THE MARKET REPORT
Where work and culture meet what’s possible.
Letter from President & CEO
Dear Downtown stakeholders,
During Q2 2024, we continued to make progress on building a stronger Downtown with new and sustained economic activity. Signature downtown events like the Essence Festival of Culture brought thousands of visitors to our district and millions of dollars in economic impact. These events, beyond their entertainment value, are catalysts for economic development and community engagement playing a crucial role in fostering Downtown’s place as Louisiana’s creative and economic hub. In addition to a strong quarter for visitation, DDD partnered with the Urban Land Institute to host the Future of Affordable Housing Summit, which brought together experts, policymakers, and community leaders to address the critical issue of housing affordability. Expert panelists, including Councilmember Lesli Harris and APA National President Angela Brooks, shared their ideas on pertinent downtown topics, including increased housing supply, zoning reform, and removal of barriers for development. Additionally, panelists discussed the significance of dedicated funding from local government and increased partnerships between the public and the development community.
DDD is also thrilled to welcome several new tenants in the office market, signaling a strong and growing business environment. For example, CDM Smith signed a lease to expand their presence Downtown ahead of forecasted growth in employment. To understand the needs of the office market, we partner with our commercial real estate brokers and tenants to share information and strategize around support opportunities. These new businesses bring diverse opportunities for employment and contribute to the vibrant economic landscape of Downtown. Their presence strengthens our position as the leading economic hub in the state.
This quarter, we also helped cut the ribbon on multiple new businesses like Morrow Steak, Ferrara-Showman Gallery, and Dudley DeBosier. Each of these incredible firms demonstrate the potential for growth via homegrown entrepreneurship –whether hospitality, the arts, or business, Downtown is one of the best places in the region to open and grow a company.
Please read on to learn more about the exciting progress happening right here in Downtown New Orleans. Together, we will continue to build on our successes. Thank you all for your continued interest and support of a thriving Downtown New Orleans.
Davon Barbour
President & CEO
Letter from Mayor
Residents of New Orleans,
As we close the second quarter of 2024, I am excited to share how Downtown continues to thrive as a center of cultural and economic activity.
This past quarter, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, a pivotal event for the city that showcases African American culture and influence. Over three decades, this festival has become a signature summer event in New Orleans, bringing in over $300 million in economic impact and hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. In case you missed it, Essence Magazine released a fabulous edition titled “Dear New Orleans,” highlighting the people and culture that make our city so special. It was a great joy to celebrate 30 years of cultural excellence in that vibrant atmosphere.
Just before the festival, I was pleased to join my colleagues to cut the ribbon on Downtown’s newest green space – Crown Park. Located at the corner of Carondelet and Girod, the new park includes seating and landscaping that provides a reflective setting for a mural interpreting the CROWN Act, the law prohibiting hair discrimination in the United States. In 2020, I signed a local version of this law to prohibit discrimination based on hairstyles associated with a particular race or national origin. I applaud the DDD for making this park truly spectacular.
I am also thrilled that Xavier University, in partnership with Ochsner Health, will soon open a medical college in the heart of our city. This new institution will further solidify New Orleans as a hub for medical education and innovation, providing more opportunities for our residents and contributing to the overall growth and development of our city. The establishment of this medical college is a testament to Xavier University’s commitment to excellence and its role in shaping the future of healthcare in our community.
As the summer comes to a close, I’d like to thank you again for supporting Downtown and our great city.
Sincerely,
LaToya Cantrell Mayor
Davon Barbour PRESIDENT & CEO
Bianka Brown
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Mark Castillon
CHIEF OF PUBLIC SAFETY & FIELD OPERATIONS
Ashley Mills
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Ren é Pastorek, AICP
CHIEF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Jared Brossett
DIRECTOR OF POLICY & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Donald G. Clouse
PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGER
John Roussell
PUBLIC SPACE OPERATIONS MANAGER
Esther Boone
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Tyler Correa
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Meaghan Nguyen
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Dajuantae Riggins
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Francia Barradas
CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Tempestt E. Woods
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Staff
Defining 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 assessment-based business improvement district
9.2M Total SF of Class A Office Space
26 Transit Routes
Downtown New Orleans stands as the largest center of employment in the State of Louisiana. Moreover, this collection of neighborhoods represents nearly $1B in property value.
