Nolan began his professional life as an entrepreneur and small business owner and refocused his career around public service and community building after losing his home and his business in Hurricane Katrina. Over the last 20 years, Nolan has been a leader in rebuilding and reimagining systems, programs, and places that make incredible cities better. Nolan worked on public safety and criminal justice policy, public education policy, government efficiency and ethics, and land use policy, while serving as the Associate Director of Common Good at Loyola University and Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Cowen Institute at Tulane University.

Nolan’s experience in the economic development and place management industries includes serving as Director of Public Affairs and Policy at the Downtown Development District in New Orleans, Executive Director of Uptown Dallas, Inc., Chief Engagement and Solutions Officer at the New Orleans Business Alliance, and President and CEO of Downtown Vancouver in British Columbia. He was appointed to public service boards by Governors and Mayors, including terms as Chair of the New Orleans City Planning Commission. Nolan has served on police department advisory boards in the US and in Canada, served on civil rights, community, park, zoo, aquarium, economic development district, and charter school boards, and co-founded nonprofits to guide the work of community building.

His most rewarding endeavor is being a husband, father of two boys, and best friend to his miniature schnauzer, Larry David. Nolan and his family live in the Social District and are proud to call it home. Their favorite activity in the Social District is attending a performance or interview with a legend or new artists at the Clive Davis Theater in the GRAMMY Museum.

Passionate about community building and storytelling as the Marketing & Events Manager, Safiya began her career in the world of entertainment - working on projects for Amazon Studios, Netflix and Facebook. Her experience from living around the globe, including spending several years in Dubai, has shaped her cultural approach to storytelling that is inclusive and accessible. With experience working with non-profits and small businesses, Safiya found the BID world to be rewarding and impactful. Safiya’s role at The Social District encompasses both planning and producing events, writing email newsletters and creating social media content that highlights all the district has to offer. You find her enjoying a matcha latte at Ideology coffee or strolling the farmers market looking for gluten free baked goods.  

Director of Operations tasked with overseeing BlockbyBlock ambassadors and day-to-day administrative and operational functions and services. My favorite hobbies are cycling, hiking, and listening to music from all genres. My favorite thing about The Social District is walking and talking to people. My favorite place is the Farmers Market where I get sweet corn from the Tamale Lady and a cup of coffee from Starbucks.

A third-generation native Angeleno, Rich is grateful to continue his passion for strengthening community in this great city’s Downtown. In his first two years here, Rich launched the Farmers Market, furnished the district with “Barklets”, “Spark Spots”, hundreds of rose bushes, and lit up the district with the 11th St. and Pico Blvd. lighting projects. In his new role as “Vice President, Strategic Initiatives”, Rich looks forward to setting the stage throughout the district for development and the upcoming international sports entertainment events and their millions of patrons, ensuring legacy projects are conceived and installed sustainably for a world-class district. Rich’s favorite part of the district is its potential!

Graduated from Cal State University of Northridge in 2022 with a BA in Urban Planning and started working for the BID shortly after. As Administration and Logistic Coordinator, I help plan meetings, local events, and process any and all paperwork that comes our way. My favorite place in The Social District is the Crypto.com Arena (formally Staples Center) where I get to see the Los Angeles Lakers play alongside the abundant purple and gold banners hung up throughout the stadium.

Operations Supervisor 5+ years. Responsible for monitoring operation efficiency, conducting necessary training, devising methods to improve efficiency and to complete administrative responsibilities. My favorite place in the district is LA Live and Laker games at Crypto.com Arena.