STATE OF DOWNTOWN
A look into the economic health of Downtown New Orleans.
DEAR DOWNTOWN STAKEHOLDERS,
I am honored to present the 2025 State of Downtown report – a look into the economic health of Downtown New Orleans and a reflection of the progress we’ve made over the past year.
As we take a moment to reflect after hosting our record-tying 11th Super Bowl, Downtown New Orleans has experienced remarkable investment and development across all sectors. The energy and enthusiasm surrounding the event played a key role in driving forward major projects, with DDD and our partner agencies working together to enhance the Downtown experience. From vital infrastructure upgrades to the addition of new amenities, these initiatives are shaping a vibrant, welcoming public realm that will set the stage for a thriving Downtown for years to come.
In line with our unwavering commitment to a clean and safe environment, the Downtown Development District continues to prioritize initiatives that enhance the Downtown experience. Alongside our regular public safety programs, such as the DDD Rangers, NOPD off-duty patrol units, and expanded private security, we have partnered with Starwood Capital and the Astor Crowne Plaza to transform a previously vacant space in the 100 block of Royal Street into a new DDD Security Alliance Outpost. This strategic outpost will serve as a central hub for DDD Rangers, NOPD, Louisiana State Police, Orleans Parish Sheriff Deputies, and French Quarter Management District patrols, further bolstering the security presence in this key area of the Downtown urban core.
In addition to this new outpost, DDD partnered with GNO, Inc., BioDistrict New Orleans, and Entergy to invest just over $800,000 in new placemaking projects throughout Downtown. These efforts include new murals, private lighting, iconic signage, and unique art installations to spur investment and bring new life to key areas of the city. This report includes a detailed feature section with more information on all of these incredible projects. DDD looks forward to continuing the momentum as we proceed in 2025 and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support in making Downtown New Orleans a thriving and dynamic destination. As always, we remain focused on fostering a clean, safe, and vibrant environment for all.
Chris R. Ross DDD Board Chair
Staff + Board
STAFF
Chuck Bourg
CHIEF OF PUBLIC SAFETY & FIELD OPERATIONS
Dr. Michael J. McKnight, Sr.
CHIEF FINANCIAL 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
Dajuantae Riggins
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Francia Barradas
CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE PRESIDENT & CEO
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chris R. Ross NAI/LATTER & BLUM, INC | CHAIR
Alex Glaser JONES WALKER | VICE-CHAIR
William Bradshaw II REIMAGINE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS | TREASURER
Scott Polakoff RESIDENT | SECRETARY
COMMISSIONERS
Gregory Curtis WINDSOR COURT HOTEL
Ryan King DELTA UTILITIES
Edwin Murray LSU HEALTH NEW ORLEANS
David Piscola HILTON NEW ORLEANS
Kenny Rubenstein RUBENSTEIN’S
Miles Tully, Jr. CAESARS NEW ORLEANS
Frank Zumbo NEW ORLEANS MARRIOTT
State of Downtown: Highlights
Top 5 Industries in Downtown: Accommodation/Food Services, Professional/Scientific/Technical Services, Health Care/Social Assistance, Administration/Support, Information
1,171 Hotel Rooms in the Development Pipeline
32 Retail Openings in 2024
9 Incubators and 8 Co-working Spaces in Downtown
56K+ Downtown Employees
$666M+ in Real Estate Development Pipeline
1000+ Housing Units Delivered Over the Last 5 Years
7.8M Unique Visitors to Downtown in 2024 (+6.4% YoY)
Defining Downtown
The Downtown Development District of the City of New Orleans (DDD) was created by the Louisiana
1.2 Walkable Square Miles
Downtown New Orleans stands as the largest center of employment in the State of Louisiana. Moreover, this collection of neighborhoods represents nearly $1B in assessed property value.