486 Retail Businesses
7 Coworking Spaces and 9 Incubators / Accelerators
115 Hotels and 22,399 Rooms
6,370 Condos / Apartments
Moving Downtown Forward
Advocating for the Future of Downtown
DDD’s Director of Public & External Affairs, Jared Brossett, works to ensure that the voice of Downtown New Orleans is represented and heard in conversations with officials and policymakers on a local, state, and federal level.
JARED BROSSETT Director of Public & External Affairs for DDD
Throughout the Spring, Brossett monitored the New Orleans City Council legislative agenda and attended City Council and Committee meetings to ensure Downtown’s prosperity in a variety of city-wide discussions around emerging policy items.
He tracked the motion to authorize a contract between the City of New Orleans and Odyssey House Louisiana, LLC, that will provide emergency shelter services for 296 homeless Orleans Parish residents at the Low Barrier Shelter Downtown. Additionally, he followed proposed reform to the Restoration Tax Abatement Program led by the City’s Office of Economic Development.
Brossett also attended meetings regarding text amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to permit by-right dwellings above the ground floor in all commercial and institutional districts —which could have significant implications for CBD-4, Downtown’s only zoning district that does not allow dwelling units above the street level.
In addition to advocating for DDD at the City Council, Brossett drafted and submitted congressional appropriation requests on behalf of the organization to support the replacement of Downtown’s Wayfinding System and facilitate the reimagination of Harmony Circle. He also worked with the Louisiana Department of Treasury to finalize Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) requirements and disclosures to access funds that benefit DDD’s infrastructure and safety programs.
DDD thanks the hard work and dedication of our elected officials at all level of government who work to ensure a bright future for Downtown. We look forward to a continued partnership between DDD and our representatives.
Something to Celebrate
NEW RESTAURANT INVITES PATRONS TO DINE AT THE “BIRTHPLACE OF JAZZ”
A local couple has reintroduced live jazz and R&B to a historic structure renowned as "The Birthplace of Jazz" with the grand opening of Headquarters by Nice Guys Restaurant and Bar. Located in the historic building at 445 S. Rampart Street , Headquarters by Nice Guys — and its swanky upstairs counterpart Red Light District — feature a menu of New Orleans dishes, Southern flavors, and a small stage for jazz brunch and other performances; upstairs is also set to boast its own bar with small plates and a balcony wrapping around its second-floor exterior.
The reimagination of this space represents a significant victory for the Downtown community, as the building is one of the few remaining original structures on the corridor, which for decades served as a hotbed for jazz and a hub of Black social and economic life in the New Orleans community.
LARRY MORROW EXPANDS HOSPITALITY EMPIRE IN DOWNTOWN NEW ORLEANS WITH FOURTH RESTAURANT
Local restauranteur Larry Morrow opened doors this quarter at Morrow Steak , his fourth and latest restaurant in the heart of the South Market District in Downtown New Orleans at 1003 Julia Street .
DDD staff and President & CEO Davon Barbour were proud to be in attendance as Morrow stood beside colleagues, city officials, and friends to cut the ribbon to his newest restaurant—which marks yet another step in his self-determined journey to establish “the largest Black-owned hospitality group in the country.”
Morrow Steak itself is a sophisticated and sleek addition to the brand’s existing restaurant portfolio. Its thoughtful interior design features velvet accents, plant walls, and alligator-skin seating; its menu includes prime steak, fresh sushi, and top-of-the-line cocktails that capture a sense of style, fusion, and flare that is unique and distinctly reflective of Morrow’s identity and brand.
“New Orleans is a very traditional city,” Morrow stated to the Times-Picayune, “When I travel to places like Miami, L.A., New York, there’s a different energy that I want to bring here.”
NEW ORLEANS DELEGATION SHOWCASES RETAIL OPPORTUNITIES AT ICSC LAS VEGAS
The second quarter of each year brings a delegation of New Orleans economic develpoment professionals to ICSC Las Vegas, a three-day gathering of real estate professionals, retailers, public sector staff, and investors looking to meet and broker deals within their respective communities. DDD joined representatives from the New Orleans Business Alliance, City of New Orleans, Algiers Economic Development Foundation, and Entergy New Orleans to represent the city and host a booth for prospective retailers and existing companies to join in conversation regarding current opportunities within the New Orleans real estate market. The delegation hosted a networking hour on Monday afternoon, which attracted a large crowd of local and national professionals to discuss and form connections over the future of retail in the city.
Credit: Chansey Augustine
Credit: New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
Retail Remains Steady in the Core of New Orleans
Quarter-over-quarter, the New Orleans retail market remained stable, indicating steadfast conditions as we transition into Q3 2024. A key metric often used to evaluate market health is the vacancy rate. When accounting for mixed-use spaces, including office towers with retail offerings, the vacancy rate increased by 2.55%. However, for ground-floor retail spaces, the vacancy rate remained steady.
