f

September 2, 2022

City Announces Local, Regional Partners Selected as Winner of President Biden’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce has selected "H2theFuture," a 25-organization partnership with representation across South Louisiana, as one of the only 21 national winners of President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge.

The South Louisiana region will receive $50 million from the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration, as well as a $25 million match from the State of Louisiana, to catalyze the clean hydrogen industry right here at home. The President made the formal announcement from the White House earlier this morning.

“This is a big day for the City of New Orleans, and an even bigger win for the people of South Louisiana,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “New Orleans and the region are already leaders in the energy, maritime and transportation and advanced manufacturing industries, and this investment from the White House further cements our position as a global leader in the energy transition and fighting climate change. This funding will ensure our City’s recovery from the COVID pandemic is equitable, while creating clean energy jobs of the future for our people."

The "H2theFuture" Coalition includes 25 partners from across South Louisiana united in the goal of establishing a world-leading green hydrogen cluster right here in our region. In doing so, "H2theFuture" will create jobs and economic growth, drive equitable an inclusive opportunity and protect the environment. The region will retain its position as a global energy and industrial hub, but with up to 68 percent less carbon emission. The "H2theFuture" program is a transformational strategy for decarbonizing the South Louisiana corridor.

President Biden’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge awardees span 24 states and will fund transformational projects developing workforce training programs, transitional assistance towards electric vehicle maintenance, providing digital resources to small farms, building advanced manufacturing centers for testing and training, renovating and repurposing industrial buildings for new businesses, and more. Additionally, private sector companies and local organizations are investing $300 million in these local projects.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a statement: “As we invest and grow critical industries in the U.S., we want to create industry hubs in diverse communities across the country. These grants will provide critical and historic funding directly to community coalitions to invest in new infrastructure, research and development and workforce development programs, while creating good-paying jobs, supporting workers and prioritizing equity.”

# # #

f

March 25, 2022

CITY OFFICIALS JOIN STATE LEADERS AT 14TH AMERICAS COMPETITIVENESS EXCHANGE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC CONFERENCE

NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans today announced that officials from the Cantrell Administration will participate in the weeklong Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) conference from March 26 through April 1. The conference includes more than 40 separate events in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and the Acadiana region.

“Economic development remains a top priority of my administration and we will continue to partner with business leaders and community members to increase economic opportunities in New Orleans,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Our city has a strong legacy of foreign investment, from the natural advantages of the Port of New Orleans for international trade to the recent billion-dollar acquisition of home-grown tech company Lucid by Swedish-owned Cint Group, and the recently announced merger between the World Trade Center and our regional economic development partner, GNO, Inc. Our economic development opportunities are virtually limitless, and I am excited to showcase them during the ACE international conference.”

The ACE conference will feature ambassadors, government officials, academics, Chief Executive Officers and entrepreneurs from more than 20 countries throughout the western hemisphere. The conference’s goal is to forge business relationships and explore trade and investment opportunities in Louisiana. This is the first time the ACE conference has been hosted in Louisiana since the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and the Organization of American States (OAS), launched the program in 2014.

“New Orleans has demonstrated time and again that it is an economic powerhouse, not just in Louisiana but in the region as well,” said Jeff Schwartz, Director of Economic Development. “Between the strength of our traditional core industries and the growth of our emerging opportunity industries, we are leading with innovation and investing in a strong workforce that can compete globally. We look forward to showcasing what New Orleans can do and why we are an ideal choice for international investment over the course of this conference.”

The weeklong itinerary will showcase the state’s economic resilience, reflected in five consecutive years of capital investment growth even as the pandemic severely disrupted global supply chain economics. Delegates will meet with leaders from established and emerging economic sectors – from energy, advanced manufacturing and agribusiness to software development, healthcare innovation and water management and more.

Several City staff members will present remarks and information during the week-long event, including Mayor Cantrell, Jeff Schwartz and Courtney Stuckwisch Wong from the Office of Economic Development, Film Director of New Orleans Carroll Morton, Director of Aviation Kevin Dolliole, Nicole Heyman from the Office of Community Assets and Investment, Brenda Breaux of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA), Sunae Villavaso of the Office of Workforce Development and Lisa Alexis of the Office of Cultural Economy.

Two local organizations will host sessions that highlight New Orleans’ economic competitiveness and technological capabilities. The Port of New Orleans will demonstrate its groundbreaking “SmartPort” initiative aimed at introducing cutting-edge digital technology to Louisiana’s waterborne commerce. Additionally, the New Orleans BioInnovation Center and BioDistrict will host a discussion about the expansion of the life sciences sector throughout the area and state.

# # #

f

December 15, 2021

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo Announces Finalists for $1 Billion 'Build Back Better Regional Challenge'

NEW ORLEANS — Today two proposals from the New Orleans region were selected as part of a group of 60 finalists in Phase 1 of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) $1 billion Build Back Better Regional (BBB) Challenge out of a pool of 529 applicants. The finalists will receive $500,000 to develop their proposals and will have the opportunity to compete for up to $100 million to implement 3-8 projects in Phase 2 of the challenge.

