GNO, Inc. Sunday Night Highlight – 2025 Mayoral Priorities 🧐

With the 2025 Mayoral election two months away, GNO, Inc. has released its economic development priorities for the candidates.

GNO, Inc.’s priorities are based on its mission statement: “A thriving economy, and an excellent quality of life, for everyone.” Specific areas of focus include:

A Thriving Economy

• Partnership: A mayor and top-talent administration who partner with GNO, Inc. on recruiting and retaining business
• Promotion: Promotion of a pro-job, pro-growth narrative
• Efficiency: An efficient City Hall that is a partner, not a barrier, to business
• Project Support: Public support for key projects, including: Louisiana International Terminal, Newlab/Naval Base Innovation District, Charity/BioDistrict, River District and Convention Center Hotel, and new City Hall and Courts

An Excellent Quality of Life

• Infrastructure: Empower an experienced CAO / COO with daily responsibility for “making the city work” (Super Bowl model)
• Public Safety: Retain Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick; actively support NOPD recruitment and retention, with annual goal of 125+ new hires; support constitutional technology
• Homelessness: Leverage a range of approaches, beyond solely “Housing First,” – which is not appropriate for all
• Transportation: Create a Regional Transit Plan and convene a Regional Mobility Council
• SWBNO: Demand increased billing accuracy and ensure citywide rollout of smart meters
• Affordability (Housing): Fix zoning to remove obstacles to housing development (e.g., allow more density for affordable housing)

For Everyone

• Youth: Focus on NORD to increase reach and benefit for our youth
• Training: Support GNO, Inc., Delgado, New Orleans Career Center, YouthForce NOLA, and other quality efforts to train and connect all residents to good jobs
• DBE: Ensure DBE programs truly provide access by removing barriers (e.g., bonding requirements)
• Vision: Articulate a vision for New Orleans that is optimistic, forward-looking, and growth-focused – “What will New Orleans look like in the future, and why would I want my business and family to be here?”

You can see and download the GNO, Inc. 2025 Mayoral Priorities one-pager here.

You can read about the major candidates’ approach to economic development here.

Thank you to all the candidates for their past and future service!