With relatively stable occupancy rates and an increase in new business investments, it’s clear to see that both established entrepreneurs and new ventures are betting on Downtown as the place to make roots. During Q2 2024, Downtown New Orleans witnessed significant investments from major local players.
Restaurateurs Danny Cruz of Tacos del Cartel (1010 Girod St), Glenn and Allison Charles of Headquarters by Nice Guys (445 S Rampart Street), and Larry Morrow of Morrow Steak (1003 Julia Street)—who all began their companies in the New Orleans area—have chosen to expand further into the heart of the city.
Additional retail openings included the popular fitness business HOTWORX (740 St Charles Avenue) and Boulier Gallery (618 Julia Street), both welcome additions to the Warehouse / Arts District. Additionally, DDD celebrated the rebranding of a long-time business to Ferrara Showman Gallery with the ascension of long-time gallery director Matthew Weldon Showman to full partner in January 2024. More details about these openings can be found in the New Openings Map on Page 7. As we move into Q3 2024, the market is expected to continue its steady performance with ongoing developments and sustained interest from both investors and retailers.
RETAIL MARKET CONDITIONS
Source: City of New Orleans Department of Safety & Permits 10,795 3 97,688 15 Seeking Entitlement Total Total 73,096 8 13,797 4 Projects | SF Under Construction Entitled
Pictured: Ferrara Showman Gallery.
Photo credit: Ferrara Showman Gallery.
New Ventures Continue to Blossom in New Orleans' Biotech and Medical Sectors
Downtown New Orleans continues to emerge as a vibrant hub for tech and innovation, driving significant advancements across various fields. The area is home to leading biotech firms like AxoSim, groundbreaking medical research from institutions like LSU Health New Orleans, and pioneering educational initiatives such as the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. These developments underscore the city’s growing reputation as a center for cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking innovation.
Leading biotech firm AxoSim continues to make significant strides in the neuroscience community from its base at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC). The company, which specializes in preclinical neuro drug discovery, gained attention after acquiring assets from VyantBio’s Stemonix subsidiary for over $2 million in October 2023. Recently, Chief Scientific Officer Lowry Curley discussed AxoSim’s innovations on the “Out to Lunch” podcast, highlighting the company’s growth to include two laboratories, 30 employees, three research divisions, and numerous industry-leading patents. Additionally, three AxoSim scientists presented their research at the Microphysiological Systems (MPS) World Summit in Seattle in June, further showcasing the firm’s expertise on an international stage.
In a noteworthy development, the United States Patent and Trademark Office recently granted LSU Health New Orleans a utility patent for NECDetect,
a noninvasive test for early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious condition affecting premature infants. Invented by Sunyoung Kim, a professor of genetics, this diagnostic scoring system addresses the urgent need for early and personalized diagnosis to prevent severe complications in newborns. An LSU Health spokesperson emphasized the significance of this innovation in a recent article in Biz New Orleans, noting that NEC is the second deadliest disease in preemie babies and a major medical and surgical emergency.
Finally, Xavier University of Louisiana announced the launch of its new medical school, the first in the Gulf South operated by a Historically Black College and University. Located in Downtown New Orleans at Benson Tower, the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM) aims to address healthcare inequities and train a more diverse physician workforce.
Xavier’s president, Dr. Reynold Verret, and founding dean, Dr. Leonardo Seoane, stressed to the audience at a press event held at Benson Tower the urgent need to increase representation of Black and Hispanic physicians in the medical field. Partnering with Ochsner Health, XOCOM is committed to improving healthcare outcomes for underserved communities. and supporting New Orleans’ commitment to equity and excellence in medical education.
Community leaders celebrate the official announcement of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine on April 29, 2024.
Photo credit: Clarion Herald, 2024.
Haptech Advances Technological and Military Partnerships
Downtown-based tech company Haptech is making significant strides with its innovative electromagnetic recoil systems (ERS) for military training. Securing over $11 million in U.S. military R&D funding since July 2023, Haptech is enhancing the safety and costeffectiveness of weapons training without live ammunition. CEO Kyle Monti emphasized the economic and safety benefits during a June event showcasing their technology.
