EDA Journal Vol 11. No.2 Summer 2018 | Page 25

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY “Locally owned businesses are the backbone of New Orleans’ culture, economy, and character. While drainage system improvements and road construction make “shopping local” a bit more challenging in the short term, the critical improvements mean our city will be safer and stronger for generations to come. We hope you show love to your community by shopping small and shopping local—even if it takes a little extra time!” parking their personal vehicles. The French Quarter has limited parking as it is, when parking was reduced due to the construction zone it left parking more competitive yet in some instances the contractors where using these car parks. (A common complaint in many projects) Below is a table of some of the key activities delivered in support of small businesses on Bourbon Street. Hotels, accommodation providers and business associations urged visitors to continue to support businesses being directly impacted by the construction. While some savvy business owners leveraged from the disruption and named drinks after the construction. When speaking with the French Quarter Business Association one of the concerns that was raised was the locations of where the contractors were Business Engagement Business Support Activation and marketing Door knocking and face to face engagement In the initial consultation process, the City’s Roadside Construction Toolkit was provided to business owners, the guide includes steps and initiative business owners can take to assist reduce the impact Signage and banners were installed to encourage visitors to support businesses impacted Public consultation – both morning and The City also provided signage for businesses which read ‘Pardon night to ensure they capture as many our progress, shops are open for business owners as possible business’. No data was collected by business owners to report on how effective this was Discounted incentives were offered by some of the business owners Weekly email status updates Bars leveraged from the construction calling their drink specials ‘road rage’ (pictured above) Distribution via business groups such as the French Quarter Business Association Access to business 101 workshops Radio advertising was organised to support local Neighborhood engagement app VOL.11 NO.2 2018 | 25