 

The first selected proposal from New Orleans is to support a Gulf Coast Health Sciences Corridor that will create jobs and a research development and commercialization pipeline and is led by the New Orleans Bio Innovation Center. The second selected proposal is led by Greater New Orleans, Inc. and aims to transform our region’s energy cluster and decarbonize the South Louisiana Industrial Corridor while preserving and creating jobs and remedying historical, economic, environmental, and social inequities. Both finalists’ proposals represent bold ideas to transform the region’s economy and a strong coalition of university, nonprofit, and public partners, including the City of New Orleans.

 

“The selection of two projects from New Orleans by the EDA represents an investment in our greatest asset, our people,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “These innovative proposals focus on creating jobs of the future that build wealth for our citizens while improving health, environmental, and economic outcomes. This is a win-win for our region as we continue to build an economy that leaves no one behind.”

 

“We could not be more excited to learn that two New Orleans proposals were selected for Phase 1 support in the Build Back Better Regional Challenge,” said Jeffrey Schwartz, Director of Economic Development. “These projects are aligned with the City’s strategies for generational economic transformation, including place-based economic development and promoting innovation in priority industries. This shows just how competitive and dynamic New Orleans can be, and we look forward to working with both finalists as they develop their proposals in Phase 2.”

 

“GNO, Inc. is thrilled that a coalition from across South Louisiana – including Economic Development Organizations, Economic Development Districts, Government Partners, Universities, Businesses, and Nonprofits – has been selected to advance in the BBB Challenge,” said Michael Hecht, GNO, Inc. President & CEO. “Louisiana has been a leader in energy and industry for generations, and the H2theFuture plan is the strategy for Louisiana to continue to lead, into a lower-carbon future. The beneficiaries will include energy workers, rural communities, and historically marginalized populations. Moreover, the winners will be the Louisiana economy and environment.”

 

"This Phase I award is a tremendous milestone in the expansion of key infrastructure developments in South Louisiana, intended to tackle some of our community’s toughest problems through innovation and economic expansion while driving growth in the BR/NO Super Region. Our coalition of leading academic research institutions, healthcare systems, economic development organizations, non-profits, and businesses are working together to further strengthen Louisiana as a hub for innovation and growth in health sciences," stated Kris Khalil, Executive Director of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center. "Louisiana has a legacy of a strong healthcare sector combined with cutting-edge academic research. We look forward to the opportunity to accelerate our momentum through healthcare innovation & biotechnology commercialization."

 

"NOLABA is proud to be a part of a region that has not one but two innovative ideas to be selected for Phase I of The Build Back Better Regional Challenge," says Norman E. Barnum, IV, Interim President and CEO, New Orleans Business Alliance. “New Orleans is ripe for growth and this type of investment could be an impactful boost to an economy that has been hit especially hard by not only the COVID-19 pandemic but also Hurricane Ida. We at NOLABA congratulate our partner organizations in this area and look forward to working with them to achieve outcomes needed for so many New Orleanians.”

 

To read the full EDA press release, click here.

# # #

f

April 28, 2021

MAYOR CANTRELL JOINS OFFICIALS, BUSINESS LEADERS TO MARK REOPENING OF TWO-WAY VEHICLE TRAFFIC ON CANAL STREET NEAR HARD ROCK COLLAPSE SITE

Reopening Canal St.

NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today joined other City officials, along with business leaders, to mark the recent reopening of two-way vehicle traffic on several blocks of Canal Street near the Hard Rock site.

"The reopening of Canal Street has been a long time coming. There has been a lot of hard, thoughtful, and careful work put into this by all our agencies and partners. We wanted to get this done right. We're happy that one of the busiest and most important streets in the city has been reopened. Even as we faced all the challenges that have emerged since the collapse, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a historic hurricane season, we continued to push those responsible for the collapse to clean up their mess and return our streets to the people," said Mayor Cantrell. 

Two lanes of vehicular traffic on Canal Street are now open from Burgundy through North Rampart Street. The outside lane (closest to the collapse site) has been converted into a protested pedestrian pathway. City officials are actively working with ownership to ensure the sidewalk and streetscape is restored to its pre-collapse condition. 

Mayor Cantrell was also joined by Jeffrey Schwartz, Director, Mayor's Office of Economic Development; Richard McCall, Interim President, Downtown Development District; JoAnn Fischer, Fischer's Jewelry; and David Rubenstein, Rubenstein's. 

Mayor Cantrell noted an expansive and coordinated effort between several City agencies and partners, most notably: 

  • Tammie Jackson, Director, Safety & Permits
  • Miguel Viteri, Capital Projects Administration
  • David Morris, Director of Special Projects
  • Joe Butler and Allen Yrle, among many others, at Department of Public Works
  • Collin Arnold and the men and women of NOHSEP
  • The team at New Orleans Fire Department: Former Supt. Tim McConnell, Supt. Roman Nelson, Capt. Jason Dufrene, Capt. Danny Simon and Capt. Paul Martory
  • Courtney Stuckwisch Wong, Margrett Magee and Jeff Schwartz for helping guide the impacted businesses through this trying time
  • And the many impacted business owners for their patience as the City worked to resolve this crisis – with particular coordination and collaboration with the Downtown Development District

Mayor Cantrell also acknowledged the support from and colaboration with the New Orleans Building Corporation's Board of Directors and the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) operators, especially EP Miller of the NOBC/City-owned Saenger Theatre. ATG oepened its doors to NOFD and the City by allowing the crew to use the arcade/facilities for their operations during the entire process. NOBC opened its offices to the City team and their consultants for on-site access and meeting space. 