Held at their offices located at 612 Andrew Higgins Drive guests learned about the various projects Haptech has been working on, including life-sized models of military and law enforcement training tools. Michael Hecht, CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., highlighted Haptech’s role in boosting the local economy and establishing New Orleans as a hub for technological innovation in a recent Biz New Orleans article.
Strong Investment in Hotel and Tourism Continues
The New Orleans hotel and tourism sector continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, evidenced by recent high-profile events and substantial investments in the city. From hosting international culinary competitions to record visitation during key festivals, New Orleans remains a premier destination for travelers. Additionally, major new developments like the recently announced 1,000 room Omni Hotel underscore the city’s robust appeal for both business and leisure tourism.
In Q2, New Orleans hosted the first-ever qualifying round of the Bocuse d’Or in the United States, a significant event in the culinary world. Known as the “culinary Olympics,” the Bocuse d’Or and its dessert counterpart, Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie, attract top chefs and bakers from around the globe. This prestigious competition, which took place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) from June 11th-13th, featured teams from several North and South American countries, with winners advancing to the final competition
in Lyon, France, in January 2025. Emeril Lagasse, honorary president of the selection round, in a recent Times-Picayune article, stated, “To have it held in New Orleans is a signal on an international level that New Orleans is a culinary destination and a place where we support and allow culinarians to thrive.”
Downtown New Orleans saw significant tourism activity in April and May, drawing over 1.1 million visitors for various events, including Jazz Fest and regional university graduation weekends. DDD reported peak visitation of approximately 150,700 on May 3rd, coinciding with major performances at Jazz Fest. Graduation weekend was jam-packed, with 308,000 visitors coming to the district between May 17th and 20th. Meanwhile, Cushman & Wakefield brokered the sale of two hotels in the Warehouse District for $73 million to an investment group led by Robert J. Guidry. Guidry expressed confidence in the city’s potential, stating to the TimesPicayune, “I believe this city simply has more to offer visitors than any other in our country.”
Pictured: Coupe du Monde de la Pattiserie. Photo Credit: New Orleans & Co.
1,000-Room
In Q2, Omni Hotels & Resorts announced a $500 million investment with a new 1,000-room hotel adjacent to the NOENMCC. Expected to enhance the city’s appeal as a premier meetings and events destination, the hotel will support an estimated 1,100 permanent jobs and generate $282 million annually for the local economy. Michael Sawaya , president and CEO of NOENMCC, emphasized to the Times-Picayune the project’s importance in attracting major trade shows and conventions, stating they are now “one step closer to attracting the trade
shows, conventions and events that only an adjacent headquarters hotel can.” Additionally, during National Travel and Tourism Week , local leaders participated in a webcast by Nola.com to highlight New Orleans’ strengths as a travel destination and note the economic benefits of tourism. DDD’s Chief Economic Development Officer, René C. Pastorek AICP, commented, “With every visitor that comes to town, we see reservations at restaurants, bookings at hotels, and shopping at local retail businesses, leading to increased revenue and higher property values.”
Pictured above: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Innovative Trends in New Orleans’ Multifamily Housing Market
The multifamily housing market in New Orleans is demonstrating dynamic growth and innovation, driven by significant investments and adaptive reuse projects. Despite national economic challenges, the sector is holding strong with strategic developments that cater to modern residential demands while preserving the city’s unique architectural heritage.
Recent projects like the transformation of the former Louisiana Children’s Museum by Memoir Residential and Common House underscore a trend towards repurposing existing spaces for residential use. 70 new residential units came online during Q2 as a result of the project. This approach not only meets the increasing demand for multifamily living but also enhances the urban landscape by integrating contemporary amenities within historic structures. The $30M+ development is indicative of Downtown’s blend of modernity with tradition.
Also this quarter, the DDD, in partnership with the Urban Land Institute of Louisiana , presented a Future of Affordable Housing Summit in June aimed at unlocking opportunities for creating more affordable housing in Downtown. The event featured two keynote speeches and three panel discussions and offered a deep dive into critical topics such as: strategies employed by successful local projects to achieve financial viability, the impact of zoning regulations, and the role of policy in addressing affordability. Speakers included professionals and elected officials such as Angela Brooks, President of the American Planning Association, Kathy Laborde, President and CEO of the Gulf Coast Housing Partnership, and District B Councilmember Lesli Harris. Many more participated in organizing and speaking at the event, which drew over 100 attendees.
