| NOTES chapter 7 part 1 note 6 The Downtown Development District is a special taxing district in downtown New Orleans. It was created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1974 (La. Revised Statutes 33.2740.3). The purpose, as defined by the law, is "In order to provide for the orderly planning, development, acquisition, construction, and effectuation of the services, improvements and facilities to be furnished by the district, and to provide for the representation in the affairs of the district by those persons and interests immediately concerned with and affected by the purposes and development of the district." The board is composed of nine members, at least seven of whom shall be qualified voters of the city and shall have their principal place of business in, or own property in, the Downtown Development District. All members are appointed by the mayor with the approval of the City Council. Five of the members shall be selected by the mayor from a list of nominees named by the central area council of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. It is authorized to impose ad valorem property taxes, subject to voter approval, to carry out its purposes.
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