News and Updates

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?

I currently live in Mid-City near Bayou St. John. I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and moved to New Orleans seven years ago.

Describe your job to us!

I recently joined the Office of Community Assets and Investments (OCAI) as the Policy and Data Analyst. OCAI develops strategies to put public assets, such as City-owned land, into productive use, as well as a policy shop for housing and land use issues. We are a three-person office, so it’s a very collaborative atmosphere. My role focuses more on policy than the redevelopment of city-owned land. Day-to-day, this means I’m often writing policy memos, researching best practices from other cities, and convening stakeholders in the housing and zoning world.

Tell us about your career path.

My first job with the City was as a Neighborhood Liaison in the Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office, which I joined in August 2021. Before NEO, I worked in the campaign world in Louisiana and with an affordable housing think tank. I started with NEO just a few weeks before Hurricane Ida hit. Dealing with the aftermath of the storm was quite the learning experience. I was the liaison for District A, an area of New Orleans where I previously lived. I loved interacting with the community and learning the basics of City government. Some past NEO employees have called the office “NEO University,” given how wide of a knowledge base you develop in the position. In the summer of 2022, I transitioned into the position of Director of Special Projects at NEO, where I took over the Neighborhood Cares Initiative program and the digital team. I’m very proud of how our team expanded NCI into a signature event in the office, and I’m excited to see how it continues to develop over time. During my nearly two-and-a-half years at NEO, I also had the opportunity to support various housing agencies and offices around the City. This included organizing a Day of Service at the City’s Low Barrier Homeless Shelter and assisting with engagement during consideration of Accessory Dwelling Units and during the Master Plan Amendment process.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

So far, I’d say policy research! I’ve followed the housing and zoning worlds for years as a spectator, but I now get to put this understanding into action. The affordable housing crisis is nationwide, and cities around the country are experimenting with innovative solutions to address it. I feel lucky to be in a position where I’m afforded the space to learn from them and serve the people of New Orleans.

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?

Since I’m only in my second month at OCAI, I’m still learning a lot! The greatest challenge is likely understanding how different levels of government all impact affordable housing. The list of stakeholders, funders, and administrators is vast, and everyone seems to have a long acronym. But learning how everyone works together towards common goals has been fascinating.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

Where to even start! The people are what make the city special. I’m not from here, and I’ll never pretend to be a native New Orleanian, but I love supporting the local culture as best as I can. I’ve just learned so much from New Orleans and its people. I think an underappreciated aspect of New Orleans are its nature and green spaces. I travel along the Lafitte Greenway and Bayou St. John every day, and I love taking in the natural beauty. Some of my favorite places in the city are outside of the urban core. I particularly love Bayou Sauvage in the East and the Audubon Wilderness Park in Algiers. I’d encourage everyone to make the trip (they’re not even that far!) out to both if you haven’t already!