Evolving Dynamics in the Downtown New Orleans Office Market
The Downtown New Orleans office market is experiencing significant changes as businesses adapt to evolving work environments. With new developments and increasing demand for modern office spaces, the area continues to attract diverse companies, contributing to its economic vitality. Contrary to national news reports about the decline within the office market, New Orleans boasts the highest citywide return to office recovery rate in the nation at 91%, compared to the national average of 62% according to data from Placer.ai. With 14 of the city’s 21 Class A office buildings housed with the DDD, Downtown New Orleans is pulling its weight in contributing to this figure.
While 1010 Common is undergoing a $170M renovation that will house 2 hotels and ground floor retail, the 3-story tower will maintain 6 floors of office space within the mixed-use development. Other notable office moves include: CDM Smith, a global engineering and construction firm with a New Orleans presence, who expanded their Downtown footprint with a move into 1555 Poydras, as well as a new NOPD headquarters, which is to be located in the recently purchased 1615 Poydras DXC Building
DDD also helped cut the ribbon on a new office space for Louisiana-based law firm Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers which boasts decades of experience helping over 58,000 clients and recovering over $1.2 billion for injury victims. Their new office Downtown signals both the firm’s success and the thriving nature of legal practice in the neighborhood.
Construction Entitled Seeking Entitlement Total Projects | Square Feet 592,406 3 12,250 1 0 0 604,656 4
CONDITIONS
Neighborhood Mobility
Moving New Orleans Forward
With several city events and festivals throughout April and May, large crowds were drawn to the District. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival , held just three miles away from Downtown, proved one of the largest drivers of springtime foot traffic in 2024. According to Placer.ai, over 1.1M unique individuals visited Downtown New Orleans between Thursday, April 25th (the first day of Jazz Fest) and Monday, May 20th (the last day of graduation weekend). Peak visitation occurred
on Friday, May 3rd, as approximately 150.7K visits were recorded Downtown amidst the bustle of the music festival’s second Friday and headline performances from Foo Fighters, and Hozier. Despite these high numbers of visitation through Jazz Fest, graduation weekend was still recorded as the busiest time in the DDD this spring; 308K individuals packed the District between Friday, May 17th and Monday, May 20th to celebrate the region’s graduates and enjoy Downtown’s offerings.
Downtown to French Quarter Streetcar is Back in Service
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) celebrated the reopening of the Rampart Streetcar Line, after being closed for more than five years. The route, which connects Downtown New Orleans to the neighboring French Quater and several downriver neighborhoods, is a significant node for locals and tourists traveling through the City’s core.
In a letter addressed to stakeholders, RTA CEO Lona Edwards noted, “This reopening is part of the summer 2024 transit schedule changes and is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to serving the transit needs of the New Orleans community.” The line’s return was announced alongside the release of the summer public transit schedule, which also began May 19th.
KEY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS ONGOING IN CBD
State and local officials have committed to completing key roadway resurfacing and sidewalk repairs along DDD’s most traversed corridors, including including Poydras and Julia Streets. Several other streets are also slated for improvements, marking a significant investment in Downtown’s public realm and a victory for the community.
With 6.9 million unique visitors, workers, and residents counted in Downtown New Orleans in 2023, these enhancements are expected to boost local businesses, improve pedestrian safety, and elevate the overall urban experience, ensuring Downtown New Orleans remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for all.
PEDESTRIAN COUNTS
Active Developments
Hotel 1050 Annunciation St 1050 Annunciation St Development Group LLC
Residential/ Retail 604 Baronne St 604 Baronne LLC
Retail 744/748 Camp Renovations 748 Zen Associates LLC
Hotel Caesars New Orleans
Harrah's New Orleans LLC
Hotel 714 Canal Renovation 714 Canal LLC
Hotel The Mayfair Mohamed Halum
Retail/ Hotel/ Office 1010 Common Renovation Kalias Companies
Residential The Gravier Apartments Koobehi Properties LLC
Retail/ Residential 955 Howard Ave Vinson Properties#1 LLC
Retail/ Residential 941 Julia Street Renovation Hadrian Properties LLC
Hotel/ Retail Hotel Perle Urban 757 LLC
Retail/ Hotel Vintage Rock Club/ CopperVine Expansion 1009 Poydras LLC
Retail/ Residential/ Office/
Hotel Charity Hospital 1532 Tulane Partners Inc
Hotel/ Retail 330 Baronne St Baronne Union Development LLC
Hotel/ Retail 934 Canal St 1015 Canal LLC/934 Canal LLC
Hotel/ Retail NOLA AC Hotel Nola Lodging Group LLC
Hotel 739 Convention Center Blvd 739 Convention Center Blvd LLC
Office/ Retail Sourthern Glazers Wine & Spirits Sourthern Glazers Wine & Spirits
