French Quarter Citizens, Inc.

Founded in 1994, the mission of French Quarter Citizens, Inc., is to enhance the residential quality of life in the French Quarter, its historical character and architecture; to educate the public and to focus attention on the problems confronting the French Quarter, contribute to their resolution, and to work with other entities in achieving these goals.

Did you know that semi-trucks illegally traveling the narrow streets often ram balconies & balustrades, severely damaging historic properties while the primarily residential streets of the Quarter can suffer from oversize vehicles and buses vibrating homes to their foundation, damaging trees & sidewalks?

The French Quarter, with its well-preserved architecture, fascinating history & unique culture, is considered a jewel in the crown that is New Orleans. The French Quarter is a fundamental aspect of New Orleans' cultural identity and historical significance. Because of that, its preservation and protection is the responsibility of not only the residents, property owners and businesses of the Quarter, but of all New Orleanians and others passionate about its future.

French Quarter Citizens (FQC) works closely with the City Council, Vieux Carré Commission, City Planning Commission, Historic Districts Landmarks Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustments, neighborhood groups, the tourism industry, local businesses, preservationists, the New Orleans and State Police and many others to stay well informed of issues that threaten the Quarter. FQC's work focuses on improving and protecting the Quarter and identifying problems such as spot zoning for commercial uses, excessive noise, damage from heavy buses, graffiti and permitting violations that can have serious repercussions on the historic structures of the French Quarter.

The French Quarter has been on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of most endangered historical treasures almost every year in the past ten years. John Hildreth, Director of the Southern Office, goes so far as to say that the historical Vieux Carré is not just a National Treasure, but a World Treasure.

Your contribution helps protect and preserve a most important aspect of New Orleans' rich cultural and architectural history for future generations of New Orleaninans and visitors. We serve as a vigilant watchdog against the many threats the Quarter faces as we continue to educate the public about the value of the French Quarter as a cultural treasure, a historic neighborhood and a jewel in the crown for the New Orleans tourism industry.