The City of New Orleans today announced the resignation of Howie Kaplan, the founding director of the Mayor’s Office of Nighttime Economy (ONE). Over the past two years, Kaplan has played a pivotal role in building this new department from the ground up, acting as a vital liaison between the City government and the city’s robust hospitality industry. His efforts have supported policies and legislation that uplift the local cultural economy and advocate on behalf of over 50,000 hospitality and nighttime workers within New Orleans.

“It’s been an honor to serve the City and the New Orleans hospitality community,” said Kaplan. “I’m proud of all we have accomplished together and the work that the office will continue to do. I thank the Mayor and members of City Council for recognizing New Orleans as a 24-hour, world class cultural destination that both needed and deserved an office dedicated solely to our nighttime economy. This economy is so important to our quality of life and economic vitality.” 

Under Kaplan’s leadership, ONE has spearheaded several notable programs and initiatives, including:

• Narcan Behind Every Bar – In partnership with the New Orleans Health Department, ONE has distributed over 200 Narcan kits to dozens of venues throughout the city. They also continue to host trainings on how to properly administer Narcan, as well as distributing drink test strips to improve public safety. 
• Mediate NOLA – ONE has provided hundreds of effective free mediation, conflict resolution and outreach services to address issues between residents, venues and visitors. These include quality of life and public safety concerns that are resolved through direct communication and compromise. 
• New Orleans Music Census – This citywide study, which collected over 1,500 responses, shows a comprehensive assessment of the living and working conditions of the local music industry in order to provide a roadmap for the City to support local music policy and review current music-related programs.  
• Musician Loading Zones – These loading zones benefit our performers by improving safety and economic viability, cutting down on parking infractions and costs and by providing clarity for City departments on how to accommodate musicians as a business enterprise. 
• Musician Minimum Pay Rate Ordinance – ONE worked with the music community to inform and support the recently passed Musician Minimum Pay Rate Ordinance, which states musicians will be paid $200 per hour per performer for gigs hired directly by the City of New Orleans. 
• Caring for Cops – This year-round program provides support to our public safety team by coordinating food and beverage donations all year long, especially during high profile events like New Years Eve and Mardi Gras. 

ONE has also collaborated with the Southern Smoke Foundation to provide free or low-cost mental health services for hospitality workers. They continue to lobby on the bipartisan Fans First Act to protect performers and fans from predatory and deceptive practices in the secondary ticketing market. Additionally, ONE supports local businesses by assisting with the permitting process and working to keep the Parklets program viable.

Through collaborative efforts with promoters and artists, more events are being brought to the city, boosting the local economy. This includes securing a $20,000 donation from musician Billy Strings to nonprofits Roots of Music and the NOLA Tree Project during his New Year’s Eve performance.

ONE Deputy Director Michael Ince will serve as the interim director. Ince has been with the office since May 2023 and brings a wealth of experience in public service. He previously served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Office of the Lt. Governor, focusing on programs under the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, as well as legislative affairs.

Prior to his role with the Lt. Governor’s Office, Ince served as the Director of Community Development for the City of Kenner, focusing on housing and community revitalization strategies. He was the founding Manager of the Rivertown Main Street program and the Rivertown Arts Council. Ince’s career in state and local government spans 15 years, during which he has gained expertise in federal and state grant funding, legislative affairs, and small business development.

Ince, a graduate of the University of New Orleans with a Master’s in Public Administration and a B.S. in Applied Economics from Florida State University, is also a Loyola Institute of Politics Fellow. His background in the food and beverage industry during high school and college has given him a unique perspective on workforce issues impacting the hospitality industry and the importance of having a government voice that supports both workers and small business owners.

 

Howie Kaplan