Hotel 516 Natchez St MURA, LLC
Hotel 468 St Joseph St Hotel 468 St Joseph LLC
Hotel 1031 Annunciation St Hotel BCH Nola 1031 LLC
Hotel / Retail 837 Camp St Excel Advertising Group LLC
Retail/ Residential 827 Carondelet St 827 Carondelet LLC
Hotel 333 N Diamond St Hotel ERG Enterprises
Hotel Hotel Santa Maria Diamond Street Ventures LLC
Hotel The George Hotel WestCems Corp
Hotel/ Retail 204 St Charles Ave 204 Staycation LLC
Hotel/ Residential Whitney Bank Conversion Bearing Point Properties
Hotel/ Retail
Fruit Building
Hotel 749 Saint Charles Ave 749 St Charles Ave LLC
The Future of Downtown New Orleans
OUR VISION
Downtown New Orleans will be celebrated as the vibrant hub of America’s beloved city and the engine for the region’s economy. Historic and contemporary buildings glow with new residences and retail as Downtown becomes a magnet for a population involved in industries of the mind such as bioscience, the arts, and digital media. Streets bustle with neighbors and visitors alike participating in the arts, music, dining, shopping, and daily business of Downtown. People from around the world are drawn to a dynamic, seductive Downtown where the unique cultural mosaic of New Orleans comes into focus.
OUR STRATEGIES
To realize our long-term vision for a thriving city center, Downtown Development District (DDD) will prioritize strategies focused on the following areas in partnership with the City of New Orleans, State of Louisiana, and other relevant organizations. The Downtown New Orleans Economic Development Strategy is shaped by the following focus areas:
BUSINESS RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND EXPANSION
Facilitate the growth and development of new business across key industries like digital media and the biosciences to ensure Downtown’s role as a center of innovation and entrepreneurship. At the same time, continue to nurture existing businesses through targeted retention efforts and business development assistance.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Support a thriving real estate development market by coordinating incentives and tax credits to catalytic redevelopment sites near other areas of investment to maximize impact. Moreover, work with City agencies and the development community to both understand and remove barriers to the production of new uses, especially housing.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Encourage development of an inclusive Downtown economy through enhanced partnerships with DBE’s, minority-owned firms, and greater New Orleans youth with a focus on education and training opportunities for future workforce needs.
ADVOCACY AND FUNDING
Advocate at all levels of government for the growth and development of Downtown New Orleans while aggressively seeking grant funds to implement new programs, projects, and incentives.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Advocate for robust, reliable, and predictable public asset management (e.g. traffic control signalization, roadway maintenance, curbs/sidewalks) while developing plans for new and impactful infrastructure projects like iconic parks, stormwater management enhancements, and bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements.
CANAL STREET REVITALIZATION
Utilize all tools available to construct a multi-partnered initiative that transforms Canal Street into a vibrant retail corridor attracting residents and visitors to shop, dine, and connect with the city.
LET’S MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER ABOUT
THE DDD
Downtown Development District of the City of New Orleans
201 St. Charles Ave, Ste 3912
New Orleans, LA 70170 | 504.561.8927
Created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1974 (LA Rev Stat § 33:2740.3) as the nation’s first assessmentbased Business Improvement District, the Downtown Development District of the City of New Orleans (DDD) provides enhanced economic development and public space services to Downtown New Orleans. It accomplishes its mission through initiatives such as employing dedicated city planners to assist Downtown property and business owners, administering multiple grant programs, employing Public Safety Rangers and Clean Team sanitation workers, providing significant funding for outreach to the homeless and additional New Orleans Police Department patrols and armed private security throughout the District. The DDD services the area bounded by Iberville Street, the Pontchartrain Expressway, Claiborne Avenue, and the Mississippi River.
DDD is funded by a property tax millage assessed on each non-exempt property within the District. DDD’s lifespan was initially ten years, and on December 8, 1979, a successful citywide referendum secured longevity for DDD. It authorized DDD to raise its property tax rate to as much as 22.9 mills (a privilege the DDD has never exercised); it gave DDD the authority to sell up to $7.5 million in bonds for use in capital improvement projects; it extended DDD’s lifespan for an additional 25 years to December 31, 2005; and it provided for a future election in which voters could extend DDD for an additional 25 years beyond 2005. An election was held on April 7, 2001, with 60% voting in favor, and DDD’s lifespan was extended through 2030.