Ariel Schwartz reports on NOLAbound, a week-long event meant to showcase the sustainable, entrepreneurial culture that has taken hold in New Orleans as it recovers from Hurricane Katrina.
While the common perception may be that New Orleans is still devastated from the hurricane, or worse yet, that it has only recovered its ability to party, in reality a thriving entrepreneurial culture has sprouted in several industries that the NOLABound Program believes can be the foundation for bringing the city's economy back to life.
Hosted by Greater New Orleans, Inc. (a regional economic development alliance), the nonprofit Idea Village, and the New Orleans downtown development district, NOLABound is a week-long event, "that is bringing 25 'social media influencers' from across the country to experience New Orleans' entrepreneurial culture," writes Schwartz.
"The program will highlight four industries: the arts, bioscience, digital media, and sustainability. These are, according to [Curry] Smith, [NOLABound's official spokesperson], the industries that have seen the greatest growth post-Katrina."
FULL STORY: Post-Katrina, New Orleans Rises Up With A Sustainable, Entrepreneurial Culture

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie