Economic Development Issue Coalition Partners:

After School Partnership

Beacon of Hope

Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region

Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans

Common Good

Greater New Orleans, Inc.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana

Horizon Initiative

Idea Village

New Orleans Board of Trade

New Orleans Chamber of Commerce

New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce

Urban League of Greater New Orleans

Young Leadership Council

Issue 4 - Economic Development

Immediately after assuming office, the Mayor must execute the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) for the New Orleans Economic Development Council (NOEDC). The CEA results from collaborative efforts of a diverse group of citizens (or business organizations), known as the PPP Coalition, to bring together the public and private sectors to create a public-private partnership for economic development based upon the best practices of successful cities nationwide.

City officials must support the creation of the NOEDC and the execution of its mission. Further, city officials must commit to think broadly in terms of economic development, including regional collaboration to support key economic engines and consideration of the economic impact of revitalizing the airport to integrate it into economic growth strategies. Accordingly, city officials must:

LEADERSHIP MANDATES

Creation of the NOEDC. Execute immediately the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement authorizing the creation of the NOEDC.

Funding for the NOEDC. Ensure appropriate and stable public sector funding for the NOEDC.

Permitting and Licensing. Implement best practices for permitting and licensing to eliminate inefficiencies, improve convenience, and make New Orleans business-friendly for new and existing businesses.

Financial Incentives and Programs. Standardize financial Incentives and programs, such as tax abatements, diversions, and minority participation requirements so that programs are available to all who qualify. Eliminate ad hoc and inconsistent determinations driven by politics and special interest.

Disadvantaged and Local Businesses. Provide comprehensive support and a robust compliance effort on behalf of Disadvantaged Business Entities and Local Business Enterprises.

Armstrong Airport. Support the Southeast Regional Aviation Authority (SERAA) and the Aviation Board in the ongoing initiative to create a vision for the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Consider all options to make highest use of city assets and improve quality, effectiveness, and regional outreach of the airport.

Economic Engines. Prioritize the region’s economic growth, through support of key economic engines, and thereby maximize job and wealth creation. Actively support, and move expeditiously to satisfy preconditions for, the promising vision of a competitive biomedical corridor for the New Orleans region. Facilitate the Port of New Orleans’ efforts to improve regional and global competitive standing. Encourage oil and gas companies to remain in New Orleans, and recruit others to come. Safeguard and support our tourism industry.