Lincoln Beach Frequently Asked Questions
Project Overview
What is the Lincoln Beach Redevelopment Project?
The Lincoln Beach Redevelopment Project is a City of New Orleans-led effort to revitalize and safely reopen Lincoln Beach as a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive waterfront destination for the New Orleans community. The project includes environmental cleanup, shoreline restoration, infrastructure upgrades, and the construction of new public amenities.
Why is Lincoln Beach closed and being redeveloped?
After years of neglect, environmental degradation, and impacts from weather-related events which led to safety concerns, Lincoln Beach was closed permanently. This redevelopment effort aims to restore the area while honoring its historical and cultural significance.
Who is leading this project?
The City of New Orleans Office of Sustainability is managing the project in collaboration with community partners, technical consultants, and contractors (Digital Engineering + RNGD) selected through a public bidding process.
Timeline & Public Access
When will construction begin and end?
Currently, through the Procurement process the City of New Orleans has selected RNGD as the contractor, after proper execution of the Professional Services Agreement, Construction is estimated to begin by end of 2026. Since this project is scheduled to be completed in phases, the City of New Orleans will continue to update the community on the progress. A detailed schedule will be updated regularly on the project’s webpage.
When will Lincoln Beach reopen to the public?
Safety and environmental readiness will determine when the public can return. As of April 2026, the anticipated reopen date is summer 2027.
Can I visit Lincoln Beach right now?
For safety reasons, Lincoln Beach remains closed to the public until the first phase of construction is complete. It is anticipated that future phases of construction will allow for portions of the beach to be open to the public. Any unauthorized entry is prohibited.
Construction & Contracts
What is a CMAR contract?
CMAR stands for "Construction Manager at Risk." This is a type of construction contract where the contractor is brought in early to collaborate with the design team. The CMAR helps control costs, identify potential issues, and ensure the project stays on time and on budget. The contractor also agrees to a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the work.
What is an RFQ?
RFQ stands for "Request for Qualifications." It's a process used by the City of New Orleans to find qualified firms for a project. Companies submit their experience and expertise, and the City of New Orleans evaluates them before requesting full proposals.
Have contracts been awarded?
During the revitalization process, the City of New Orleans has issued and awarded multiple contracts to firms who have been working on the design and ultimate construction of Lincoln Beach. Each firm is tasked with different responsibilities which require their expertise and experience. The three primary firms who have been awarded contracts on this project are Digital Engineering (design), Sasaki Associates (master plan), and RNGD (CMAR contractor).
Are local construction contractors doing the work?
In general, the City of New Orleans will award the construction contract to the qualified company that bids the lowest price to perform the work. The contractor may or may not be based locally. The City of New Orleans urges all qualified contractors to bid on all open projects. All firms, regardless of their location, are required to commit to the City’s 35% DBE goal on their contracts and many of those DBE firms are local.
How are contractors selected?
Contractors are selected through a competitive public process, based on qualifications, past performance, commitment to equity and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) participation, and ability to deliver quality work. Because there are multiple procurement processes, the City of New Orleans urges all qualified contractors to be sure to attend all Industry Day events, as well as register with the City of New Orleans’s BRASS system.
What is a DBE?
A DBE is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise — typically a minority- or woman-owned business certified to participate in City of New Orleans projects. The City of New Orleans sets DBE participation goals to ensure inclusive economic opportunity.
How can I bid on one of the construction projects?
The City of New Orleans employs the BRASS system for all current and potential bidders or contractors. This system sends out notifications of all open bids to which the contractors may be interested in. The City of New Orleans urges all qualified contractors to enroll in the BRASS system and participate in all Industry Days scheduled by the City of New Orleans.
I'm a contractor who responded to a public bid and would like to review the responses. From which department do I request the bid tabulations?
Bid tabs are posted outside the door of the Purchasing Department conference room at City Hall. Results can also be emailed by contacting the appropriate buyer or calling 504-658-1550.
Workforce & Job Opportunities
How do I get a job working on a City construction project?
Visit the HireNOLA website to complete a First Source Application. HireNOLA connects local jobseekers with contractor hiring needs on City projects. For more info, call 504-658-4500.
Environmental & Historical Considerations
What environmental cleanup is being done?
The City of New Orleans is removing hazardous materials, testing soil and water quality, and restoring the shoreline to meet environmental standards and improve long-term resiliency.
Will the historical significance of Lincoln Beach be preserved?
Yes. The redevelopment plan will celebrate and preserve Lincoln Beach’s cultural history, especially its legacy as a gathering place for Black families during segregation. Phase I will include community engagement to guide the development of historical markers and interpretive signage, while a deeper engagement process on Lincoln Beach’s cultural storytelling will take place in Phase II.
The City recognizes the Lincoln Beach Center as an essential community hub that has been actively collecting artifacts, oral histories, and documentation of the site’s history. Mrs. Janet Jupiter Tobias, the Center’s founder, has been in contact with the design and preservation teams to ensure that the redevelopment complements—not competes with—the Center’s mission.
Construction Impacts & Oversight
What type of construction impacts can I expect to experience?
Construction impacts will vary depending on the work being done but may include limited parking availability, safety fencing, construction equipment, safety signage, noise and dust.
What will the construction contractor do to minimize construction impacts?
Contractors will maintain clean work sites, adhere to safety signage and traffic regulations, and provide advance notice for utility disruptions. Contractors will work with the City to ensure timely notifications to nearby residents and businesses that may be impacted by traffic and/or water closures.
What are the hours for construction? Will there be work on the weekends?
Crews generally work from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend work may be approved as needed. Residents can sign up for notifications by emailing ors@nola.gov or calling 504-658-8662.
How will the City confirm the construction work is being done correctly?
The City of New Orleans assigns full-time inspectors and conducts bi-weekly progress meetings with engineers and contractors. Concerns can be reported by emailing ors@nola.gov or calling 504-658-8662.
I believe a construction contractor working for the City damaged my property. Who do I contact for assistance?
Contact the Office of Sustainability by emailing ors@nola.gov or calling 504-658-8662. Contractors typically document work sites before construction begins to help verify any claims.
Getting Involved & Staying Informed
How can I stay informed about the project?
Check this website regularly for project updates, timelines, meeting announcements, and progress reports. Sign up for updates by emailing ors@nola.gov or calling 504-658-8662
Will there be public meetings?
Yes. The City will host community engagement sessions to provide updates, answer questions, and gather feedback. Meeting dates will be posted online and shared via community partners.
Who do I contact with questions or concerns?
Email lincolnbeach@nola.gov or call 504-658-8662. You can also submit questions directly through the Lincoln Beach project webpage.