CLEANER. SAFER. STRONGER.
Downtown Development District of New Orleans
2025 Annual Report
CLEANER. SAFER. STRONGER.
It’s a simple tag line that supports a powerful mission five decades in the making. The Downtown Development District (DDD) celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2025 –an important milestone for the oldest property tax assessment-based Business Improvement District in the United States. Think about how much has changed and all the progress we have seen Downtown since 1975. During that time, DDD not only became part of the fabric of Downtown, we also built some of it!
We have also evolved to meet the changing needs of Downtown. Chances are you have seen our Clean Team picking up litter on the street or pressure washing the sidewalk. Perhaps you have observed our private security patrols walking along Canal Street, biking through the CBD, or driving through the Warehouse District. Or perhaps our Public Safety Rangers guiding tourists and connecting unhoused individuals to services. We do all that and more – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! The city never sleeps and neither do we.
Whether you live or work, run a business, go to school, own property, or just like to visit Downtown, DDD is here for you. We believe that when Downtown puts its best foot forward, New Orleans can not only compete on a local, regional, national, and international level, but we can win. Downtown has changed a lot over the last 50 years, but our reason for being has not and we proudly carry it forward.
Seth Knudsen President & CEO
HERE FOR DOWNTOWN
The Downtown Development District of the City of New Orleans (DDD) was created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1974 as the nation’s first property tax assessment-based Business Improvement District (BID) to provide enhanced services in economic development, cleaning, and safety.
AN INDEPENDENT BOARD
DDD is an independent organization governed by an 11-member board composed of property owners, business owners, and residents representing a wide range of Downtown economic sectors.
A DEDICATED TEAM
DDD is served by a staff of approximately 27 employees consisting of administrative staff and public safety rangers. DDD also contracts with third-party vendors for additional cleaning and safety programs.
A BOLD MISSION
Our mission is to drive the development of Downtown New Orleans and be the catalyst for a prosperous, stimulating, innovative heart of the Crescent City. We strive to ensure that Downtown New Orleans is cleaner, safer, and stronger through our efforts.
RAISING THE STANDARD
DDD delivers enhanced services that go above and beyond standard city services to ensure Downtown New Orleans is cleaner, safer, and stronger. We partner with contractors, staff, and community organizations to implement a wide range of programs and projects that support a vibrant Downtown.
YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK
DDD is funded by a special property assessment on all taxable properties within our boundaries. In 2025, DDD assessed 13.73 mills across 3,870 properties to collect approximately $9.8 million dollars.
CLEANER
The CLEANER business line supports the maintenance and enhancement of public spaces through a combination of in-house operations and contracted services. This includes public space maintenance activities, contracted services for the DDD Clean Team, and landscaping services that contribute to a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.
DEBRIS PICKUP: 67,000+ tasks completed
GRAFFITI REMOVAL: 4,000+ tasks completed
WEED ABATEMENT: 7,000+
blocks weeded
LEAF ABATEMENT: 3,000+ blocks cleaned
TRASH CAN SURVEYS: 16,000 + tasks completed
blocks surveyed and cleaned
HIGHLIGHT
Conducted more than 12,000 assessments in high-traffic areas. High-traffic area surveys are routine checks of Downtown’s busiest blocks and corridors to ensure they are consistently maintained and documented for quality assurance.
Services provided under this business line include pan-andbroom street and sidewalk sweeping, soft-pressure washing of sidewalks and hardscape surfaces, graffiti removal, litter and debris collection, and routine landscape maintenance. These activities help preserve the appearance of public areas, support economic activity, and enhance the overall experience for residents, visitors, and businesses.
SAFER
The SAFER business line represents DDD’s comprehensive public safety efforts to enhance the security, comfort, and quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Downtown. This initiative integrates a combination of dedicated safety personnel, law enforcement partnerships, and communityoriented services designed to deter crime, address qualityof-life concerns, and foster a welcoming environment.
Key components of the Safer program include the Public Safety Rangers, a highly visible non-commissioned patrol force on foot and bicycle that deters crime, reports suspicious activity to authorities, discourages aggressive panhandling, and provides community outreach and assistance. The SafeWalk service offers free escorted walks for residents, workers, and visitors to their destinations within the district, enhancing personal safety and confidence in moving through public spaces.
The Safer business line also encompasses enhanced police services through a dedicated NOPD detail, private patrols with trained security personnel, and strategic public safety partnerships to ensure responsive coverage across the district. DDD also contracts with Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans to conduct homeless outreach and connection to services. Together, these elements support a dynamic public safety network focused on proactive engagement, visibility, and collaboration with city agencies and community stakeholders.
PUBLIC SAFETY RANGERS
HIGHLIGHT
In partnership with Starwood Capital and the Astor Crowne Plaza, DDD opened a DDD Security Alliance Outpost at 119 Royal Street. The outpost is a collaboration between DDD and law enforcement that strengthens onthe-ground security at this key gateway to Canal Street and the French Quarter.