Ramsey Green, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Infrastructure, explained some of the next steps to bring the area back to full operational use, including repairs to the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans' (SWBNO) sewer and water lines and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority's streetcar lines on Rampart and Canal streets. Full water and sewer line replacemetns are now underway; the RTA is working to restore service to the Canal Streetcar line by late summer 2021 and the Rampart Streetcar line by the end of 2021. Buses will continue to utilize Duncan Plaza as the main bus hub until further notice. 

As for the Saenger Theatre, repairs are underway and are expected to be complete in July. Repairs include roof replacement and repairs to the historic elements and other parts of the building damaged from the collapse. The Saenger is positioning itself to host its Broadway in New Orleans series that begins in November. 

###

f

March 10, 2021

MAYOR CANTRELL ISSUES STATEMENT ON 50-ACRE LOUISIANA SPACE CAMPUS AT MICHOUD

NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today issued the following statement on the announcement of the launch of the 50-acre Louisiana Space Campus in collaboration between the State of Louisiana and NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility:


“Right here in New Orleans at the Michoud Assembly Facility, the rockets to take Americans into outer space are now being built, and will continue to be built, to transport them to Mars. This agreement will further drive transformative development in New Orleans East, which is already becoming a major hub for STEM in our city," said Mayor Cantrell. “With continued partnership from the State, a Louisiana Space Campus will not only provide jobs and economic opportunity, but will also inspire us all, particularly our young people, to dream big and boldly.”

The Louisiana Space Campus will be a dedicated 50-acre business park within NASA’s 829-acre site in New Orleans. The space campus would target commercial office development, with contemporary amenities, for existing Michoud tenants and new prospects from the public and private sector to support Michoud Assembly Facility and other industry in New Orleans East. NASA and Louisiana Economic Development signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, to mutually explore development of the space campus to its highest and best use.


"This aligns with one of our core Generational Economic Development strategies around prioritizing growth in high-wage industries such as advanced manufacturing, and doing catalytic, place-based development. We're excited about the potential economic impact on the city, especially in light of our ongoing work to revitalize our economy as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic," said Jeff Schwartz, Director of the Mayor's Office of Economic Development.

 

# # #

f

December 17, 2020

City Releases RFQ for Redevelopment of Former Six Flags Property

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to select a Master Developer for the redevelopment of the former Six Flags site in New Orleans East. After more than a decade sitting vacant, the City is moving forward with a call to identify a qualified team that brings the experience, capacity and resources to create a transformative project at a key site for both the New Orleans East community and the city. The first phase of the RFQ opens Dec. 16, 2020, and responses will be accepted until February 9, 2021.

 

The City has several objectives it hopes to achieve through the Six Flags RFQ:

  • Create a catalytic economic development anchor project that will spur job creation and investment in alignment with the City’s priority economic development industries
  • Bring the site back into commerce as an amenity that will benefit the community and make use of the site’s strategic assets and location
  • Create a coherent, unified environment through integration of adjacent land uses and spaces, emphasizing green and blue site design elements
  • Spur vibrancy in the New Orleans economy by providing new, well-paying permanent jobs in priority industries and/or industries appropriate to the site

“The Six Flags site is a generational opportunity to create a transformative project at one of the best redevelopment sites in the region. While we are well aware of the historic challenges with the site, the City is deeply committed to ensuring that this solicitation results in the successful redevelopment of the Six Flags property. The City is looking forward to partnering with a development team that has a track record of success bringing multifaceted, forward-thinking projects to fruition that achieve the benefits of economic and community development, job creation, blue and green infrastructure, and more. Bringing this site back into commerce is a commitment of the Administration to the New Orleans East community and the City, and the first step in that process has been taken today,” said Jeff Schwartz, Director, Office of Economic Development.

 

“The New Orleans Business Alliance is excited to partner with the City to market the opportunity to redevelop this key site that serves as the gateway to New Orleans.  NOLABA has cultivated a vast network of local, regional and national real estate development organizations and we’ll be activating that network throughout this process.  Redevelopment of the Jazzland/Six Flags site has the potential to drive job growth, create opportunities for local neighborhood businesses and represent proof of the economic vitality for New Orleans East, the entire city and entire region,” said Quentin Messer, President and CEO, New Orleans Business Alliance.

 

The Six Flags site is a 227-acre property in New Orleans East at the intersection of Interstate-10 and Interstate-510 that originally opened in 2000 as the $130 million Jazzland theme park. The amusement park was acquired by Six Flags in 2002, but did not reopen after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and has remained shuttered since then. The Industrial Development Board (IDB) took title to the property in 2009, and the City is leading the redevelopment of the site on behalf of the IDB. 

 

Additional Information

The City will be accepting applications through the City’s BRASS procurement portal at https://nola.gov/purchasing/brass. Any questions about the solicitation can be directed to the City’s Procurement Office at https://nola.gov/purchasing. Additional information on the Six Flags/Jazzland property can be seen at https://www.nola.gov/jazzland.

