The Downtown Development District has released its Q3 2025 Market Report, providing a detailed look at the momentum shaping Downtown New Orleans across economic, institutional, and quality-of-life indicators. In this quarter’s letter, President & CEO Seth Knudsen highlights continued progress and sustained public and private investment that strengthen Downtown’s position as the city’s economic and civic center.
Key trends this quarter include improved retail vacancy, strong hospitality performance tied to major events and riverfront activation, and significant advancement from institutional partners across research, healthcare, and innovation. Construction milestones within the BioDistrict, Tulane’s expansion, Xavier-Ochsner’s new College of Medicine, and the arrival of new biotech firms further demonstrate the growth of Downtown’s innovation economy.
Mobility improvements such as Amtrak’s Gulf Coast Service launch and expanded micromobility options enhance Downtown’s accessibility, while DDD-led work in public safety, placemaking, and civic dialogue—including the Downtown Mayoral Forum—continues to build a cleaner, safer, and more connected urban core.
Taken together, Q3 findings reflect a Downtown building durable economic strength through reinvestment, institutional commitment, and a diverse mix of residents, workers, and businesses. The full report is available HERE.