French Quarter board asks voters to renew 2.245% sales tax; reports drop in street sleeping after outreach

The French Quarter Economic Development District on Wednesday approved a resolution asking voters to decide Nov. 15, 2025, whether to renew a 2.245% sales tax to continue funding the district's trust fund.

French Quarter Management District Executive Director Michelle Corso summarized the trust fund's recent work and said the district has spent 57% of its budget year to date while showing 22% in recorded expenses for the fiscal period (the staff presentation attributed both figures to contracting and purchase-order timing). Corso said the trust fund pays for supplemental police patrols, street-marking and pedestrian-safety projects, and partnerships addressing homelessness.

The trust-fund renewal resolution (French Quarter Economic Development Resolution R2025-2) was moved for adoption by Council Member Morales and seconded by Council Member Thomas; the council recorded six yeas and adopted the resolution.

Corso and other speakers described security and homelessness metrics they said suggest progress. Corso told the board that traffic citations in the…