# # #

Stay Connected with the Office of the Mayor:

f

December 16, 2020

City of New Orleans Launches Streatery Pilot

Streatery


NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans, in partnership with the Downtown Development District (DDD) and The Domain Companies, is coordinating a Streatery Pilot in the CBD’s South Market neighborhood. The Pilot will involve a street closure downtown on the lakebound side of Girod Street between South Rampart Street and O’Keefe Avenue from Dec. 15, 2020 to Jan. 2, 2021. The Streatery Pilot will close off the entire public right of way to through traffic to be utilized for business activities along that stretch, and for patrons to use proper social distance. No parking, loading zones, or residential access points will be affected during the pilot.


“One of Mayor Cantrell's priorities has been for us as a City to remain nimble and test street treatments that provide more spaces for businesses to service their patrons while occupancy is restricted due to COVID-19. We'd like to thank our Department of Public Works and the project team that helped get this project in place,” said Laura Bryan, Director of the Office of Transportation.


“Outdoor dining and sidewalk cafes have played a vital role in Downtown New Orleans’ growth as an inviting, amenity-rich collection of neighborhoods,” said DDD President and CEO Kurt Weigle. “Downtown eateries are vital to our economy and as we work to move through this challenging time, it is critical that we provide measures to support them. The DDD has long advocated for initiatives such as parklets and streateries which have proven to be an asset to cities. This addition is another step in preserving a thriving Downtown by supporting those who make it possible.”


“Creative initiatives such as the Streatery Pilot are vital to helping our city’s restaurants through this time,” said Matt Schwartz, Domain’s co-CEO. “We’re proud to welcome the pilot to South Market and invite patrons to dine comfortably and safely while supporting local businesses.”


The City is developing the short-term Streatery Pilot based on the urgency of supporting businesses while balancing public health imperatives during COVID. This program coincides with the short-term Outdoor Dining initiatives that are being implemented as an effort to curb the detrimental impacts of COVID-19 on businesses and restaurants. The program is centered around the following goals:

  • Supporting New Orleans businesses during the COVID pandemic by providing additional space to safely conduct their business.
  • Providing safe and comfortable social spaces in the public right-of-way.
  • Activating New Orleans streets and engaging in placemaking by enabling unique community-created spaces to extend into the street.
  • Encouraging walking, biking, and use of transit.

The Streatery will be limited to the use of the existing businesses along this stretch of Girod Street that will be able to expand operations into the roadway during the pilot. This project is a partnership between several city agencies, including Office of Transportation, Department of Public Works, Office of Economic Development, and Health Department. It is also an initiative under the Mayor’s COVID-19 Reopening Advisory Panel led by Liana Elliott, Deputy Chief of Staff. 

 

For more information, contact the Office of Transportation, movingneworleans@nola.gov

# # #

f

November 12, 2020

MAYOR CANTRELL JOINS NOLABA, PARTNERS TO ANNOUNCE $5M PHILANTHROPHIC INVESTMENT FROM JPMORGAN CHASE THROUGH ADVANCINGCITIES CHALLENGE

Youtube cover page

 

NEW ORLEANS — Through a major philanthropic investment from JPMorgan Chase, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA), and YouthForce NOLA are proud to announce a $5 million commitment to help ensure the resiliency and success of New Orleans neighborhoods and those who call them home.

 

As one of seven winning cities selected by JPMorgan Chase for its AdvancingCities Challenge, New Orleans is making a historic investment into blue-green infrastructure, providing pathways to new career opportunities for residents and contract opportunities for local small businesses in the water economy.

 

“As we look forward to the future of our city, it is imperative that we are intentional and innovative about our approach to complex challenges, and how that approach affects all of our people. This program is a testament to that forward-thinking approach, and I am excited at the opportunities it will bring to our city and for our people,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We are thankful to JPMorgan Chase for this investment in our work to create a more resilient and equitable future for New Orleans.”

 

“This collaborative effort to assist small businesses and build a more inclusive workforce pipeline is just the sort of innovative approach Louisiana needs to create a brighter future for all,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “By combining the resources, vision and commitment of our public and private sectors, this partnership opens new doors to participate in our vibrant and growing blue/green economy. My thanks to JPMorgan Chase for providing the $5 million investment in New Orleans and $10 million statewide — for our most deserving winners of the AdvancingCities Challenge.”

 

“This is an opportunity to build a new and more equitable economy in Louisiana — a blue-green industry that employs and benefits all New Orleanians,” said Katie LeGardeur, Managing Director and Market Leader for JPMorgan Chase in New Orleans. “This effort will tackle very complex challenges — urban water management and income inequality. To deal with these difficult issues, New Orleans is proposing smart, innovative solutions. And that’s why this collaborative is a winner of the AdvancingCities Challenge, a competitive process that fielded 150 proposals from 35 states.”

 

With a total of seven winning U.S. cities, New Orleans is the second Louisiana city selected for the 2020 AdvancingCities Challenge. JPMorgan Chase also awarded $5 million to a Baton Rouge collaborative, bringing the total AdvancingCities investment in the state to $10 million.

 

“Creating equitable economic opportunity for the people of New Orleans is singularly important to the New Orleans Business Alliance,” said NOLABA President & CEO Quentin Messer, Jr. “As a community, we daily face the challenges of aging infrastructure, environmental change, and historic inequity. This first-of-its kind strategy will allow us to transform these challenges into opportunities for our city, its businesses, and its residents. We are deeply grateful to JPMorgan Chase and the full collaborative of partners joining us to make this investment in our long-term resilience.”

