Sandra Herman
Founder | Celebrate Canal! Coalition
It all started during a Q&A session with Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., during which a concerned citizen asked a simple question: “What are we going to do about Canal Street?” Hecht responded that it would take a citizen-led initiative to get something done. At that moment, Sandra Herman, who was in the audience, felt called to act.
“I accepted that challenge—and I haven’t looked back,” she said.
As founder of the Celebrate Canal Coalition, Herman is spearheading an ambitious effort to transform New Orleans’ most iconic thoroughfare. For Herman, who has always been drawn to challenging issues that affect the public good, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“Canal Street is the front door and public face of our city and state,” said Herman. “A thriving Canal Street projects confidence, prosperity and pride — signaling to residents, visitors and investors that New Orleans is a vibrant place to live, work and build.”
The coalition’s most successful initiative to date has been Windows on Canal, an effort launched in February 2025 that commissioned local artists to create storefront installations across seven major businesses. The installations ran through June, and the impact was immediate and measurable.
“Over a three-month period, local visitation increased by more than 100,000 people as a direct result of that project,” Herman says.
From the beginning, inclusivity has been central to the coalition’s approach.
“Our team, our board and all of our events intentionally include partners, vendors and supporters who reflect the diverse community that makes New Orleans so special,” Herman says. She credits the coalition’s success to its dedicated staff and board of directors.
Herman is also working to change people’s general feelings about Canal Street.
“The biggest misconception is that Canal Street is unsafe,” she says. “While there was a period of concern, that is no longer the case. Nearly 8 million tourists walk Canal Street every year with very few incidents.” However, Herman acknowledges the fact that drawing local residents back remains a key priority.
Looking ahead, Herman envisions short-term success when ground breaks on the first $100 million project in the River District in the coming months. Long-term, she envisions “a Canal Street lined with wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks; beautiful lighting; trees and landscaping; and modern storm-drainage systems — all supporting a lively corridor full of higher retail, family-friendly attractions and people walking, shopping, dining and enjoying the city.”
“Canal Street is the front door and public face of our city and state. A thriving Canal Street projects confidence, prosperity and pride — signaling to residents, visitors and investors that New Orleans is a vibrant place to live, work and build.”
