Certified Welcoming communities refer to welcoming communities where all city residents are included and encouraged to participate civically, socially, economically, and culturally. A welcoming community ensures that equity, inclusion, and access are values represented in policies, programs, services, and resources provided to city residents.
These communities are designated Certified Welcoming by the Welcoming America organization, a national nonprofit leading the movement to build and expand welcoming communities. The Certified Welcoming Program provides cities and counties with the Welcoming Standard framework, which serves as a roadmap with actionable recommendations and goals for local governments to strive for to receive the Certified Welcoming designation.
Want to learn more about the Certified Welcoming Program and the Welcoming Standard?
Visit the Welcoming America Certified Welcoming page
The City of New Orleans’ Commitment
As a Welcoming City, the City of New Orleans is committed to fostering a welcoming community where all residents feel valued, supported, and included. Building on the foundation established through the Certified Welcoming initiative, the City pledges to continue advancing policies and practices that promote equity, belonging, and opportunity for all New Orleanians.
Moving forward, the City will continue collaborating with community partners, local organizations, and residents to strengthen programs that ensure access to city services, language justice, civic engagement, and economic inclusion. Through this ongoing effort, New Orleans aims to uphold its legacy as a city built on diversity and resilience, one that celebrates the contributions of all residents as integral to our shared cultural richness.
Together, we will continue striving toward the goal of maintaining our status as a Certified Welcoming City, demonstrating through action our belief that inclusion is not only a value but a responsibility that defines who we are.
Program Background & Timeline
- 2022 — OHRE joins the Welcoming America organization as a result of a recommendation letter from Home is Here
- 2022 — OHRE conducts a self-assessment, submitting evidence and information provided by local organizations and city departments to the Certified Welcoming Team
- 2022 — The Certified Welcoming Team conducts an audit and publishes the City’s audit report
- 2023 — The City of New Orleans becomes 1-Star Certified Welcoming
- 2024 — OHRE hosts a series of outreach sessions with city departments and local community organizations to brainstorm and create the City’s first Certified Welcoming Strategic Plan
- 2025 — OHRE publishes the Certified Welcoming: Striving for Excellence Strategic Plan
Download the City’s Strategic Plan