The bill amends R.S. 33:2740.3, which governs the Downtown Development District of New Orleans, by reducing the board's membership from eleven to five qualified voters who must have a principal place of business or own property within the district. It introduces a confirmation requirement for board members by the New Orleans city council and establishes a new appointment process involving the mayor, city council, and local organizations. Board members will have randomly allotted terms and must provide an annual affidavit to confirm their qualifications. The bill also expands the board's responsibilities to include planning for public improvements and services, such as public safety and homelessness reduction, and mandates annual presentations to the city council regarding expenditures.

Additionally, the bill allows the board to enter into contracts with the city for services and capital improvements funded by a special tax on real property or bond proceeds. It modifies existing provisions to enable the board to contract with other entities for services without prior approval from the mayor and city council, while ensuring that any security services provided are supplemental to those from the state or city. The bill grants the city authority to incur debt and issue bonds for the district, with a cap of $50 million on outstanding bonds and requires voter approval for tax and bond amounts. It also empowers the district to manage real property within its boundaries and removes the provision allowing the district to advance funds to the city for services rendered.

Statutes affected:
SB364 Original: 33:3(B), 33:3(J)
SB364 Engrossed: 33:3(B), 33:3(J)
SB364 Reengrossed:
SB364 Enrolled:
SB364 Act 520:
Senate Floor Bureau Note, #1778, Harris, Jimmy, Adopted: