Growth Pains in New Orleans

[Sean in New Orleans]

We need more people to move here and we need more office towers built downtown. As New Orleans continues with its rapid pace growth and expansion, there is a problem that could curtail this momentum--there aren't enough people here to fill the jobs for the number of companies looking to move to New Orleans and economic development officials list this as the top concern. We also need more office space, but, I really do think that will take care of itself...there are enough developers out there that follow the money, IMO. So, seriously, if you need a job, or know someone that is looking for a good job and is interested in living in a cool city that is transforming itself, get down here. We need you. Here's more: http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Majo...143071896.html

[FLAWDA-FELLA]

Interesting dilemma for Nawlins.

[desertpunk]

All I know is that pretty much since the '84 World's Fair, New Orleans has had it rough. Seeing the city revive and transform itself could be one of the greater pleasures of being in this decade!

[lamsalfl]

Originally Posted by FLAWDA-FELLA

Interesting dilemma for Nawlins.

Oh please never say "Nawlins" again. Locals DO NOT say that!

[lamsalfl]

Originally Posted by desertpunk

All I know is that pretty much since the '84 World's Fair, New Orleans has had it rough. Seeing the city revive and transform itself could be one of the greater pleasures of being in this decade!

I've lived here all my life - 29 years - and while I would never wish another disaster, the New Orleans of today is MUCH better than pre-Katrina. We lost a lot of historic housing stock, and of course people, but the storm broke down a lot of political machines and barriers that were holding the city down. No way without the storm would we see the New Orleans Public Schools system basically emasculated of its power with charter schools taking root. No way would this be an emerging tech hub, and no way would this be an emerging medical hub either. That's all just for starters. When you have the likes of GE and (rumored that could be announced this week) Google establishing offices and operations in the city for the first time, something good is going on.

Thank you to this sitting City Council and to this man: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Landrieu

[KyleinOKC]

Originally Posted by Sean in New Orleans

We need more people to move here and we need more office towers built downtown. As New Orleans continues with its rapid pace growth and expansion, there is a problem that could curtail this momentum--there aren't enough people here to fill the jobs for the number of companies looking to move to New Orleans and economic development officials list this as the top concern. We also need more office space, but, I really do think that will take care of itself...there are enough developers out there that follow the money, IMO. So, seriously, if you need a job, or know someone that is looking for a good job and is interested in living in a cool city that is transforming itself, get down here. We need you. Here's more: http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Majo...143071896.html

This makes no sense. You need more office space but there is not enough people to fill in the jobs that are currently there?

[Sean in New Orleans]

Originally Posted by KyleinOKC

This makes no sense. You need more office space but there is not enough people to fill in the jobs that are currently there?

It's a common dilemma for any growing market....if you don't understand, send an email to the head of http://gnoinc.org/ . I'm sure he could explain it better than any of us on this board.

[annie_himself]

Originally Posted by wesder

Seeing the city revive and transform itself could be one of the greater pleasures of being in this decade!

Imagine being there while it all unfolds.

[Stratosphere 2020]

Originally Posted by desertpunk

All I know is that pretty much since the '84 World's Fair, New Orleans has had it rough. Seeing the city revive and transform itself could be one of the greater pleasures of being in this decade!

Can we conclude that hurricane Katrina was a turning point for the current renaissance in New Orleans? If yes, will hurricane Katrina be remembered as well for something good positive for the city in its history, in addition to all the negative?

[greenparrot]

Originally Posted by Stratosphere 2020

Can we conclude that hurricane Katrina was a turning point for the current renaissance in New Orleans? If yes, will hurricane Katrina be remembered as well for something good positive for the city in its history, in addition to all the negative?

yes, yes & yes. Those initial days were gut wrenching not knowing what would happen to our city & culture....but it was a catalyst for good people to get involved in so many ways they never thought of before. There is a level of civic pride like never before in my lifetime and that's saying something.

[Dariusb]

My comment is off topic but how is the crime rate in the city? Is it much lower than pre Katrina, about the same? Just curious.

[JPKneworleans]

New Orleans is a a turning point. There seems to be an effort to move backward, but I believe that effort is being squashed, a la the victory in the last council-at-large race.

Our city is finally growing. I can't tell you how many club meetings that I would attend prior to the hurricane and immediately afterward at which someone would state that he or she is moving away. Just a few years ago, I started to notice the reverse trend. People were joining the different organizations of which I am a member and were explaining that they were new to New Orleans and had moved here from, in many instances, cities that I thought were far more successful that New Orleans.

New Orleans is a place of opportunity. People are finally starting to realize that. Positive news breeds a positive internal attitude, which itself can only bring about a healthy sense of pride in those residents who decided to stay and ride out the roller coaster recovery.

[Sean in New Orleans]

Here is a pretty cool video about New Orleans I came across: http://vimeo.com/33051673