Building Stronger Music Cities: Lessons from New Orleans
What makes a city a true music city? Recent discussions around New Orleans’ nighttime economy and music ecosystem reveal some important insights:
Policy & Strategic Planning
An eight-month plan focused on five key areas: nightlife business support, summer sustainability, access and mobility, public safety, and music industry development. These priorities aim to preserve cultural identity while addressing economic and logistical challenges post-COVID.
Supporting Independent Venues
Independent venues face shrinking profit margins, rising costs, and shifting consumer behavior toward large-scale concerts. Adapting business models and engaging local audiences—not just tourists—is critical for sustainability.
Collaboration & Innovation
Partnerships between city agencies, businesses, musicians, and universities are driving creative solutions—from professional development programs for artists to acoustic assessments that reduce noise complaints and improve sound quality.
Preserving Musical Heritage
Tourist-oriented entertainment often overshadows original music in cultural districts. Targeted grants, statewide music funds, and education initiatives can help protect authentic music traditions for future generations.
The challenge: How do we balance economic realities with cultural preservation while strengthening local music ecosystems?
Mike currently works in the Mayors Office of Nighttime Economy as the Deputy Director. Ince most recently served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Office of the Lt. Governor where he focused on a wide range of programs administered under the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism as well as legislative affairs for the Lt. Governor.
Prior to his time with the Lt. Governor’s Office, Mike served as the Director of Community Development for the City of Kenner. As a member of the administrative staff, he focused on housing and community revitalization strategies. Most notably as the founding Manager of the Rivertown Main Street program, and the Rivertown Arts Council.
Employing proven community revitalization strategies while working with small business owners has been a priority for Ince throughout his time in public service. He brings a diverse skill set in federal and state grant funding, legislative affairs and small business development throughout his 15 year career in state and local government.
Having experience in the food and beverage industry during High School and College, Mike has used that experience to maintain a sense of focus on workforce issues impacting the hospitality industry and the strong need for a voice within government that supports both workers and small business owners.
A graduate of the University of New Orleans with a Masters in Public Administration, and a B.S. in Applied Economics from Florida State University. He is also a Loyola Institute of Politics Fellow.
On most weekends you can find him and his family pulling a wagon through the French Quarter with their brass band obsessed toddler, or sitting anywhere offering shade and a cold beverage.