 

"Our city’s young people are essential to the success of growing a regional blue-green infrastructure and economy,” said Cate Swinburn, President of YouthForce NOLA. "As our future leaders and workforce, it is wise that we provide them with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in these high-wage career pathways. It will help grow the economy and advance equitable outcomes across New Orleans. JPMorgan Chase has been a longtime and continued advocate for New Orleans: for our economy, environment, and most importantly, our people. I am grateful for their partnership and thrilled at this next phase of commitment."

 

In the face of climate change and economic downturn due to COVID-19, this support from JPMorgan Chase will allow more city residents and businesses to contribute to the city’s long-term economic recovery. By focusing on communities of color, the announcement also builds on JPMorgan Chase’s new $30 billion commitment to advance racial equity, addressing key drivers of the racial wealth divide and providing economic opportunity to underserved communities, especially the Black and Latinx communities.

 

Through the support of AdvancingCities in New Orleans, NOLABA, YouthForce NOLA, and a collaborative of agencies, nonprofits, and higher education institutions will develop programs and strategies to invest in the burgeoning blue-green infrastructure industry.

 

Blue-green infrastructure is an industry approach to urban flood resilience, including construction that leverages water elements, like canals, wetlands, and water management features like permeable concrete, paired with plant elements, like parks, trees, and native plants. Immediate opportunities are available in this industry, as the City is in the process of making multi-billion dollar investments in infrastructure projects across Orleans Parish, including the $141M HUD National Disaster Resilience Competition (NDRC) grant for the Gentilly Resilience District (GRD), a $2B FEMA settlement for joint road and drainage infrastructure improvements from Hurricane Katrina, and a $500M local bond for infrastructure. This also builds on the $18B from the BP Oil Spill settlement that the state is utilizing to jumpstart its 50-year, $50B Coastal Master Plan.

 

The grant program will include robust workforce training that prepares high school youth, opportunity youth, and adults who are people of color and people with low-incomes for high-wage jobs in the city’s growing water management sector. It will also include support for small businesses, with a goal of enabling local firms, particularly those owned by people of color, to benefit from procurement opportunities in the water management sector and beyond.

 

Agencies engaged in the collaborative include:

  • New Orleans Business Alliance
  • City of New Orleans
  • YouthForce NOLA
  • University of New Orleans
  • Delgado Community College
  • Good Work Network
  • Propeller
  • NewCorp, Inc.
  • Thrive New Orleans
  • Urban League of Louisiana
  • The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans

 

# # #

f

October 29, 2020

ICYMI: City of New Orleans Parklet Pilot Program Expands Citywide

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans has announced that the Parklet Pilot Program is expanding citywide. One component of the City’s Outdoor Dining initiative, the Parklet Program allows restaurants and bars to utilize on-street parking spaces in front of their restaurants for additional seating. This can provide additional safe dining spaces for restaurants while the occupancy limits are reduced due to COVID-19 restrictions.


The pilot launched earlier this month to businesses in the Downtown area, and today the City is expanding those boundaries citywide. The application fee has been waived until Dec. 31, 2020. The Parklet Pilot is expected to run for as long as there are COVID-related occupancy restrictions in restaurants and bars. After that, the City is expecting to launch a permanent parklet program. Details regarding the transfer from pilot to permanent parklet program will be released as the permanent program is developed, but it will require re-permitting. The City will work to make that process as seamless as possible for Pilot participants.


"This administration is working collaboratively with the business community to fuel our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, by helping our bars and restaurants better utilize outdoor spaces. I want to thank our team and our community partners for working quickly and efficiently to make this a citywide endeavor. I want to thank the City Council for their collaboration on this work, especially District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer as Chair of the Transportation Committee and District B Councilmember Jay H. Banks as Chair of the Community Development Committee," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.


"Our small businesses — and particularly our restaurants and bars — are the backbones of New Orleans community and culture, and we know that they have been deeply impacted by COVID. With this permit, almost every restaurant and bar in the city will be able to have some outdoor space, which we know are safer than being indoors. The launch of the Parklet permit citywide is another example of how the City of New Orleans is creatively utilizing its assets to support our businesses, create safe spaces for residents, and activate our neighborhoods,” said Jeff Schwartz, Director, Office of Economic Development.

 

"We are actively working to find ways that will allow us to get back to a normal way of life but while doing so in a safe manner is the essential element. Expanding the parklet program citywide is a good step in helping our small businesses get back on their feet. Initiatives that create safe opportunities for restaurants and bars to operate safely are the kinds of creative solutions we need right now," said Jay H. Banks, City Councilmember, District B.


"The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a particularly hard toll on our local restaurants, and we, as a City, must continue to develop innovative ways to allow them to operate safely. By expanding the parklets program citywide, we are not only supporting our business community, but we are creating safe outdoor spaces for social distancing and activating our streetscape," said Kristin Gisleson Palmer, City Councilmember, District C.


