Bossier isn’t just home to a military base, industrial manufacturing, and oil and gas, it’s also home to a burgeoning cyber industry, a downtown undergoing a transformation, and a slew of millennials who either decided to double down on life in their hometown or moved here because they see the vision and opportunity.

We’ll be profiling some of those people who live/work/play in Bossier. Today we start with Erin Buchanan.

Erin is married and currently lives in the Villaggio development and works as Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Louisiana Dept. of Transportation & Development. Having grew up in the Central Park neighborhood, she is a lifelong Bossier resident and product of Bossier schools. She is also a graduate of LSU-Shreveport. Let’s meet Erin!

1. What do you do?

I’m a PIO for DOTD. I cover all of north Louisiana and the northern half of the Alexandria district. My office is at the Bossier City District Headquarters building.

2. Why?

I worked as a news reporter/anchor at KTBS 3 News for 5 years and when the position with DOTD came open, it was a natural transition to pursue a career on the public relations side of working in communications.

3. What is a normal day like for you?

In addition to responding to local news media requests and inquiries, a large part of my job is responding to concerns and questions from the residents who live in the districts I cover. PIOs are contacted via email, phone and social media with all manner of requests. I also help plan events within the districts, such as groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and dedications.

4. Why do you live/work in Bossier?

Bossier is my home, and while my husband and I could’ve chosen to move away, we decided to stay here. I’ve always lived in Bossier and feel it’s important to continue to invest in the community that’s given so much to me.

5. What is your favorite thing about Bossier?

Probably my favorite thing about Bossier is its adaptability. I’m excited to see what the downtown Bossier re-envisioning project holds for the future of the city as it continues to grow.


6. Where do you like to hang out and why?

I like to spend time at the walking trails on the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway and the Red River National Wildlife Refuge. It’s such a gem in our area and a beautiful spot for walking and hiking.

7. What is your favorite thing to do in Bossier?

My favorite thing to do in Bossier is spend time with my family. I say that because I came from working in an industry that often requires people to move hundreds of miles from their families to pursue a job. But I was fortunate to be able to stay and work in my hometown.

8. What would you like to see Bossier have in the future that it doesn’t have now?

In addition to looking forward to a redeveloped downtown, I would love to see more development along the Red River. It’s a natural asset to both Bossier City and Shreveport.


9. What do you want to accomplish in the future?

I’d love to own my own business someday!

10. If you could tell other people one thing about life in Bossier, what would it be?

While the city and parish are changing and growing, the people here are what make Bossier home. Many of the people I graduated high school with still live here and there’s a reason for that. Those who love Bossier stay, and are invested in making the community better.