State of Sustainability: New Orleans

2026 Biennial Report

On February 25, 2026, LifeCity released the State of Sustainability Report for 2026. This report includes an overview of sustainability achievements and challenges in categories such as water, energy, housing, workforce development, and more, while providing a road map for recommended next steps. Produced by LifeCity in collaboration with the Regional Sustainability Committee, the report helps establish a community-informed scorecard to measure ongoing progress, to inform recently elected leaders about immediate opportunities for impact, and to elevate awareness of our most pressing challenges and opportunities.

Key Findings

  1. Equitable Access Must Be at the Center of Sustainability

Across energy, housing, healthcare, transportation, and waste systems, rising costs and unequal access are limiting participation in sustainable solutions.

  • Energy costs have risen 60% since 2019, creating one of the highest energy burdens in the U.S.

  • Housing costs continue to price out renters and first-time buyers, especially as insurance and interest rates rise.

  • Healthcare affordability is worsening rapidly due to Medicaid rollbacks and ACA subsidy losses.

  • Transportation costs remain high for households without reliable transit access.

Residents want to recycle, pursue training, use transit, and invest in their homes—but infrastructure gaps and financial burdens stand in the way.

Moving forward, sustainability efforts must prioritize affordability and equitable access so that every resident can participate in and benefit from the city’s progress. When we improve affordability and access for all, our entire community grows stronger. This is not ideology—it is the practical foundation of resilience and shared prosperity.

2. Investing in Children and Nature Secures Long-Term Prosperity

Economic development must extend beyond short-term remediation and focus on long-term stability. When children lack access to quality education, stable housing, safe transportation, and continuous healthcare, the city absorbs higher social and economic costs over time. Workforce retraining, housing instability, healthcare expenses, and public safety systems all become more strained when early investments are insufficient.

At the same time, failing to invest in renewable energy, green infrastructure, and climate resilience compounds long-term costs for families and businesses. Rising insurance premiums, housing costs, heat-related illnesses, and disaster recovery expenses are all symptoms of deferred environmental investment. The long-term economic burden of climate inaction far exceeds the cost of prevention.

By centering children and families—and protecting the natural systems that sustain them—in policy and investment decisions, New Orleans can build a stronger future workforce, reduce long-term public costs, stabilize household expenses, and create a more resilient and prosperous city for generations to come.

Ensuring that every child has access to a strong education and that every neighborhood has access to clean energy, green space, and climate protection is not only a moral imperative—it is a sound economic strategy. The most fiscally responsible choice we can make is to invest early in our children and in the systems that protect their future.

3. Stronger Collaboration and Trust Will Accelerate Progress

As one of the highest ranking cities for social groups per capita (See Community Commitments Badge) New Orleans has extraordinary community capacity that should be leveraged for addressing gaps in access. Grassroots organizations, civic leaders, businesses, and public institutions are advancing innovative solutions across sectors.

The report highlights meaningful wins:

  • Neighborhood Power Plan passage

  • Workforce Pell expansion

  • Community solar, green infrastructure, and resilience hubs

  • Transit access for youth

  • Inclusive workplace and healthy workplace ordinances

At the same time, progress is threatened by:

  • Federal and state policy rollbacks

  • Budget shortfalls and governance instability

  • Loss of key staff positions (e.g., Circular Economy Program Manager)

  • Project delays and cancellations (e.g., Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion)

To fully realize this momentum, deeper collaboration, clearer communication, and stronger trust between partners are essential. Social infrastructure should be treated as critical infrastructure—intentionally supported, resourced, and connected to policy and investment decisions.

Coordinated action rooted in reciprocity, transparency, and shared accountability can align efforts across neighborhoods, social groups, and sectors—ensuring that progress is sustained and benefits the entire community. Sustained impact will require values-centered leadership that resists division, avoids politicizing progress, and prioritizes long-term community benefit over short-term political wins. Meeting this moment will require courage and consistency from those entrusted with public leadership.