[StBernard] Rebuilding New Orleans: A Synopsis - November 2007 Update
Westley Annis
Westley at da-parish.com
Thu Nov 1 22:40:03 EDT 2007
Updated November 1, 2007
Two-plus years after the devastating effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,
considerableprogress has been made toward reviving the local economy. There
is still a great deal more to be done, with many serious challenges and
attractive opportunities. The following linked reports and articles provide
a summary of recent results and the outlook in a number of key sectors of
the economy.
Also, the World Trade Center recently launched a new Directory of Louisiana
Construction Projects, listing over 250 projects of all types that are in
the planning or development stage (housing, industrial, commercial, port
facilities, schools, hospitals, churches, and more) totaling over $40
billion of dollars of prospective investments (click here)
<http://www.wtcno.org/databases/projects/index.htm> . This Directory can be
useful to potential national and international investors, joint venture
partners, financial institutions, suppliers of building materials,
contractors, engineering firms, and other providers of goods, services,
technology, and capital seeking business opportunities in Louisiana.
For additional information, 1st Stop's Category Index
<http://www.wtcno.org/1ststop/categories/index.htm> provides comprehensive
news items, websites and databases (updated daily) for 33 economic,
business, and other related categories.
RECENT ELECTION RESULTS
Louisiana state-wide election results
<http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov:8090/cgibin/?rqstyp=elcms2&rqsdta=102007>
Louisiana Secretary of State
Op. Ed. column by Governor- Elect Bobby Jindal
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-0/1193895599153210.xml&c
oll=1> (11/01/07) New Orleans Times-Picayune
Jindal picks two top Louisiana officials for advisory council positions
<http://www.bayoubuzz.com/News/Louisiana/Government/Bobby_Jindal_Picks_Two_T
op_Louisiana_Officials_For_Advisory_Council_Positions__5045.asp> (10/31/07)
Bayou Buzz
Jindal, Blanco team up for recovery
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-0/1193465403148910.xml&c
oll=1> (10/27/07) Times-Picayune
Jindal picks transition chief
<http://www.lanewslink.com/print.php?article=2569> (10/23/07)
Times-Picayune
With campaign over Jindal calls for unity
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/1193033939248640.xml&c
oll=1> (10/22/07) Times-Picayune
Orleans Parish election results
<http://www400.sos.louisiana.gov:8090/cgibin/?rqstyp=elcpr&rqsdta=10200736>
Times-Picayune
RECOVERY PLANNING
Press Release: Mayor's Budget for 2008
<http://wtcno.org/1ststop/pdf/Mayors_Budget.pdf> (11/01/07)
N.O. sells bonds for recovery work
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13624> (10/31/07)
CityBusiness
Blakely: NOPD could be in permanent buildings in months
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13585> (10/30/07)
CityBusiness
Group plans community center to aid in Ninth Ward recovery
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13510> (10/25/07)
CityBusiness
Renaissance Town Center buildings to begin opening in 2008
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13484> (10/24/07)
CityBusiness
Recovery plans number in hundreds funded by millions
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13459> (10/23/07)
CityBusiness
Sculptures to accent Veterans beautification project
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13408> (10/18/07)
CityBusiness
N.O. unveils scaled-down first-stage rebuilding plan
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13285> (10/11/07)
New Orleans CityBusiness
Veterans Boulevard getting a make over
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/119208625820300.xml&co
ll=1> (10/11/07) Times-Picayune
St. Tammany asks LRA to fund long-term recovery plan
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13267> (10/11/07)
CityBusiness
<http://www.wtcno.org/1ststop/arrow.gif> Unified New Orleans Plan
<http://unifiedneworleansplan.com/home3/>
<http://www.wtcno.org/1ststop/arrow.gif> 17 Targeted Recovery Zones
<http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx?tabid=95>
Louisiana Speaks Regional Plan
<http://www.louisianaspeaks.org/static.html?id=161>
Blueprint Louisiana Agenda <http://www.blueprintlouisiana.org/agenda.cfm>
HOUSING & REAL ESTATE
Bill eliminates FEMA penalty in rebuilding
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-2/1193723472112420.xml&c
oll=1> (10/31/07) Times-Picayune
Aid for condos, mobile homes lags
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/1193723520112420.xml&c
oll=1> (10/30/07) Times-Picayune
State OKs first 75 'Katrina cottages'
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/1193723717112420.xml&c
oll=1> (10/30/07) Times-Picayune
Tax credit fuels post-K development
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13584> (10/30/07)
CityBusiness
N.O. home builders association testing 'green' building program
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13542> (10/26/07)
CityBusiness
Road Home grants paid to 33 percent of applicants
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13503> (10/25/07)
CityBusiness
Report: N.O. area rents may be stabilizing after Katrina
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13488> (10/24/07)
CityBusiness
Fund to encourage renovation mortgages in N.O.