"As the City’s accredited public private partner for economic development, the Business Alliance is proud to support Mayor Cantrell and the City of New Orleans in the administration of the Outdoor Dining Program. At the New Orleans Business Alliance, we seek to support local small businesses, particularly those who have been hardest hit by COVID-19, in our restaurant and hospitality sectors. A lot of work remains, however, we stand ready alongside business owners who are committed to opening safely, as we weather this storm together," said Quentin Messer, President and CEO, New Orleans Business Alliance.


Pilot Parklets are required to provide a barrier along the active right-of-way. To aid in this expense, the City has acquired 200 barricades that can be provided to businesses on a first-come first-serve basis. These will be placed by the City in coordination with the applicant for the pilot period.


The first round of Outdoor Dining grants supporting sidewalk cafés will conclude this Friday, Oct. 30. The second round of Outdoor Dining grants — for parklets and curbside dining areas — will begin on Monday, Nov. 2. To stay up to date, visit outdoordiningnola.com.


PILOT PARKLET PROGRAM OVERVIEW

  • Restaurants and bars are eligible to apply for the permit during the pilot.
  • Fees are waived during the pilot at least through Dec. 31, 2020.
  • Pilot will run for as long as there are COVID-related occupancy restrictions in restaurants and bars.
  • The City can provide barricades on a first-come, first-served basis, after which businesses will need to supply their own approved barriers. Barriers will be an eligible expense under the upcoming round of Outdoor Dining grants.
  • Outdoor Dining grants of up to $2,000 will be made available to interested businesses beginning Nov. 2, 2020.

How to Apply:

Starting today, the City will be accepting applications through the City’s One Stop Shop, and by email at outdoordining@nola.gov. Review the Pilot Program application requirements and a step-by-step overview of the process at the City’s website here, and view a copy of the application here.


Webinar:
An informational webinar will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 5 p.m. CLICK HERE TO JOIN.

# # #

f

March 11, 2019

Mayor Cantrell, NewCorp, Inc., NOLA Business Alliance and Partners Unveil $5 million BuildNOLA Mobilization Fund

NEW ORLEANS — Today, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, NewCorp, Inc., and the New Orleans Business Alliance joined business and philanthropic partners to announce a new $5 million Mobilization Fund that will provide critical access to capital for entrepreneurs of color and women to participate in public infrastructure projects, create more jobs and grow our local economy.

NewCorp, Inc., (NewCorp) a local Community Development Financial Institution, will manage the Fund. NewCorp has a long record of accomplishments supporting entrepreneurs through increasing available credit, investment capital and financial services. Specifically, through the Fund, NewCorp will review applications, provide technical assistance, grant credit lines, and ensure loan repayment. The City of New Orleans acts as a conduit for many applicants to the Fund, often identified through the City’s BuildNOLA small business technical assistance program.

“The BuildNOLA Mobilization Fund is a big win for the people of New Orleans, and for businesses owned by entrepreneurs of color and women -- who will get needed access to capital that enables them to perform on public contracts,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This is what it looks like when we stand together with our business community to move this City forward. We’re creating jobs, we’re investing in our people, and we’re making it possible for small businesses to get their fair share.”

“Access to capital and opportunity is a major barrier to economic competitiveness amongst small contractor businesses in general and in particular to businesses owned by people of color. The Mobilization Fund not only seeks to remove this barrier, but more importantly to provide the efficacy of alternative strategies and sources of capital to serve under-served communities and businesses that are forced to operate outside of the mainstream capital market place. If we, the primes, the financier, and the small disadvantaged businesses get this right, it will change the trajectory of small contractors and enhance the earnings and expertise of the primes,” said Vaughn Fauria, President and CEO, NewCorp, Inc.

As the city’s official economic development agency, the New Orleans Business Alliance is charged by Mayor Cantrell with growing the small business ecosystem in New Orleans. Since 2018, the Business Alliance worked with philanthropic leaders to secure the funding for this important initiative.

“A growing city is a city of thriving entrepreneurial businesses. For businesses, access to capital is like oxygen, providing life to revenue growth and increased hiring,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., President and CEO of the New Orleans Business Alliance. “A company that scales up can do more work, win larger projects and contracts, and ultimately share its successes with more of our friends and neighbors. As Mayor Cantrell stresses, we must be a City of Yes and there is no more important area where more Yes answers are needed than in the area of growth capital. Today is an important step and we applaud the City of New Orleans and NewCorp and are grateful for our financial investors within the Fund.”

Improved Infrastructure Means Jobs and Business Opportunities

Over the next four years, over $2 billion will be spent on streets and subsurface drainage and approximately $250 million will be spent on green infrastructure projects by the City of New Orleans. As the Request for Proposals (RFPs) for these projects come out, it is important to ensure that businesses owned by people of color and women have better access to these contracts. The BuildNOLA Mobilization Fund opens the door for entrepreneurs of color and women to compete for these city projects.  More successful contract awards add scale and capacity for local small businesses.

Various funders – financial institutions, foundations, and city government – came together to form the BuildNOLA Fund with Liberty Bank and Kresge Foundation acting as the main investors. The City of New Orleans contributed $250,000 for the fund’s loan loss reserve, reducing the risk for these funders. JP Morgan Chase Foundation provided a $225,000 grant for operating support. Finally, the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the Foundation for Louisiana provided funds for technical assistance services to loan applicants and recipients that will be taking on green infrastructure projects.

