News Summary
Seth Knudsen has been appointed as the new President and CEO of the Downtown Development District (DDD) of New Orleans, taking over on May 6. With over 20 years of experience in local government, Knudsen aims to enhance city services and promote sustainable growth in the Downtown area. He has previously held key roles at the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority and other governmental organizations. His appointment signals a commitment to developing cleaner and safer urban spaces in New Orleans.
New Orleans – Seth Knudsen has been appointed as the new President and CEO of the Downtown Development District (DDD) of New Orleans, effective May 6. His appointment follows a thorough national search conducted by the DDD Board of Commissioners, and he takes over the role from Chris R. Ross, who had been leading the organization on an interim basis since February.
Knudsen is a native New Orleanian with over 20 years of experience in local government. He most recently served as the Chief of Strategy, Programs, and Projects at the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA). In that capacity, he was instrumental in developing and implementing the agency’s first strategic plan and secured new funding while forging partnerships with various community organizations. His expertise also includes the management of the disposition of thousands of properties and the oversight of hundreds of millions of dollars in investments targeting housing and infrastructure within New Orleans.
Prior to his tenure at NORA, Knudsen held several key roles in planning and project management, including positions with the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO), the City Planning Commission, and the Office of Recovery Management. He also served with the non-profit organization City-Works. Knudsen earned a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Tulane University and a Master’s degree in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His academic credentials are further bolstered by graduate certificates in Urban Design and Urban Redevelopment from MIT and the University of Pennsylvania, respectively.
Ross, the DDD Board Chairman, expressed confidence in Knudsen’s ability to lead the organization, attributing this confidence to Knudsen’s deep roots in New Orleans and his demonstrated leadership in public investment initiatives. Following his appointment, Knudsen noted his commitment to focusing on enhancing city services and fostering the development of a cleaner and safer Downtown area.
The Downtown Development District was established by the Louisiana Legislature in 1974 and holds the distinction of being the nation’s first assessment-based Business Improvement District. The primary mission of the DDD is to provide economic development and public space services to the New Orleans Downtown area, which is bordered by Iberville Street, the Pontchartrain Expressway, Claiborne Avenue, and the Mississippi River.
Currently, the annual budget of the DDD is approximately $12.7 million, with funding predominantly sourced from a share of property taxes collected within the district. This budget supports various initiatives aimed at improving the infrastructure, safety, and overall appeal of Downtown New Orleans, ensuring its status as a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.
As Knudsen steps into his role, he inherits a pivotal position that impacts not just the Downtown area but the broader New Orleans community. His extensive experience in local government and urban planning positions him well to address the challenges faced by the DDD and to promote sustainable growth within the city.
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Additional Resources
- Biz New Orleans: Downtown Development District Announces New President & CEO
- NOLA.com: New Orleans Downtown Development District Picks New CEO
- New Orleans: Why New Orleans – Medical District
- Entergy Newsroom: New Orleans DDD Announce Completion of Lighting Project
- New Orleans City Business: Seth Knudsen DDD New Orleans CEO
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- Google Search: New Orleans Downtown Development District
- Google Scholar: New Orleans Urban Planning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans
- Google News: New Orleans Downtown Development