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13460> (10/23/07)
CityBusiness
New Orleans property taxes set to fall in 2008
<http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/2007/10/no_property_tax_rates_set_to_f.
html> (10/18/07) Times-Picayune
HANO will pursue rebuilding grants
<http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1192691845377
20.xml&coll=1> (10/18/07) Times-Picayune
HUD grants $18.7M in grant equity
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13295> (10/12/07)
CityBusiness
Road Home funds 60,357
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13247> (10/10/07)
CityBusiness
Road Home reminds of December 1st appointment deadline
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13202> (10/8/07)
CityBusiness
AEG: construction costs expected to climb in 2008
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13207> (10/8/07)
CityBusiness
FEMA changes elevation policy
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/119173844334850.xml&co
ll=1> (10/7/07) Times-Picayune
Road Home award has role in home sales
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/money-3/119173859034850.xml&c
oll=1> (10/7/07) Times-Picayune
HURRICANE PROTECTION, FLOOD CONTROL, & COASTAL RESTORATION
2 tapped for Jindal recovery panel
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-5/1193896509236350.xml&c
oll=1> (11/01/07) Times-Picayune
East bank river levees to be raised
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-25/1193636371313190.xml&
coll=1> (10/29/07) Times-Picayune
Sediment pipelines to rebuild marsh in New Orleans area
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13548> (10/26/07)
CityBusiness
U.S. Senate OKs spending for Louisiana projects
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13391> (10/18/07)
CityBusiness
Harnessing the river
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/1192344891282860.xml&c
oll=1> (10/14/07) Times-Picayune
Hands-on oversight for levees proposed
<http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/frontpage/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1192171996268
980.xml&coll=1> (10/11/07) Times-Picayune
Third review of N.O. may be ahead
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13209> (10/8/07)
CityBusiness
100- year risk maps
<http://blog.nola.com/graphics/2007/08/100year_risk_maps_released_by.html>
(8/21/07) Army Corps of Engineers
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Power Point presentation by LED Secretary Michael Olivier on October 22,
2007 at World Trade Centers Association General Assembly in New Orleans
<http://wtcno.org/1ststop/pdf/WTCA-LED[1].pdf>
Road, energy projects top $41B construction roll call
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13658> (11/01/07)
CityBusiness
Nagin: N.O. economy right on track
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13600> (10/30/07)
CityBusiness
Louisiana Economic Development earns SEDC literature and promotion award for
best marketing campaign
<http://www.lded.state.la.us/press-archive/2007/october-2007/20071031-led-ea
rns-sedc-award-for-marketing-campaign.aspx> (10/30/07) LED
N.O. area to receive majority of $633M OK'd by Bond Commission
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13595> (10/30/07)
CityBusiness
SBA doles out $22.6 B in 110,000 loans
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13471> (10/24/07)
CityBusiness
Oct. 31 deadline for recovery grants, loans
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13486> (10/24/07)
CityBusiness
Gov. Blanco touts N.O. recovery progress at WTC
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13454> (10/22/07)
CityBusiness
Blanco to sign Broadway South bill into law
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13450> (10/22/07)
CityBusiness
Louisiana Economic Outlook Released
<http://www.lded.state.la.us/uploads/pdf/2008-2009_Louisiana_Economic_Outloo
k.pdf> (10/18/07) LED
$4M to boost Louisiana's first unionized housing manufacturing plant
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13401> (10/18/07)
CityBusiness
Oakwood center to reopen Friday
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/1192690900231370.xml&c
oll=1> (10/18/07) Times-Picayune
State looks to buy defunct N.O. Cent
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/119208610520300.xml&co
ll=1> re (10/11/07) Times-Picayune
Banks adapt to changes in regional market
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/money-3/119208608820300.xml&c
oll=1> (10/11/07) Times-Picayune
Film Frenzy: Tax breaks keep movie action in Louisiana
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13234> (10/9/07)
CityBusiness
LED helps digital companies build high tech workforce
<http://www.lded.state.la.us/businesswire-archive/2007/october-2007/20071008
-led-helps-digital-media-company-build-high-tech-workforce.aspx> (10/07)
LED
LED and AME donate funds to create center for lean excellence in Louisiana
<http://www.lded.state.la.us/press-archive/2007/october-2007/20071003-led-an
d-ame-donate-funds-to-create-center-for-lean-excellence-in-louisiana.aspx>
(10/3/07) LED
A Report on the Impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Louisiana
Businesses
<http://www.bus.lsu.edu/centers/ded/PPRL%20report_2006Q2_FINAL.pdf> (8/07)
LSU Division for Economic Development
The Louisiana Gulf Opportunity Zone Business Guide
<http://www.gozoneguide.com>
State Business Incentives
