Earlier this month, Louisiana's Lieutenant Governor designated 11 communities across the state as Certified Retirement Communities. Bossier city made the cut and is working to attract people 55 and older. "It is really a big deal, we are very proud of it," said Mayor Lo Walker. Walker is talking about a recent announcement by Landrieu and the Louisiana Retirement Development Commission. The city has been certified as a place to retire. "They have evaluated us to see what makes us different from other communities, our "Cost of Living" and Quality of Life" issues." The city will receive a 20,000 dollar "Redefining Life" grant and provide another 10,000 dollars to fund advertising and promotion projects to attract new residents over 55. "We hope to lure them in and show them all what we have to offer," said Brandy Claiborne. Claiborne, who is with the Convention and Tourist Bureau says the funding received will be put to good use on commercials and websites pushing Bossier City. "Many retirees will visit a community up to ten times before they actually decide to move there," said Claiborne. She says Bossier City has long been considered a retirement community because of Barksdale Air Force Base and the many activities the region offer. "With all our cultural amenities in the region, not just in Bossier; but the Symphony Orchestra, adult entertainment casinos, the fishing, it is a great area to live in," said Mayor Walker. 76 year-old, Gaines Carr has lived in Bossier City for 8 years. He lived in Shreveport after leaving Barksdale and then moved back to Bossier. "I spend my days working in the yard and gardening, I have a garden in the back," said Carr. Carr says the city is a great place to retire and with the help of "Redefining Life" other seniors will soon know it. "Now it is official, we are a retirement community," said Claiborne. Other Certified Retirement Communities include Crowley, Covington, Lake Charles, New Iberia and Thibodaux. And the parishes of Natchitoches, Saint Landry, Union and Vernon.