STRONGER
The STRONGER business line advances Downtown’s economic vitality through strategic partnerships, targeted engagement, and policy leadership. This work includes collaboration with anchor institutions and ecosystem partners, active engagement with business and property owners, and initiatives
that support a resilient and inclusive economic environment. This line focuses on advancing highpotential economic sectors, such as biosciences and innovation, while leveraging data, marketing, and public policy to strengthen Downtown’s competitiveness and long-term growth.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
$250K+ Public Funding Advanced 12 Ribbon Cuttings
PUBLIC POLICY & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MARKETING &
2 PUBLIC SAFETY BICYCLES secured through legislative advocacy, enhancing Ranger mobility, visibility, and outreach capacity across Downtown
GRANT FUNDING SECURED for upgraded Motorola radios and modern laptops, strengthening communications and operations for Public Safety Rangers and the Security Outpost
HIGHLIGHT
FEDERAL ADVOCACY CONDUCTED IN WASHINGTON, D.C. in partnership with the International Downtown Association to support the Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act
$100K IN STATE FUNDING secured for Downtown lighting enhancements and public space improvements
Played a key role on the citywide Super Bowl LIX Infrastructure Committee, coordinating across agencies and partners to deliver impactful improvements to numerous public spaces and private properties in preparation for the event.
Partner Organizations Engaged 4 Market Reports + State of Downtown
928 posts across all platforms 1.67M impressions across all platforms 52 newsletters
QUICK FACTS ABOUT DOWNTOWN NEW ORLEANS
1.2 Square Miles 1.2K Registered Businesses 4K Residents 760M Net Assessed Value (15% of Citywide Total) 58K Employees 1/3 of Citywide Sales Tax Collection Sources:
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
DDD FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION plays a critical role in ensuring the organization’s financial integrity, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. This business line item is responsible for financial management, budgeting, accounting, procurement, and administrative support functions that enable the effective delivery of organizational objectives.
Key responsibilities include the preparation and monitoring of budgets, financial reporting, cash flow management, and compliance with applicable financial regulations and internal controls. The department ensures accurate and timely financial information to support strategic decision-making and accountability to stakeholders.
Expenditures within Finance & Administration encompass personnel costs, accounting and audit services, information technology infrastructure and support, commercial insurance, legal services, and facilities-related expenses, including real estate rent. HIGHLIGHTS
2025 BUDGET
Ad Valorem Tax Collected: $9,846,181
SPECIAL PROJECTS
In 2025, DDD completed three major initiatives—the French Doors Project, Light Up Lafayette Street, and BioDistrict Landscaping—bringing refreshed energy and vibrancy to Downtown New Orleans. Partnering with Greater New Orleans, Inc., BioDistrict New Orleans, Entergy, and local businesses, these projects transformed multiple blocks, enhanced public spaces, and reinforced Downtown as a world-class destination.
French Doors Project
Enhanced safety, lighting, and aesthetic appeal for residents and visitors entering the French Quarter. 40+ properties contacted for improvements
3 murals & 3 street art installations completed 1 world-renowned Shepard Fairey mural installed 10+ partnerships local businesses & institutions
Light Up Lafayette Street
Transformed the corridor into a safer, more inviting pedestrian space, supporting local businesses and foot traffic.
7 light poles with creative projectors installed
Green magnolia leaf designs projected on sidewalks
Pedestrian safety & engagement enhanced along Energy Centre Plaza
Strengthened the district’s identity and improves gateways to key economic and research hubs.
5
key gateway sites improved: Basin at Iberville, Molly Marine Plaza, Loyola at Calliope, Poydras at Claiborne, Tulane at Claiborne
Complements BioDistrict strategic plan and branding
Seth Knudsen
PRESIDENT & CEO
Charles Bourg
CHIEF OF PUBLIC SAFETY & FIELD OPERATIONS
Staff + Board
Dr. Michael J. McKnight, Sr.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Ren é Pastorek, AICP
CHIEF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Jared Brossett
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Donald G. Clouse
PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGER
Emma Hildreth
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
John Roussell
PUBLIC SPACE OPERATIONS MANAGER
Brandon Smith
QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER
Tyler Correa
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Dajuantae Riggins
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Tempestt Woods
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Francia Barradas
CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE PRESIDENT & CEO
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chris R. Ross NAI RAMPART | CHAIR
Alex Glaser JONES WALKER | VICE-CHAIR
William Bradshaw II
REIMAGINE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS | TREASURER
Ryan King DELTA UTILITIES | SECRETARY COMMISSIONERS
Gregory Curtis WINDSOR COURT HOTEL
Edwin Murray LSU HEALTH NEW ORLEANS
David Piscola
HILTON NEW ORLEANS
Scott Polakoff
Kenny Rubenstein RUBENSTEINS
Miles Tully, Jr.
Frank Zumbo
NEW ORLEANS MARRIOTT
