SHREVEPORT, La. - The population in downtown Shreveport shifted during the pandemic. About 45% of employees have not returned. âThey're working from their home; they're working remotely. We would very much obviously love for people to come back downtown,â said Liz Swaine, Shreveport Downtown Development Authority executive director. There were also some business closures. At least four businesses shut doors for good downtown in 2020. âSurprisingly, you know, you think of 2020,â said Swaine. âAnd you think of only bad things happening that we've had a lot of good downtown as well.â About five other businesses opened. Swaine said people are interested in vacant buildings downtown.