“This fund will strengthen disadvantaged businesses’ ability to bid and execute on a pipeline of public contracts and access roles as prime contractors. We support it because we believe, over time, it will build wealth among New Orleans-based businesses and the New Orleanians they employ,” said Rip Rapson, President and CEO of The Kresge Foundation. “Inclusive growth in cities such as New Orleans depends on ensuring business and job opportunities benefit residents with lower incomes.”

“Small businesses are powerful engines of economic opportunity. When we lift up small business, we create greater prosperity, job creation and economic stability for New Orleanians,” said Shearita Despenza, Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase. “JPMorgan Chase is proud to support NewCorp in deploying this Mobilization Fund, which will give women and minority-owned businesses the capital they need to fully participate in New Orleans’ growing economy.”

In 1972, Liberty Bank was chartered in New Orleans with a focus on service, integrity and a sincere interest in community and business development. Now with branches in over eight states, Liberty Bank prides itself on investing into the local economy from which it came. The loans administered by Liberty Bank will allow DBEs, who have historically had limited access to City contracts due to multiple barriers, including lack of access to financing, a resource to grow their access to City of New Orleans projects.

“Access to capital continues to be the most important factor limiting the establishment, expansion and growth opportunities for firms. This creates a disadvantage because it results in a lack of access to economic opportunities in contracting in New Orleans,” said Alden J. McDonald, President and CEO of Liberty Bank and Trust Co. “These businesses continue to be an engine of employment and economic development and we are proud to be able to provide a means to sustain them within our communities.”

“Liberty Bank is keenly aware of the need to provide capital to small businesses enterprises,” said Drextel Amy, President of Liberty’s Michigan Region. “There are many small business enterprises that have the expertise to perform high quality work that don’t have consistent access to capital to fuel their basic operations and growth. Providing capital to these entrepreneurs effectively allows them to gain access to public and private sector contracting opportunities.”

This new $5 million mobilization fund builds off a 2016 loan fund piloted as a result of a $1.3 million investment from Living Cities with the goal of increasing access for entrepreneurs of color and women to City of New Orleans projects. The evaluation of the pilot revealed that the fund enhanced recipients’ ability to deliver on their public contract by reducing immediate financial barriers and allowing the contractors to focus on providing high-quality services, as opposed to focusing on how to manage their contract with receivables only.  Based upon this successful experience, local philanthropic leaders through the Greater New Orleans Funders Network Coastal Action Table worked with the New Orleans Business Alliance to raise the money for the Fund. 

“The expanded mobilization fund builds off of a $1.3 million loan pool that was originally funded by Living Cities. We are delighted to see that more small and growing businesses will have access to capital in the future,” Norris Williams, Associate, Capital and Public Sector Innovation.

“Our Foundation is committed to providing strong civic leadership to help address challenges facing our region,” said Andy Kopplin, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “As the leading community foundation in our region, we are proud to invest and help work with our partners in philanthropy, business, and the government to deliver this mobilization fund. We are especially proud that this fund will enhance our foundation’s work with the Cantrell administration to improve our green infrastructure while providing meaningful workforce opportunities.”

“At FFL we believe that Louisianans should have the freedom to dream and be financially secure. We are honored to invest in the BuildNOLA Mobilization Fund in support of opportunities that allow our people to work and thrive particularly in our local water management economy,” Flozell Daniels, Jr., President and CEO of The Foundation for Louisiana.

Businesses interested in the BuildNOLA Mobilization Fund should contact Peter Brooks at NewCorp, Inc. by calling (504) 208-1700 or emailing peter@newcorpinc.com.

# # #

f

May 23, 2018

Mayor Cantrell, Governor Edwards, NOLABA, GNO, Inc., Business Leaders Cut Ribbon On DXC Technology

Creating 2,000 jobs in New Orleans over next 5 years

 

NEW ORLEANS – Today, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, in partnership with Governor John Bel Edwards, DXC Technology, New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA) and Greater New Orleans, Incorporated (GNO, Inc.) cut the ribbon for the home of the newly placed DXC Technology. The world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company, DXC Technology will bring upwards of 2,000 jobs to New Orleans by 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome DXC Technology to New Orleans and are looking forward to the opportunities this robust company will provide for the people of New Orleans,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "Placing DXC Technology in New Orleans gives our city new levels of prominence and opens the door for greater business attraction. This development is proof that New Orleans is heading in the right direction and is on the path forward to success.“

Housed at 1615 Poydras St., DXC Technology will hire approximately 300 Information Technology professionals through 2018 and is expected to increase job opportunities to 2,000 over five years. Additionally, Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 2,257 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 4,250 new jobs in the state’s Southeast Region.

“We’re thrilled to officially launch our Digital Transformation Center in New Orleans, and we want to thank the State of Louisiana, the City of New Orleans and the leading educational institutions for their shared commitment and partnership,” said Executive Vice President Jim Smith. “The center is integral to our strategic growth objectives: delivering transformative digital IT services and solutions to our clients, and creating new opportunities for current and future employees. We remain on track with our hiring and growth objectives, and having this base of operations allows our local team to build on the progress we’ve already made.”

