessor s Office

New AIDS and HIV diagnoses are on the rise in Caddo Parish. HEALTH 19 60 50 New AIDS Diagnoses Caddo and Bossier Parishes have seen a slight decline in deaths due to heart disease, but an increase in deaths due to all forms of cancers. AIDs and HIV diagnoses are increasing in Caddo. 40 30 20 10 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Caddo Bossier Source: Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Louisiana Office of Public Health, HIV/AIDS Program New HIV Diagnoses 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Caddo Bossier Source: Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Louisiana Office of Public Health, HIV/AIDS Program

20 Health The percent of low-weight births is increasing. 13.5% Percent of Low Weight Births (Below 5 lbs, 8 oz) When compared to peer MSA communities, Shreveport-Bossier has an average number of births to teen mothers. 12.5% 11.5% 10.5% 9.5% 8.5% 2001 2002 Caddo Source: Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, 2007 Health Report Card (www.dhh.louisiana.gov) 2003 Bossier 2004 85% Percentage of Mothers Receiving Adequate Prenatal Care 80% 75% 70% 65% 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Caddo Bossier Source: Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, 2007 Health Report Card (www.dhh.louisiana.gov)

How whould you rate choices for Arts and Entertainment in our area? 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% ARTS AND RECREATION 21 Excellent Good Fair Poor Residents were most likely to rate options for arts and entertainment as good. African Americans in our areas ranked options lower than did Whites. Source: Community Survey March 2009 How would you rate your choices for Parks and Recreation in our area? 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Excellent Good Fair Poor Source: Community Survey March 2009

22ARTS AND RECREATION When thinking about options for Arts and Entertainment, what comes to mind? (Listed by number responding) Theatre (Including The Strand, Shreveport Little Theatre, Shreve Opera, Marjorie Lyons Players) Centers (Including Boardwalk, Convention Center, CenturyTel, Riverfront, Sci-Port) Movies (Including Robinson Film Center, Tinsletown) Art Galleries (Including ArtSpace, Barnwell, Norton) Casinos Music (Including Symphony, Centenary Choir) Festivals (Including ArtBreak, The Revel, Festival Plaza) Church Sports Parks Restaurants Some local museums have noted a decline in attendance over the past few years. When thinking about options for arts and entertainment in our area, most residents named, local theatre, entertainment centers, and the movies. 450,000 405,000 360,000 315,000 270,000 225,000 180,000 135,000 90,000 45,000 0 Annual Attendance at Key Cultural Facilites 2005 2006 2007 2008 ArtSpace Louisiana State Exhibit Museum Sci-Port CenturyTel Center Source: Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Sci-Port, ArtSpace, and CenturyTel Center

METHODOLOGY 23 The LSUS Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) was responsible for the data collection portion of this research effort. CBER conducted research from May through August 2009. All final data was submitted to the LSUS Institute for Human Services and Public Policy (IHSPP) by October 2009. The indicators that were determined as specific and pertinent to the Community Foundation were categorized by subject area. Each indicator was then researched initially via Internet methods. If historical data was not available online, agencies responsible for collecting the specific information were then contacted for assistance in collecting the information. Each agency was contacted several times if a response was not received. In some cases, multiple agencies were contacted for the same information. Knowing that this type of research can take many months and that CBER and IHSPP had set a deadline for completion of the project, CBER set the final date for data collection in September. After this time, it was deemed that data not yet obtained was unavailable or is not currently being collected. If information is not being collected at this time, agencies will be made aware and asked to participate in future editions of this report. New to the report this year, comparisons were made between the Shreveport-Bossier MSA and other Metropolitan Statistical Areas. MSAs are defined as a core area containing a substantial population nucleus, together with adjacent communities having a high degree of economic and social integration with that core. (http:// www.census.gov/population/www/metroareas/ aboutmetro.html) The Shreveport-Bossier MSA includes all of Caddo, Bossier, and DeSoto Parishes. Choosing comparative communities involves both qualitative and quantitative decision-making. From a quantitative, sociodemographic standpoint, we began with states located in the same region of the country (southeastern United States) and then chose MSAs with populations within the range of about 100,000 and 150,000 larger or smaller. Based on that list, per capita income, racial/ethnic composition, and educational attainment of the adult population were assessed. Columbus, Georgia; Montgomery, Alabama; Jackson, Mississippi were chosen based on the criteria outlined above. Qualitatively, the city of Baton Rouge was chosen to provide an in-state comparison. The second component of data collection involved a community telephone survey conducted by IHSPP. Staff of the CBER and IHSPP developed this survey. The goal was to collect information about local resident attitudes regarding education, public services, public safety, public administration, volunteerism, race and ethnic relations, and civic engagement. The survey included over fifty questions and was administered using computer aided telephone interviewing to reduce data entry error. The U.S. Census estimates that in 2007 there were 76,529 households in Shreveport, Louisiana and 21,197 in Bossier City, Louisiana. Combined, there were 97,726 households in the sampling frame. However, it is estimated that approximately 7% of households in Louisiana do not have a telephone (http://www.kidscount. org/datacenter/compare_results.jsp?i=400). Reducing the sampling frame by 7% resulted in 90,886 potential survey targets. A sample of 6,000 telephone numbers was drawn. Of those 6,000, 621 surveys were completed. Disconnected numbers, fax lines, and other nonresidential services were excluded from the sample. Each telephone line was contacted up to three different times during different times of the day and on different days of the week. This resulted in a confidence interval of +/- 4%. Inquiries on methodology and results of the research should be directed to Helen Wise, Director of Applied Research, Institute for Human Services and Public Policy, LSUS (hwise@lsus.edu).