4,321
Source: Census 2023 5-Year ACS Registered Businesses 1,281
Source: City of New Orleans Department of Permits and Safety
Though Downtown comprises of just 0.7% of New Orleans’ total geographic area, it still:
City of New Orleans: $5,228,547,730
Downtown Development District: $760,648,440 Contributes to 14.5% of the City’s Real Estate Property Taxable Value 14.5%
$131,525,963
Downtown Development District
Downtown represents 1/3 of the City’s total sales tax collection City of New Orleans $381,003,339
Source: City of New Orleans, 2023 approximate
Downtown Demographic Details
Where Workers Live
Class A Office Inventory
Office Market
Downtown New Orleans’ office landscape is adapting to shifting work trends, with businesses seeking innovative and flexible workspaces. As the district evolves, strategic investments and adaptive reuse projects are driving renewed interest in office spaces.
Despite national trends of office contraction, Downtown New Orleans has seen renewed investment in Class A office spaces, with notable renovations and leasing activity in key buildings. The revitalization of historic properties and modern workspace solutions continues to attract businesses looking for a unique and vibrant Downtown environment.
Downtown New Orleans’ retail sector remains resilient, blending legacy businesses with emerging concepts to meet the evolving demands of residents and visitors. As consumer preferences shift, the district continues to offer a dynamic mix of shopping, dining, and experiential retail.
Restaurants continue to be at the forefront of new retail openings, with Downtown welcoming 25 new establishments over the past year. This steady growth underscores the area’s reputation as a hub for culinary innovation and diverse retail experiences.
Tourism + Hospitality
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Downtown New Orleans’ economy, with the city continually enhancing its offerings to attract global visitors. The fusion of cultural heritage and modern attractions ensures that the hospitality industry thrives, contributing significantly to local economic growth.
In October 2024, Caesars Superdome, located in Downtown New Orleans, hosted Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, drawing nearly 200,000 attendees over three nights and generating an estimated economic impact of $200 million. This event underscores Downtown’s capacity to host large-scale events that substantially benefit the local economy.
Hotel Market Conditions
Source: Costar
Mobility + Transportation
Effective transportation is critical to the vibrancy of Downtown New Orleans. Strategic investments and planning efforts are focused on enhancing mobility, ensuring seamless connectivity and safety for residents and visitors alike.
In November 2024, the City of New Orleans and the Downtown Development District were awarded grants totaling $510,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. These funds are designated for comprehensive traffic safety planning, including a focus on improving nighttime visibility and multimodal access in the Downtown area.
# of Transit Routes Downtown
Boardings and Alightings by Mode
Visitor Count by Major Streets since 2019
Tech + Innovation
Downtown New Orleans is fast emerging as a nexus for tech and innovation, where forward-thinking projects and entrepreneurial ventures are transforming the economic landscape. This growth reinforces the city’s role as a hub for creative and technological advancement.
Co-Working Spaces
In a landmark announcement, Xavier University revealed plans to establish a cutting-edge medical school Downtown. This initiative aims to blend advanced technology with medical education and research, positioning the city at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
Incubators + Accelerators
8
Higher Education Institutions
Tulane
University LSU Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine
The Idea Village 2024 Snapshot
192 founders participated in IDEAinstitute in 2024
$3.2M+ raised by VILLAGEx 2024 companies, creating 137 jobs, and achieving an annualized revenue of $1.3M
5,400+ Registrants to New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) 2024
$1.7B+ total alumni exit value (all time)
Source: The Idea Village
New Orleans BioInnovation Center Snapshot
1000+ high wage jobs created $100K grand prize for BioChallenge
66,000 SF of state-of-the-art wet lab, office, and conference space
400+ entrepreneurs served $5M invested by BioFund in 30+ startups
$800M in funding raised by BioFund-invested companies
5,500 attendees at 120 public workshops and 600 technical assistance meetings
Source: New Orleans BioInnovation Center
Arts + Culture
The cultural fabric of Downtown New Orleans is enriched by its diverse arts scene, which continuously reinvents itself to reflect the city’s storied heritage and creative energy. Vibrant cultural initiatives draw both locals and visitors into a shared celebration of artistic expression.
