Downtown New Orleans

As the Director of Economic Development, Leigh M. Ferguson is responsible for facilitating Downtown real estate development and investment, assisting the Downtown community with issues affecting the business environment, advancing Downtown planning, and attracting new business and development projects that result in the expansion of employment, tax base and wealth creation in Downtown New Orleans.

Ferguson brings with him to the DDD more than 35 years of experience in the real estate profession, including as President of the Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, Inc., a public-private housing and community development company. He served most recently as Senior Developer for Bayer Properties and Executive Vice President for Sloss Real Estate Company, Inc., both in Birmingham, Alabama. His work experience includes urban development, asset management, leasing and marketing services.

Ferguson is a full member of the Urban Land Institute, having received their O'Donnell Award in 2007. He has served on numerous civic and non-profit advisory boards, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.