An extension of the Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation, the Claiborne Corridor Cultural Innovation District (CID) is a 19-Block transformation of the elevated I-10 expressway along Claiborne Avenue from Canal Street to St. Bernard Avenue in New Orleans. Under Executive Director Nyree Ramsey’s leadership, the Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation was organized with a mission of equitable redevelopment of the Claiborne Corridor and adjacent communities. Built with green infrastructure, in addition to being a world-class market with arts, crafts, produce, and seafood vendors, the CID includes classrooms and exhibit space, interactive technology, and educational demonstrations. It will be a site for youth programming, health, environmental, and social services, community projects, workshops, and special events for the residents of the Claiborne Corridor. 

As a culture-based economic driver, the CID supports native entrepreneurs and culture bearers in achieving equitable and sustainable community development goals. With a foundation of innovation, it is a resident-driven effort focused on providing direct pathways to business ownership, workforce development, and community capacity building through fulfilling the need for neighborhood serving retail and enhanced neighborhood services.