“Today’s milestone is another important marker for a project that will change the business landscape of New Orleans and our state,” said Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. “In a rigorous competition for this Fortune 500 company’s largest Digital Transformation Center, our state succeeded because we offer an extraordinary city in its Tricentennial year and an exceptional higher education partnership. New Orleans, the state of Louisiana and DXC Technology will create an innovative path for great careers in the digital economy.”

Along with the State of Louisiana, NOLABA and GNO, Inc. were integral partners in securing DXC Technology in New Orleans providing site selection assistance, concierge services, real estate consultations and demographic data.

“The New Orleans Business Alliance congratulates DXC Technology on its landmark office opening,” said NOLABA President and CEO Quentin L. Messer Jr. “DXC’s selection of New Orleans validates the city’s evolution as a regional technology hub. We are honored that the company identified New Orleans for its talent, cultural diversity and quality of life in choosing DXC’s location in our urban center. DXC’s combined 2,000 direct jobs and additional 2,257 indirect jobs will offer New Orleans residents greater employment opportunities, while opening new client markets for small and large local businesses. On behalf of all New Orleanians, NOLABA is proud to have played a major role in bringing to New Orleans America’s second-largest economic development win for 2017.” 

“GNO Inc. is thrilled to join DXC Technology in celebration of their grand opening in New Orleans,” said President and CEO Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans Inc. “DXC epitomizes the ‘new’ New Orleans — bringing opportunity, revitalization, and diversification. As DXC stands up their operations, we look forward to working with them to ensure great success.”

###

 

About DXC Technology

DXC Technology is the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company, serving nearly 6,000 private and public-sector clients from a diverse array of industries across 70 countries. The company’s technology independence, global talent and extensive partner network deliver transformative digital offerings and solutions that help clients harness the power of innovation to thrive on change. DXC Technology is recognized among the best corporate citizens globally. For more information, visit dxc.technology.

f

April 12, 2018

Mayor Landrieu Officially Announces Drive Shack Coming to New Orleans

This major economic development win will create over 350 local jobs 

and further investment in our city

 

NEW ORLEANS – Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced that Drive Shack will soon be bringing its unique golf entertainment experience to New Orleans.

Drive Shack is developing venues across the country that are reimagining the traditional concept of a golf course through blended, industry-leading technology, design and service that creates a golf-entertainment experience for every skill level and interest. New Orleans will be Drive Shack’s seventh location in the nation highlighting our city’s competitiveness and its confidence in the our market.

Drive Shack will construct a new, three-story golf-entertainment complex at the site of the former Times-Picayune production facility located at 3800 Howard Ave., adjacement to U.S. Interstate-10. The 60,000-square-foot complex is slated to begin construction in the fourth quarter of 2018. This exciting new economic development project will create over 350 new jobs in New Orleans and attract further investment in the city.

As part of this project, Drive Shack has committed to utilizing the City’s job readiness pipeline program HireNOLA and utilize DBE certified firms in addition to establishing formal partnerships with local colleges, universities and business organizations, ensuring the hires it will make draw from the area’s diverse talent pool.

“New Orleans is known worldwide as an entertainment destination, and we are thrilled that Drive Shack has chosen to come here,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “This golf-themed complex will provide our residents and visitors a whole new entertainment experience. Drive Shack will not only create hundreds of new jobs, but also attract even more investment for our city. Right next to I-10, Drive Shack is sure to catch a driver’s eye and become a new fan favorite for everyone.”

Once completed, the three-story, indoor/outdoor all-weather golf-entertainment complex will have 90 climate-controlled hitting bays, a Free Play Game Lounge with classic games like shuffleboard, skee-ball and Pac-Man, a full-service restaurant and bar, an outdoor lounge, and several fully equipped meeting and event rooms. Each hitting bay will feature complimentary custom TaylorMade clubs with unlimited golf balls, dual flat screens with TV on-demand, interactive games enabling guests to compete with other bays, and full-service on-call food and drinks from the restaurant.

“Drive Shack’s economic impact is a welcomed investment in New Orleans,” said Mayor-Elect LaToya Cantrell. “The new three-story complex is taking a parcel that has lain vacant ever since Times Picayune left and is spurring redevelopment of an entire corridor that is just a stone’s throw from the Superdome. Golfing is one of America’s favorite sporting activities, so we look forward to having a facility of this size and scope just minutes from downtown New Orleans.”

Additional Drive Shack locations are on the way in Raleigh, N.C., Richmond, Va., West Palm Beach, Fla., and Marietta, Ga. For more information, visit www.driveshack.com.

 

Drive ShackDrive Shack insideDrive Shack inside 2Drive Shack terrace

###

About Drive Shack

Drive Shack New Orleans is a subsidiary of Drive Shack Inc., a publicly traded owner and operator of golf-related leisure and entertainment businesses. Drive Shack is developing venues across the country that are reimagining the traditional concept of a golf course through blended, industry leading technology, design and service that creates the golf entertainment experience for every skill-level and interest. Its first venue in Orlando, Florida opened in April 2018. Unlike traditional driving ranges, Drive Shack’s golf entertainment complexes will feature technologically-enhanced, signature golf-based games using complementary custom Drive Shack golf clubs and are designed for players of all skill levels. Each venue will have full-service food and beverage areas as well as private event space that can accommodate groups from 10 up to 1,000 in size. Drive Shack Inc. also owns American Golf, one of the largest owners and operators of golf properties nationwide.