As president and CEO of the Downtown Development District, I am thrilled to have the privilege of working to implement our exciting vision for the future. With a rejuvenated board and a recently released economic development strategy, Downtown New Orleans has never been more poised for transformative growth.
The heart of our renewed commitment to growth lies in our dynamic new board from diverse industries. The group brings together several board veterans with new commissioners representing a wide range of Downtown industries such as hospitality and corporate business. While the new board represents diverse interests, it is united by a common goal: to drive Downtown New Orleans forward. I look forward to working with our new commissioners to craft policies and programs that reflect the multifaceted nature of Downtown and its many assets.
When it comes to strategies for a prosperous Downtown, my team and I work to implement a comprehensive economic development strategy marked by collaboration between city and state agencies and with the community. At its core, our strategy emphasizes that, with utmost priority, enhancements to public safety and quality of life are foundational to building a compelling residential, business and tourism address. Examples of this type of work include our dedicated Public Safety Rangers and investment in enhanced security details who walk the district 24/7. Our commitment to public safety and quality of life can also be seen in the work of our Clean Team — who, this past January, were tasked with maintaining a greater presence on Canal Street and the surrounding “100 Blocks” where we see the most foot traffic.
Beyond the basics, our new economic development strategy is comprehensive and forward-thinking. It spans six focus areas and includes the work and initiatives of all DDD staff. The following focus areas shape the Downtown New Orleans Economic Development Strategy:
- Business Recruitment, Retention and Expansion | Facilitate the growth and development of new business across key industries like digital media and 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.
- 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.
- Workforce Development | Encourage development of an inclusive Downtown economy through enhanced partnerships with DBEs, 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.
- 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.
Together, we can create a vibrant, prosperous, and inclusive urban center that honors our past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
Together, we can create a vibrant, prosperous, and inclusive urban center that honors our past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
Davon Barbour is the president and CEO of the Downtown Development District (DDD). He may be reached via email at dbarbour@downtownnola.com.
