Downtown Monroe Alliance was organized in 2009 to work with DEDD to stimulate the downtown development and revitalization within the context of cultural and historic preservation.

Mission: To make Downtown Monroe the vibrant heart of the city.

Goals

Organization –  Increase public awareness of DMA as an agent for positive change in the district by obtaining resources of people, partners, and revenue to support redevelopment efforts.

Promotions – Create, market, and support activities, assets, businesses, and events to generate traffic, excitement, pride, and commerce in downtown.

Design – Preserve and enhance historic resources through appropriate design, to make downtown Monroe visually appealing, clean, and safe for residents and visitors.

Business Development – Support and retain existing businesses while working to attract new, diverse businesses to create a more sustainable local economy and become a shopping and entertainment destination.

The fundamental goal of DMA is to excel in areas of business development, design, promotion, and organization. DMA also manages the Monroe Main Street Program, accredited with the National Main Street.

Past projects

  • Spruced up Art Alley, Anna Gray Noe Park, and Henry Bry Park
  • Crosswalks and medallion on S Grand & Desiard
  • Planters on Art Alley
  • Utilized grants and community partnerships to build 40 new trash receptacles throughout downtown
  • Annual beautification in Bry Park and on South Grand
  • Established tourism invigorating events, highlighting local talent and businesses, such as Commander Christmas, BrewFest, NELA Music Awards, and the Downtown River Jam concert series
  • Helped fund the Coca-Cola murals restoration project
  • Assisted downtown business with grant applications to receive $10,000 in Redevelopment grant
  • Various marketing campaigns to promote downtown and downtown businesses
  • Production of an annual magazine highlighting downtown
  • Developed downtown brochure highlighting downtown as an arts & entertainment destination
  • Developed a historical walking tour

DMA is continually working on marketing campaigns, business recruitment, and tourism spurring events to revitalize downtown. To find out more information or how to get involved, contact Myra Gatling-Akers at (318) 329-4947 or by e-mail at [email protected]

  2018 in Review

  • Developed a stylish downtown commercial, providing a snapshot of what the district has to offer
  • Received notification that DoMo BrewFest will be featured in 2019 Official Louisiana Visitors Guide (350,000 distributed) published by the Louisiana Office of Tourism and Louisiana Travel Association
  • Conducted a jingle contest, with local duo Porcelain People producing the winning jingle, providing a great soundtrack for videos and commercials
  • Other marketing tools include a downtown t-shirt designed by Jason Byron Nelson and table tents with a calendar of events that were distributed to downtown restaurants
  • Continued to build a texting database to further marketing efforts
  • Partnered with Kansas City Southern on the Holiday Express providing organization, live music, vendors, volunteers, and bathrooms for the 3000 that attended
  • Hosted 3 concerts and piano bar in downtown bringing more people to downtown after 5pm
  • Applied and received Louisiana Main Street Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Grant to assist 3rd Street Park project
  • Conducted business survey to determine needs and gather info for successful development
  • Hosted Domo BrewFest bringing people from outside the area and providing a fundraiser for ongoing projects