What is the Main Street Program?

The Main Street Program is a framework we’ll be using to help revitalize St. Claude Ave into an economically robust and culturally-rich official “main street.” By transforming St. Claude Ave into a main street, we hope to improve community access to healthy options, attract more economic development, and help the community grow sustainably.

The Main Street Program allows us to identify and harness the social, economic, physical, and cultural assets that set St. Claude Ave. and the Lower Ninth Ward apart.

Where are We in the Process?

This program has three main steps:

Community Vision / Market Understanding

• A vision for success rooted in a solid understanding of the market realities of the district
• Outline the community’s identity, expectations, and ideals
• Confirm real and perceived realities of the area
• Identify needs and opportunities

Transformation Strategy

• An outline of strategies necessary to reach the Community Vision
• Provide a clear sense of priorities and direction for investment and change in the district

Quantitative & Qualitative Outcomes

• Short-term: focus on highly visible changes to let community members know changes are underway
• Sustain focus on the implementation of longer-term projects and activities
• Measure successes: Jobs added, Businesses opened, Programs Implemented

Lagniappe Application Submitted

We recently submitted the Lagniappe Application to become a Lagniappe Community with Louisiana Main Street. Once our application is approved, we will be able to access the funds and resources we need to make St. Claude Ave an official Main Street.

Download the Lower Ninth Ward Main Street 2024-2027 Strategic Plan