The Greater New Orleans Community Data Center (GNOCDC) and Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program have released a major report, "The New Orleans Index at Five: Recovery to Transformation of a Major American City." This report is a comprehensive look at the progress the New Orleans metro area has made in rebounding from three crises in five years: Hurricane Katrina, the Great Recession, and the Gulf oil spill. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's Community and Economic Development department provided research and data analysis support for the index.
This year's report includes three components: an index that analyzes the region's performance on 20 indicators of prosperity; seven essays by local experts that examine systemic changes since the hurricane, such as in public education, criminal justice, and community engagement; and an overview that integrates the trend analyses and reform essays into a single narrative describing New Orleans' progress in shaping its future course. Copies of the materials are available online at http://www.gnocdc.org/TheNewOrleansIndexAtFive/index.html
New Orleanians have shown remarkable resilience, and the city is displaying promising signs of rebound. Yet much work still lies ahead if this great American metropolitan area is to emerge with a stronger economy, better opportunities for its residents, and a greener, more sustainable future. "Not only has New Orleans experienced three shocks in five years, but New Orleanians have also undertaken arguably more reform efforts simultaneously than any modern American city," said Allison Plyer, deputy director of GNOCDC.
