History of the 2015 Referendum

On Saturday, October 24, 2015 registered voters within the boundaries of the French Quarter Management District elected to create the French Quarter Economic Development District (FQ EDD). The measure passed overwhelmingly, with 78% of voters in support.

Beginning January 1, 2016, sales tax on goods and services (excluding hotel stays) sold in the District increased 0.2495%, which equates to $0.25 for every $100. This sales tax was expected to generate approximately $2 million annually and would fund public safety measures within the District. In 2019 the sales tax generated $3 million dollars that went solely to the Louisiana State Police along with $2.5 million from the hospitality industry.

2020 Renewal Referendum

COVID-19 has had an astounding impact on the FQ EDD sales tax and the hospitality industry’s ability to provide supplemental police patrols. In order to maximize the dollars now available, the Board of Commissioner of the French Quarter Management District heard from French Quarter residential and business organizations unified requests that the renewal of the French Quarter Economic Development District sales tax funds be directed to the French Quarter Management District for the purpose of funding supplemental public safety utilizing post certified officers.

Endorsing organizations include:

• Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents, and Associates
• N. Rampart Main Street, Inc.
• Louisiana Restaurant Association
• Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association
• French Quarter Business Association

On Thursday, August 20^th, the French Quarter Economic Development District (FQ EDD) Governing Authority (the City Council) approved all three motions before them:

1. FQ EDD M-2020-3: The 2015 ballot language renewal,
2. FQ EDD R-2020-4: Authorizing Cm. Palmer to be the signatory on all legal instruments, including a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, and
3. FQ EDD R-2020-5: The intent of the FQ EDD Governing Authority to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the French Quarter Management District to administrate the remittances into the FQ EDD Trust Fund for the purpose of funding public safety, notably, the FQMD’s Supplemental Police Patrol Program using post certified officers and the French Quarter Task Force (FQTF) App.

This was the first of the many steps to assure that the renewal of the “Quarter for the Quarter” sales tax is dedicated to public safety and directed by the stakeholders. 

Next Steps 

FQMD continues discussions with the New Orleans Police Department and the City’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness to structure a public safety program that is unified, post certified, transparent, and accountable. FQMD is prioritizing beginning the process by assuring the priorities of the French Quarter stakeholders inform a solid and enforceable Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City and the FQ EDD Governing Authority. 

Some of the priorities FQMD has heard from stakeholders thus far include:

• FQMD has responsibility for overseeing the patrols in the French Quarter 
  • Maximize the number of post certified officers to patrol the District
  • NOPD is the unifying hub of all patrol planning, post instructions, supervision, and daily management
  • Robust public reporting requirements 
• FQMD has responsibility for administering all financials related to the FQ EDD Trust Fund 
  • Budgets, all budget amendments, contracts, transactions shall be executed utilizing a mutually agreed upon funding release criteria
  • Full annual report with audited financials

FQMD remains committed to public safety and will continue to operate our Supplemental Police Patrol Program as long as funding permits.  We take our legislative mandate seriously and will commit to working with stakeholder and the City to assure the best possible outcome for all stakeholders.