Canal Street recently received a fresh new look as part of the “French Doors” initiative, which introduced a series of vibrant murals along the thoroughfare. This creative revitalization—made possible through a collaboration between GNO, Inc. and Arts New Orleans—has become a visual landmark for the community.
The Art and Warehouse District saw the most unique visitors in 2024 with 4.9M 1.8% increase YoY
Museums 9+
Museums
AMERICAN ITALIAN CULTURAL CENTER
CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER
LOUISIANA CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
LOUISIANA’S CIVIL WAR MUSEUM
Art Galleries 20+ Entertainment Venues 11+
Large Entertainment Venues
CAESARS SUPERDOME
CHAMPIONS SQUARE
CIVIC
FILLMORE
MUSEUM OF THE SOUTHERN JEWISH EXPERIENCE
MUSEUM OF TRADE FINANCE AND THE FED
NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART
SAZERAC HOUSE
GENERATIONS HALL
THE HOWLIN’ WOLF
JOY THEATER
NEW ORLEANS ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER
ORPHEUM
SAENGER
SMOOTHIE KING CENTER
The housing landscape in Downtown New Orleans is evolving to better meet the needs of its diverse community. Strategic developments are underway to expand both affordable and high-quality living options, fostering a more inclusive urban environment.
Memoir Residential led the way in expanding Downtown’s housing supply in 2024 with 70 units delivered. Multiple other projects underway will add additional residential units to the district. These developments are instrumental in shaping a more vibrant, livable, and sustainable urban core.
Multifamily Units in Development
Source: Costar
Source: Costar
Major Projects
This past year, DDD partnered with Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.), BioDistrict New Orleans, Desire NOLA, and Entergy, to complete major improvement projects across Downtown New Orleans. These projects—the French Doors Project, Spanish Plaza Iconic Signage, Light Up Lafayette Street, and BioDistrict Landscaping—have all been finalized since the beginning of 2025, marking a significant period of growth and development within the District.
“The completion of these initiatives brings meaningful enhancements and improvements that seamlessly align with the DDD’s overarching strategy, driving economic development, ensuring a clean and safe environment, and advancing a bold vision for the future of Downtown,” said DDD Board Chair Chris R. Ross.
French Doors Project
With support from GNO, Inc., DDD facilitated the execution of the French Doors Project alongside architecture and design practice Studio West , which worked with staff to complete a comprehensive assessment of the 100 blocks of Decatur, Chartres, Royal, Bourbon and Dauphine Streets to identify improvements to lighting, safety, and sense of arrival to the French Quarter. Initial phases of the project included outreach to over 40 properties regarding basic repairs for lighting. From there, DDD worked with targeted properties on various projects such as new lighting installation, trash and debris removal, and façade restoration.
In addition to these property-based projects, DDD collaborated with Arts New Orleans to produce two new murals and three street art installations in the various blocks. GNO, Inc. separately worked with the New Orleans Marriott to deliver the astounding “Harmonious Elements” mural by worldrenowned artist Shepard Fairey. Additional partners on these projects included: The Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans, P.M.G. LLC, the McEnery Company, Hustler Hollywood, Astor Crowne Plaza, Krystal, and the City of New Orleans.
“The French Quarter is the heart of the New Orleans experience— our city’s most iconic and visited neighborhood,” said Greater New Orleans, Inc. President & CEO Michael Hecht. “Project French Doors is a visionary step toward enhancing both the beauty and functionality of this historic district, ensuring it remains a world-class destination for residents and visitors alike. By elevating the visual appeal, safety, and artistic elements across the main arterial entrances into the neighborhood, this project not only improved the Super Bowl experience but also commences a positive path for investment, business development, residential growth, and beautification.”
Spanish Plaza Iconic Signage
DDD and GNO, Inc., in partnership with the New Orleans Building Corporation, Desire NOLA, and RockStep Capital , installed a new iconic sign on Downtown New Orleans’ Spanish Plaza.
Installed by local fabricator Downtown FabWorks, the sign commemorates the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Its design mirrors the trademarked emblem of Desire NOLA—a non-profit established after Hurricane Katrina to support civic and community-based projects.
