CID Master Plan – Ujamaa EDC

OVERVIEW – In 2017, the Economic Development Administration made a significant first investment in New Orleans towards the design and construction of a public market under the bridge. The EDA’s investment brings to fruition a community-led initiative that covers, 40+years, and 4 Distinct Cultural Zones with Green Infrastructure goals

Cultural Innovation District Master Plan

The Claiborne Corridor is a predominately African American community that was once considered one of the most economically viable areas in the country. It extends across the center of New Orleans, connecting Jefferson and St. Bernard Parishes.

After over 50 years of Redlining, Urban Renewal and countless harmful municipal policies, the area suffers from the deepest disparities and outcomes in New Orleans. The city of New Orleans and various organizations have committed to righting the wrongs that began decades of neglect for the area.

1950's

The most economically viable African American area in the country.
A natural promenade of over 300 beautiful oak trees.

1960's

Construction of the elevated 10 freeway
The freeway resulted in the closure of 326 black owned businesses
Black Families were denied equal access to jobs, healthcare and other opportunities, a thriving community they belabored was now destroyed

Today - The Long-Term Impact

The area has not fully recovered
Life expectancy is this area is 25 years shorter than other New Orleans Neighborhoods

In October 2013, the City completed its study of the Claiborne Corridor. In funding the Livable Claiborne Communities (LCC) Study, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) joined a grassroots partnership of neighborhoods and organizations committed to addressing significant issues of economic and environmental equity, choice and sustainability for Corridor residents. This resulted in a community-led initiative to transform the area underneath the highway into a vibrant and safe meeting place for the community – The CID Masterplan.