NOLA's "Downtown Discount" Program
Anyone who has ever driven through New Orleans understands the daily dilemma of attempting and ultimately failing to find parking. Fortunately, the Mayor's Office of Nighttime Economy aims to alleviate this inconvenience for hospitality workers.
Launched on August 4, the "Downtown Discount" program makes premium parking in New Orleans more affordable.
Features
Thanks to the Office of Nighttime Economy's partnership with Premium Parking, LAZ Parking, and Parking Management Services Inc., local hospitality workers now receive discounts at 27 different parking locations.
The Central Business District has 16 participating locations, followed by the French Quarter, which offers eight discounted lots. Hospitality workers in the Marigny and Tremé have access to a combined five locations.
Over 1,000 parking spaces are available at a discounted rate, with daily discounts reaching 43% off the original price. Those seeking a monthly subscription can save up to $140 a month, thanks to the new program.
The parking options vary between surface lots and parking garages, with a map of participating facilities available on the city of New Orleans' website.
Applications
To be eligible for the Downtown Discount program, applicants need to meet specific requirements. Participants must be an employee at a restaurant, café, coffee shop, bar, museum, hotel, hostel, bed & breakfast, tour service, or live entertainment venue. Their place of employment must be located in one of the four participating areas: the Central Business District, French Quarter, Tremé, or Marigny.
To apply, future participants must submit employment information, including their current position, business address, and supervisor's name. Participants must also specify the type of business, as it is considered part of the hospitality industry.
The Office of Nighttime Economy must verify that the provided employment information is accurate before approval. Applicants can expect a response within 10 days of applying.
If you are interested in applying, fill out the the Office of Nighttime Economy's online form.
Affordable Parking
Hospitality workers are the lifeblood of New Orleans' nightlife and tourism industry. Now, the Office of Nighttime Economy hopes that the Downtown Discount program will alleviate an undue burden for hundreds of the city's top employees.
"New Orleans runs on the strength and dedication of our hospitality workers, the cooks, servers, bartenders, concierges, and culture-bearers who keep our city vibrant and welcoming," Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a press release. "Downtown Discount is more than a parking program; it's a commitment to equity, affordability, and valuing the very people who make our city world-famous."