To honor the legacy of this local non-profit, the installation includes a plaque that states: “Desire NOLA was founded in 2005 by a group of young community members committed to rebuilding the Greater New Orleans area following Hurricane Katrina. This installation honors the legacy of these citizens, many who have assumed leadership positions in civic, business, and political fields.”
The project intends to bring visitors to Spanish Plaza, the Riverwalk, and the surrounding area to take pictures, acknowledge this legacy, and celebrate their love for the City. Further, it is part of DDD’s Economic Development Strategy to implement placemaking concepts throughout Downtown neighborhoods that add vitality to the existing urban fabric.
In addition to Downtown FabWorks, other firms working on this project included local engineering firm Batture, LLC, stonework company La Pavers, and custom plaque manufacturer Ed. Smith’s Stencil Works, Ltd. DDD also worked with various City of New Orleans departments to implement the project.
“This monument will create a new icon in America’s most iconic city,” said Michael Hecht, President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “We are proud to partner with the City, DDD, Desire NOLA, RockStep Capital, and the NOBC to bring this wonderful idea to life.”
“It is an honor to see the iconic Desire NOLA symbol celebrated as public art for Super Bowl LIX,” commented Chris Kane, Immediate Past Chair of GNO, Inc. and founding member of Desire NOLA. “It represents a period of time in our City’s history that saw a group of young professionals step-up and play a vital role in supporting our recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Nearly twenty years later, many of those individuals have gone on to serve in a wide range of community and business leadership roles in the Greater New Orleans region.”
Light Up Lafayette Street
As part of the ongoing Light Up Lafayette Street initiative, DDD partnered with Entergy to install new creative light projectors at Energy Centre Plaza—the pedestrian mall on Lafayette Street at Loyola Avenue.
Designed by Studio West and installed by All Star Electric, the Light Up Lafayette Street Project aims to transform the Lafayette Street corridor by implementing an engaging and security-enhancing lighting installation. This initiative is designed to address safety concerns, increase the street’s visual appeal, and create an inviting atmosphere for pedestrians. Light projectors were installed on 7 light poles and project green magnolia leaves in various shapes and sizes on the sidewalk. The long-term vision is to continue this installation along the full length of Lafayette Street.
“Entergy New Orleans is proud to support the Downtown Development District’s lighting installation at Energy Centre Plaza,” said Deanna Rodriguez, President & CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “This initiative not only enhances the beauty of the CBD but also strengthens public safety. New Orleans is our home, and we are committed to investing in a safer, more vibrant city.”
BioDistrict Landscaping
DDD’s fourth major project is the execution of elevated BioDistrict landscaping. In partnership with BioDistrict New Orleans, DDD upgraded landscaping at five key gateways to the District: Basin at Iberville, Molly Marine Plaza, Loyola at Calliope, Poydras at Claiborne, and Tulane Avenue at Claiborne.
Implemented by local landscaping firm Garden Doctors, the project aims to satisfy early goals identified in the BioDistrict Strategic Plan that DDD helped to support in 2024. The completion of this project marks another DDD beautification success in the Downtown BioDistrict, following the reveal of the new NASA mural on Tulane’s Downtown campus and the hanging of new banners that highlight the BioDistrict’s unique presence in the neighborhood.
“On behalf of the Board of the BioDistrict New Orleans, we are grateful for the significant investments that the Downtown Development District made to beautify downtown before the Super Bowl and were thrilled to partner with them to fund improvements to five key BioDistrict gateways,” said Andy Kopplin, BioDistrict Board Chair and President and CEO of the Greater
New Orleans Foundation. “In selecting Garden Doctors to perform the work, the DDD also helped advance the BioDistrict’s mission to support local disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE’s) as well.”
These projects remain consistent with the key focus areas outlined by DDD’s updated Economic Development Strategy, first released in Spring 2024. Building a safe, accessible, and attractive public realm remains at the heart of the organization’s vision for the future of Downtown New Orleans.
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.
District Map
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.