<http://lded.state.la.us/louisiana-businesses/business-resources/state-busin
ess-incentives.aspx> Louisiana Economic Development
INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND TRANSPORTATION
River shipping faces interruptions
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/money-1/1193897059236350.xml&
coll=1> (11/01/07) Times-Picayune
Port still awaiting federal money
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/money-1/1193810155241870.xml&
coll=1> (10/31/07) Times-Picayune
Port of New Orleans key to U.S. economy, security
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13614> (10/30/07)
CityBusiness
Port board OKs $1.9M in projects, repairs
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13535> (10/26/07)
CityBusiness
World trade officials in town
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/money-1/1193117468233080.xml&
coll=1> (10/23/07) Times-Picayune
Airport to reach 80% of pre-Katrina flight in New Orleans
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13291> (10/12/07)
CityBusiness
Australia opens new trade office in New Orleans
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/money-1/1191334807150050.xml&
coll=1> (10/2/07) Times-Picayune
Upcoming and Past WTC Programs <http://www.wtcno.org/programs/index.html>
TOURISM & CONVENTIONS
League of cities conference draws more than 3,000 to N.O.
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13610> (10/31/07)
CityBusiness
Travel Channel: Kern's haunted hose number 2 scariest attraction
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13570> (10/29/07)
CityBusiness
New Orleans ranks second in destinations among U.S. cities after New York
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13298> (10/12/07)
Tourism rebound still has a way to go
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/money-3/119208609320300.xml&c
oll=1> (10/11/07) Times-Picayune
Cruise industry is testing the waters in N.O.
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/money-3/119208613220300.xml&c
oll=1> (10/11/07) Times-Picayune
Stronger airport ridership liftoff continues
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13241> (10/9/07)
CityBusiness
New Orleans tourism officials: October brings 'healthy mix' of visitors
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13179> (10/5/07)
New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Releases 2007 State of the City
Report
<http://www.neworleanscvb.com/articles/index.cfm/action/view/articleID/1313/
typeID/1> (8/09/07)
ENERGY, AGRICULTURE, FOOD, FORESTRY, FISHING
LSU AgCenter returning to New Orleans
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13648> (11/01/07)
CityBusiness
Mc MoRan Exploration has successful test at Flatrock
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13449> (10/22/07)
CityBusiness
Pipeline purge Entergy to replace 844 corroding gas conduits
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13404> (10/18/07)
Louisiana oil and gas rig count unchanged
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13181> (10/5/07)
CityBusiness
EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
U.S labor department awards $10.5M to help Louisiana workers
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13638> (11/01/07)
CityBusiness
Grant to help teachers buy homes offered
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-8/1193810293241870.xml&c
oll=1> (10/31/07) Times-Picayune
Louisiana unemployment increases 10 percent
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13529> (10/25/07)
CityBusiness
Jeff schools seek accreditation
<http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/2007/10/jeff_schools_seek_accreditatio.
html> (10/25/07) Times-Picayune
UNO College of Education Awarded $7M in grants, contracts
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13467> (10/24/07)
CityBusiness
Ground broken on Holy Cross School
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13475> (10/23/07)
CityBusiness
City council approves school expansion
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-24/1193034029248640.xml&
coll=1> (10/22/07) Times-Picayune
RSD spending blueprint detailed
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-7/119269182237720.xml&co
ll=1> (10/18/07) Times-Picayune
Plans ready for five N.O. public schools to be rebuilt, renovated
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13399> (10/18/07)
CityBusiness
$250M in school renovations make N.O. more competitive
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13301> (10/12/07)
CityBusiness
LSU N.O. dental school to add department
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13180> (10/5/07)
CityBusiness
Orleans school designs unveiled
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/1191391982129840.xml&c
oll=1> (10/3/07) Times-Picayune
Vallas pledges higher test scores
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-2/1182838082320170.xml&c
oll=1> (6/26/07)Times-Picayune
<http://www.wtcno.org/1ststop/arrow.gif> Flow chart of New Orleans public
schools <http://blog.nola.com/graphics/B08SchoolGuide2.pdf>
HEALTH CARE
Clinic to serve uninsured
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-25/1193635871313190.xml&
coll=1> (10/29/07) Times-Picayune
City to buy new site for VA hospital and be given old one
<http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/2007/10/city_to_buy_site_for_new_va_ho.
