The latest program in ULI Louisiana’s Real Estate Breakfast Series, The Case for Downtown, was presented by the Downtown Development District (DDD) on September 16, 2026. The program featured experts from across sectors to discuss the factors driving businesses to choose Downtown New Orleans and what tenants, brokers, developers, and investors should understand about the market’s future.
The Case for Downtown New Orleans
Josh Fleig, Chief Innovation Officer of Louisiana Economic Development’s innovation initiative (LA.IO), made the opening remarks. He highlighted the scale of economic growth currently occurring across the state. According to Fleig, Louisiana has secured approximately $250 billion in committed capital investment since 2024. He further noted that 2025 attracted approximately $61 billion in investment commitments, and 2026 has already surpassed that record, reflecting continued economic momentum across the state.
Fleig also discussed Louisiana’s efforts to position itself as a technology and innovation hub, noting:
- Saronic Technologies’ autonomous shipbuilding operation in Franklin, Louisiana.
- The expansion of Waymo’s autonomous vehicle technology and related innovation initiatives in New Orleans.
- The creation of the state’s innovation-focused programs through LA.IO.
- The approximately $50 million in seed capital initiatives designed to support startup growth and entrepreneurship.
The discussion emphasized that Louisiana is increasingly competing for technology- and innovation-driven investment rather than relying solely on traditional industries.
Downtown New Orleans as an Economic Growth Engine
Representatives from the DDD noted that Downtown New Orleans continues to compare favorably against national office market trends, with office vacancy rates remaining below the national average despite broader challenges facing office markets throughout the country.
A panel discussion followed featuring:
- Nicole Patel, Chief People Officer, Copado
- Jeffrey Lahasky, President, Lahasky Investment Group
- Tim Poche, CEO, Delta Utilities
The panelists focused on what attracted their organizations to Downtown New Orleans, current tenant preferences, and how the city can capitalize on statewide economic momentum.
Competitive Advantages for Downtown New Orleans
Patel, Lahasky, and Poche repeatedly emphasized several advantages that distinguish New Orleans from competing markets, including:
- Strong support from both state and local governments for business investment.
- A welcoming environment for economic development.
- Relative affordability compared to many peer cities.
- New Orleans’ unique ability to host visitors, clients, and corporate events.
- The city’s distinctive culture and quality of life.
The panelists suggested that these characteristics create a compelling value proposition for businesses considering relocation or expansion.
Creating Future Demand for Office Space/Commercial Development
When discussing the source of future demand for downtown office space and commercial development, the panelists emphasized the importance of building a broader business ecosystem rather than focusing solely on office buildings. The areas that they identified for continued investment included:
- Infrastructure supporting growing businesses.
- Transportation and mobility improvements.
- Parking and accessibility solutions.
- Reliable utilities and stable infrastructure.
It was also noted that future growth will depend not only on attracting major employers but also on expanding the network of professionals and service providers that support them.
Positioning Downtown for Future Growth
The panelists identified four key areas that need to be strengthened in Downtown New Orleans:
- Safety, infrastructure, and public services
- The city’s cultural and entertainment assets
- Relationships with universities and higher education institutions
- The overall downtown business ecosystem
The discussion suggested that stronger connections between business, education, and government will be essential to sustaining long-term growth.
What Today’s Tenants Want
A recurring theme was that tenants have become more selective about the quality and location of office space. According to the panel, modern tenants are increasingly prioritizing:
- Visibility and branding opportunities.
- The employee experience.
- Affordable parking, walkability, and nearby amenities.
- Modern, high-quality office environments.
- Access to restaurants, entertainment, and services.
They noted that many tenants are now willing to pay higher rents for space that aligns with these priorities rather than simply seeking the lowest-cost alternative.
Attracting Additional Investment
Patel, Lahasky, and Poche concluded by discussing what is needed to attract more capital and corporate investment to New Orleans. Key themes included:
- Continued expansion and diversification of the regional economy
- Additional investment in supporting infrastructure and ancillary services
- Enhanced safety and quality-of-life initiatives
- Creating an environment where both headquarters operations and supporting professional services jobs can thrive
Main Takeaway
The overarching message from the event was one of optimism. Louisiana is experiencing record levels of capital investment, and Downtown New Orleans appears well-positioned to benefit from that momentum.
However, the panelists stressed that sustained success will require continued investment in infrastructure, workforce development, safety, and business support services to ensure that the city can convert statewide economic wins into long-term downtown growth.