One Mile. Every Mood.
Get to Know
The Row
Why the Row?
Significant public and private investment is already happening along Bossier’s riverfront. The Row coordinates that investment under one long-term strategy, turning individual projects into lasting momentum for the whole city: stronger local businesses, a more connected riverfront, more job opportunities, more district growth and development, and a foundation Bossier City can keep building on for years to come.
Who's Behind the Row?
The City of Bossier City, in partnership with the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation (GBEDF) and The Row’s business partners.
Get to Know
The Row
Why the Row?
Significant public and private investment is already happening along Bossier’s riverfront. The Row coordinates that investment under one long-term strategy, turning individual projects into lasting momentum for the whole city: stronger local businesses, a more connected riverfront, more job opportunities, more district growth and development, and a foundation Bossier City can keep building on for years to come.
Who's Behind the Row?
The City of Bossier City, in partnership with the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation (GBEDF) and The Row’s business partners.
How The Row Works
Who's on The Row?
What exactly is the district boundary?
The District covers Bossier City’s primary riverfront entertainment, hospitality, gaming, retail, and cultural corridor, including Live! Casino, Boomtown Casino, Horseshoe Casino, East Bank District, Louisiana Boardwalk, Margaritaville Resort Casino, and Chasing Aces, as shown on the official district map. Legal boundaries are established by ordinance.
How does this benefit locally-owned businesses specifically?
The Row connects foot traffic across the entire district through shared infrastructure, creating flow from one destination to the next rather than isolated visits. This turns the corridor into a single destination with something for everyone, drawing visitors who come for the experience as a whole. The Row is built around a balanced mix of national and local businesses, not one at the expense of the other, and that same connection becomes a shared promotional mechanism, with every business marketed as part of one destination. Revenue collected within the district gets reinvested back into that same footprint, benefiting every business inside it and creating the opportunity for continued growth.
If I own a business inside the District, what changes for me?
You’ll collect the additional 2% district revenue through your existing point-of-sale system and remit it through the existing Sales and Use Tax process.
If I'm considering opening a new business in The Row, who do I call?
Start with the Bossier Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC), as they will coordinate with City departments and economic development partners.
Governance
Who governs The Row?
The interim governing board is the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation (GBEDF) Board of Directors, serving until the permanent District Board is appointed and confirmed, allowing the District to begin operating without unnecessary delay.
How long does the board serve?
The interim board is expected to serve only until permanent board appointments are complete, which is intended to happen within a few months, not years.
What does the permanent board look like, and who appoints it?
Nine members, each serving staggered four-year terms. All nine are formally appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. Four of those seats are constrained to nominees put forward by the community they represent; the Mayor formalizes the pick rather than choosing freely:
- One GBEDF representative (Chair) | GBEDF-nominated
- One East Bank representative | East Bank Merchant Association-nominated
- One Live! Casino representative | Casino community appointed
- One Caesars representative | Casino community appointed
- One Penn Entertainment representative | Casino community appointed
- One Louisiana Boardwalk representative | Boardwalk Merchant Association-nominated
- Three City representatives | City-nominated
Who has final say on how money gets spent?
The District Board evaluates projects and makes funding recommendations. The city will maintain oversight of the District Board.
The 2% District Revenue
This is a new sales tax on purchases made exclusively within the district.
What does the 2% actually apply to?
Taxable food, beverage, retail, and entertainment purchases made within the District.
Does it apply to online or delivery orders?
The tax follows Louisiana’s standard sales tax sourcing rules and applies to eligible transactions occurring within the District. Final administration follows applicable state and local regulations.
Where does the money actually go?
Revenue is held in dedicated trust funds and can only be used for authorized purposes, under Council oversight and annual audits. Revenue also stays local, reinvested directly into the same corridor it’s collected in, through the District’s approved projects. It is not absorbed into the city’s general fund.
Who audits the funds?
District finances are independently audited every year per requirement of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, and are subject to Louisiana’s standard auditing requirements. The governing board reviews financial reports regularly.
Is the implementation of a 2% district revenue indefinite?
There’s no built-in sunset date. The Bossier City Council retains authority to amend or repeal the District through future legislative action.
Zoning & Incentive
What incentives are part of The Row?
EDD 2% district revenue reinvestment, B4 Zoning (reduced setbacks, more buildable square footage, less stringent parking restrictions, less landscaping restrictions, and faster permitting), Opportunity Zone alignment, state economic development incentives through GBEDF/NLEP, and public-private partnerships.
Which properties qualify for B4 zoning?
Portions of the East Bank District are currently zoned B-4. Current zoning maps are available through the Metropolitan Planning Commission.
How does the Opportunity Zone incentive work?
It’s a federal tax incentive for qualified investors reinvesting eligible capital gains into qualifying investments, and are subject to federal requirements. Local businesses are eligible. Learn More
Is there a simple guide to all of this for business owners?
The City intends to publish a comprehensive business resource guide covering available incentives, eligibility, and points of contact.
Transportation
What's the transportation plan?
A shuttle system is one of the District’s top priorities. Specific routes, schedules, fares, and funding will be developed by the District Board following public input and an operational analysis.
What's the parking plan?
Parking management is a first-year priority. Existing parking is currently dispersed throughout the District; the Board will evaluate parking management, transportation improvements, and wayfinding together to improve access.
Safety
Who provides safety and security?
The District is evaluating enhanced public safety measures, including partnerships with the Bossier City Police Department, private security providers, improved lighting, and technology, to be funded through the District’s approval process.
Does this replace East Bank's existing private security?
Existing private security responsibilities are unchanged. District-funded enhancements are meant to supplement what’s already in place by individual partners.
What about open container rules?
Open-container boundaries are established by ordinance and shown on the official district maps.
The Path Forward
What happens at each ordinance reading?
Proposed ordinances move through the City’s standard legislative process: public notice, public hearings, City Council consideration, and final adoption before implementation.
How can I be part of the process?
Attend public hearings, speak during public comment, or contact your City Council members directly at any point in the process.
When will we begin to see visual proof of The Row?
Planning begins immediately after implementation. Early priorities include branding, transportation, parking improvements, public safety enhancements, and signage. Larger capital projects follow as they’re approved and funded.
Impact
The Row connects what’s already here through shared infrastructure, transportation, safety, marketing, and economic development, instead of each place working alone.
Does this raise my property taxes?
No, this does not touch property taxes. It’s a separate sales tax that applies only to eligible purchases made within the District.
How will this impact quality of life in Bossier City?
The Row connects entertainment, dining, and events that already exist and are already supported by current infrastructure, giving residents more reasons to stay close to home. That same connection brings in more tourism and economic activity, which means more investment, more opportunity, and more jobs flowing back into Bossier City. Residents, local businesses, employees, visitors, and future investors all benefit from the same improved infrastructure, safer public spaces, and increased economic activity.
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