html> (10/25/07) Times-Picayune
Children's Hospital adds $1.4M lab info system
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13452> (10/22/07)
CityBusiness
Hospitals involved in healthy competition
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-24/1192430232117870.xml&
coll=1> (10/15/07) Times-Picayune
Health industry gets back on its feet
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/money-3/119208506499710.xml&c
oll=1> (10/11/07) Times-Picayune
LSU mental service loses grant
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/1192170399153600.xml&c
oll=1> (10/11/07) Times-Picayune
SOCIAL & ECONOMIC INDICATORS & TRENDS
Estimate puts N.O. at 70 percent of pre-Katrina figures
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13474> (10/24/07)
CityBusiness
Retail sales jump in September
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13296> (10/12/07)
CityBusiness
Credit rating agency: Louisiana's financial position strong
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13249> (10/10/07)
CityBusiness
St. Charles Avenue street cars tested
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-34/119133551793470.xml&s
torylist=topstories> (10/2/07) Times-Picayune
Louisiana Fact Book, 2007 Edition
<http://www.cabl.org/pdfs/2007_FactBook.pdf> (2/07) Council for a Better
Louisiana
2006 Louisiana Health and Population Survey
<http://popest.org/popestla2006/> Louisiana Public Health Institute
TWO-YEAR RETROSPECTIVES
White House releases Katrina Anniversary Fact Sheet
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/print/20070829-1.html>
(8/29/07) White House
In Focus: Gulf Coast Rebuilding <http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/katrina/>
(8/29/07) White House
Transcript: President meets with home owners in New Orleans
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070829-7.html> (8/29/07)
White House
Transcript: President discusses rebuilding in New Orleans
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/print/20070829-5.html>
(8/29/07) White House
Transcript: President meets with community leaders in New Orleans
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/print/20070828-6.html>
(8/28/07) White House
Governor Blanco delivers remarks
<http://www.gov.state.la.us/index.cfm?md=newsroom&tmp=detail&articleID=3168&
printer=1> (8/29/07)
Blanco gives Bush 4 part recovery plan
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=12548> (8/29/07) New
Orleans CityBusiness
Fitch ratings: N.O. still faces recovery challenges
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=13500> (10/25/07)
CityBusiness
LA given less than its fair share, report says
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/1190269257169640.xml&c
oll=1> (9/20/07) Times-Picayune
Outsiders still lack clear New Orleans recovery picture
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/print.cfm?recid=12782> (9/13/07)
CityBusiness
New Orleans Index A Review of Key Indicators of Recovery Two Years After
Katrina <http://www.gnocdc.org/NOLAIndex/ESNOLAIndexAug07.pdf> (8/31/07)
Brookings Institute/Greater New Orleans Community Data Center
Blueprint for Gulf Renewal
<http://www.southernstudies.org/BlueprintShort.pdf> (8/31/07) Institute for
Southern Studies/ Southern Exposure
Progress and Pain
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/1188194256220370.xml&c
oll=1> (8/27/07) Times-Picayune
More Than Memories
<http://www.nola.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-9/1188024487183440.xml&c
oll=1> (8/25/07) Times-Picayune
Power to the Neighborhoods: The Devolution of Authority in Post-Katrina New
Orleans
<http://www.mercatus.org/repository/docLib/200708281_power_to_the_neighborho
ods.pdf> (8/07) Mercatus Center, George Mason University
Giving in the Aftermath of the Gulf Coast Hurricanes- Update on the
Foundation and Corporate Response
<http://foundationcenter.org/gainknowledge/research/pdf/katrina_report_2007.
pdf> (8/07) Foundation Center
Useful local media websites for current news and information:
* Times-Picayune/Nola.com <http://www.nola.com>
* New Orleans CityBusiness
<http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com>
* BayouBuzz.com <http://www.bayoubuzz.com>
* Greater Baton Rouge Business Report
<http://www.businessreport.com/>
* Baton Rouge Advocate <http://www.2theadvocate.com/>
* Shreveport Times <http://www.shreveporttimes.com/>
* New York Times <http://www.nytimes.com>
* Associated Press <http://www.ap.org>
More information about the StBernard
mailing list