Among the most impacted communities of New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina was the Lower 9th Ward. The disaster rendered 100% of the homes in the area unlivable. One may think that, as we approach the 16th anniversary of the hurricane, the housing situation would have recovered substantially. However, it is very much the opposite. Houses cost much more to rebuild than what they are actually worth, so a large portion of residents simply did not return to the area post-Katrina. Overgrown, abandoned lots litter the lower 9th ward while low-income housing is in such high demand.

New Orleans faces a challenge in providing adequate public transportation to its residents. Roughly 20% of New Orleans households do not have a personal vehicle, and live and work in areas that have infrequent services. A public engagement summary showed that riders want more frequent service above reliability, scope, and better bus stops.

This week, Love Your City is highlighting the amazing work of Happy Raptor Distilling (@504rum on social media)! Happy Raptor is a local rum distillery that has definitely gone the extra mile to give back to the New Orleans community while also creating some unique cocktails and distilled rums!

LifeCity recently adopted a 4-day work week to examine the changes in work-life balance and productivity of employees. So far, results have been overwhelmingly positive. Team members have more motivation to be productive during the 4 days of the work week, communicate intentionally, and use time efficiently. Additionally, taking the extra day off to work on personal projects and enjoy time with family and friends is a huge benefit for mental health.

When looking at the issues we face, both locally and globally, it is important to realize how connected everything is. Gender disparities and climate change may seem like two separate problems that need specifically catered solutions, but looking at them that way is part of the issue.

Support local artists by visiting the weekend art market at Disco Warehouse, located on Tchoupitoulas Street! Buying locally has many social and environmental benefits.

Click here to learn about exciting new developments in the world of New Markets Tax Credits!

Plan a quick summer getaway to 111 pristine acres of unique habitat 80 miles north fo New Orleans at All You Need Institute!

The Green Project is a nonprofit organization that recognized that New Orleans needed an alternative to dumping paint and polluting regional waterways. With equity in mind, the founding members sought to recycle usable paint and resell it back into the community at an affordable price. The idea expanded to building materials and the salvage store was born.

This pride month, give back to the New Orleans community by learning and donating to House of Tulip, a local TGNC housing initiative started by Black and Trans individuals that aims to keep housing affordable in New Orleans while also providing LGBT+ and GNC individuals with economic opportunities and much more.

This installment of the New Economy Blog Series explores the economic myths that hinder the formation of an impact development framework.