A Message from Mayor Cantrell
"The expression 'nothing stops a bullet like a job' is real and proven. The City of New Orleans is working diligently to expand and diversify our economy in a way that will set our people up for success. We are focused on bringing more businesses to our city that will provide various career opportunities to cultivate true economic development in all areas of New Orleans.
Our unique culture is a strong driver of our economy. It is one of the essential reasons why we live here, why businesses invest here, and why visitors come here time and again. That, coupled with a generous state tax credit, led to an exploding tech industry that is paving the way for diversification.
We are more than tourism. We have been the No. 1 airport in North America for two years in a row. We are the home of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Michoud Assembly Facility, which has built every rocket that has launched a human from U. S. soil and into deep space exploration in the last 60 years, including Artemis I. Yes, the nation’s rocket factory is right in our backyard! We are the newly announced River District, a catalytic and transformative project connecting economic development, affordable housing, and public transportation that will be the anchor to new industries in a more vibrant business community. We are the reimagined downtown and the BioDistrict, an epicenter where health care, education, and job creation converge. This is just a snapshot of how the City is implementing strategies to prepare our workforce for 21st century jobs.
Green jobs are on the horizon, with local homegrown companies like Advano paving the way for the energy transition. We are committed to creating a healthier, more resilient, and more equitable future by creating thousands of good green jobs. We have joined other C40 cities in their commitment to driving the creation of 50 million good, green jobs by 2030. With the $5 million AdvancingCities initiative, we are making a historic investment into blue-green infrastructure by providing pathways to new career opportunities for residents, as well as contract opportunities for local small businesses. We are Doing the Work!
In New Orleans, our most important investment is in our people. While we honor our rich history, we are also striving and diversifying for the future, with a keen focus on jobs and industries of the future that build generational wealth, especially among those who have been historically left out of the opportunity. My administration will continue to do its part to ensure our future is built for everyone through the lens of equity, opportunity, and sustainability. We are not leaving anyone behind as we grow."
Sincerely,
~ Mayor LaToya Cantrell
City of New Orleans
The Office of Economic Development
The Office of Economic Development works hand-in-hand with local and out-of- state partners to bring new business development opportunities to New Orleans to continue to grow and diversify our local economy.
- Broke ground on Propel Park at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility with anchor tenant Textron
- Supported development agreement between NORA and Bayou Phoenix for the former Six Flags site
- Celebrated groundbreaking for the River District, a new development slated to bring more than $1 billion in economic activity
- Welcomed Big Fish Games, 360insights and United Utility Services businesses to the City, creating 231 new jobs
- Launched the BioDistrict Tax Increment Financing (TIF) initiative to reinvest in the BioDistrict downtown corridor
The Office of Economic Development also has worked diligently to meet our people where they are, finding funding and resources for our residents and small businesses.
- JPMorgan Chase announced Techstars Accelerator for entrepreneurs of color
- Hosted over seven business information sessions with over 250 attendees on relevant topics for business owners and entrepreneurs
- Launched $5 million ARPA-funded "Economic Mobility in Motion: Moving New Orleanians Forward" for community-based organizations to develop programs that promote economic mobility
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The Office of Workforce Development
The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) continues to connect jobseekers to high-paying, high demand industries, while cultivating and strengthening employer partnerships.
OWD has expended, secured and procured over $56 million since 2018, inclusive of the department's primary funding stream, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The latest round of funding includes the following:
- Secured $11 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for innovative programming
- $2.1 million in City funds for the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program
- $1.2 million in Pathways Home IV Grant to connect re-entry participants to employment and training
- $95,000 to support participants in Certified Line Worker Training
- $100,000 for Project Rebirth to provide support services and training to re-entry participants
- Invested $1.5 million to create the Mayor's Strike Team, hiring 82 workers to clean up downtown
In October, OWD celebrated the JOB1 Grand Opening, accompanied by a career fair, to provide on-site services and connect job seekers to high wage, high demand jobs at JOB1's new office in Central City. OWD continues to be intentional about linking both our youth and adults to high wage, high quality, sustainable job opportunities:
- Provided 158 temporary jobs to eligible youth and adults
- 974 youth participated in the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; served 142 additional Fall 2023 interns
- Awarded 350 training scholarships to eligible youth and adults
- Hosted the 3rd Annual Youth and Young Adult "YOUth Matter" Expo, presenting hundreds of youth to career exploration, job opportunities, virtual reality activities, health screenings, gaming and hands-on demonstrations in various industries
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The Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy
The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy’s (OCE) mission is to stimulate economic activity and growth through our local culture bearers by creating opportunities for arts and creative producers to thrive. OCE achieves this mission through leading initiatives, curating events, forging partnerships and connecting to the community in all areas of the cultural economy. In 2023, OCE:
- Managed several major cultural events that directly impact the local economy with nearly $1.9 billion in revenue
- Hosted delegates, personnel and sponsors from 86 countries to welcome the 71st MISS UNIVERSE® competition to New Orleans
- Sponsored the advancement and support of Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs via an allocation made by State Senator Jimmy Harris‘ Office
- Unveiled the “New Orleans Corridor” in Los Angeles as a precursor for the inaugural Los Angeles Jazz Festival in August 2024
- Gallier Hall celebrated its 170th anniversary
- New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) awarded 550 grants valued at $1.7 million
The City of New Orleans is proud to lead in the U.S. Film Industry, ranking fourth only behind New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Continuing to invest in our film industry is investing in the future of our city. 2023 accomplishments for Film New Orleans include:
- $146 million spent with 85 productions
- Established the Louisiana Film Workforce and Educational Coalition comprised of 14 film workforce training, educational and economic development organizations to leverage film workforce training opportunities
- Louisiana Film Industry successfully extended the State’s Film Tax Credit Program until 2031
- In partnership with Entergy, established the city’s first sustainable energy backlot for the film industry at The Mahalia Jackson
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The Office of Nighttime Economy
The Office of Nighttime Economy (ONE) is the direct liaison between the City and our hospitality industry. Continuing to identify creative and innovative ways to ensure safe fun for residents, visitors and our workforce, ONE has accomplished the following:
- Continuing NARCAN and Stop the Bleed trainings in partnership with NOHD and LDH in local bars and venues
- Over 50 venues have participated
- Coordinated with restaurants and hotels to help care for cops during Mardi Gras, in conjunction with NOPD and the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation
- Led mediation efforts between local bars and neighbors
- Facilitated two separate $10,000 grants to NOLA Tree Project and Roots of Music from visiting musician Billy Strings
- Unveiled the first Musician Loading Zone outside of Preservation Hall, with several more now in effect at other music venues
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