Louisiana Water Network News

One of the exciting highlights of the week of commemorations honoring the decade of rebuilding since the catastrophic floods and storms of 2005 was the release of the City of New Orleans Resilience Strategy.

The selection of New Orleans as one of the first members of the 100 Resilient Cities initiative (funded by the Rockefeller Foundation) sparked the endeavor to create the strategy, which represents a major step toward a sustainable future. The 90 page document commits New Orleans to a path of adaptation, equity, and transformation.

From its opening paragraphs, bold, assertive language declares the city will adapt to climate change by “building on the confluence of Louisiana’s culture, history, and natural systems,” carrying forward the theme and intent of the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan to live and work more harmoniously with nature. In fact, the following paragraph declares, "We will implement our regional Urban Water Plan to reduce flood risk, mitigate soil subsidence, and beautify our communities.”

People in our region are eager to share experiences and help others facing similar challenges. And this week gave us a chance to express our profound gratitude to the world for supporting us. With the release of the Resilience Strategy, New Orleans earns that support by committing to a better, more thoughtful path—as leaders. It truly is a new day.

• K-12 Education: Monday, August 31 3-4:30pm, Keller Library. 
• Research and Policy: Tuesday, September 1, 11am-12pm, Myrtle Banks (3rd Floor Conference Room)
• Advocacy:  Wednesday, September 2, Noon - 1:00 PM, TBD Please contact Keith Twitchell directly for the location keithgct@aol.com
• Community Education: Friday, September 4, 9:00-10:30am, Myrtle Banks (3rd Flood Conference Room)
• Builders & Designers: Tuesday, September 8th, 4:00pm, Waggonner and Ball 

Study to Develop Strategies for 
Investment in the Regional Water Economy

(NEW ORLEANS LA) July 28, 2015—NOLAVibe, a New Orleans-based consultancy focused on social change, is conducting a regional study to guide investment of money, time, and resources to build Louisiana’s water economy.

Working with support of the Neighborhood Partnership Network (NPN) and a $50,000 grant from the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), the study will identify regional water assets and challenges, examine interactions, align data with global market demands, and recommend strategies to build the region’s water economy.

 The research examines seven water sectors (identified in prior NOLAVibe research) across thirteen parishes in the Greater New Orleans area. Louisiana’s seven water sectors are:

•   Coastal and environmental management and restoration, including flood and surge protection systems, disaster management, and mitigation

•   Municipal sewer, water, and drainage infrastructure

•   Maritime, ports, and navigation

•   Industry and manufacturing

•   Agriculture and fisheries

•   Water law and policy

•   Cultural and ecological tourism

 “Southeast Louisiana is well-positioned to build a sustainable water economy,” said Ella Delio, Director of Environmental and Regional Initiatives at GNOF. “This research is an important step to gain a better understanding of our water assets and challenges and to provide strategies for effective investment and actions.”

 “We’re excited about this project,” said NPN Director Timolyn Sams Sumpter. “We see it as a roadmap for anyone seeking to be part of the water economy, and for the sustainability of our neighborhoods and communities.”

 “We’re asking two fundamental questions,” said NOLAVibe President, Grasshopper Mendoza. “What are our water assets, and how can we align these assets to be competitive in the global marketplace? In Louisiana, water is a powerful economic and cultural driver, and a truly indigenous resource. We’re excited about the potential of the Louisiana Water Economy, and to be part of a diverse team working to build strategies that create new opportunities for all.”

 The research phase of the study is underway and will continue through November. An online survey will be launched in October. The study will be released to the public in early 2016.

NOLAVibe is a New Orleans-based consulting firm founded by Grasshopper Mendoza and Steve Picou in 2012. NOLAVibe focuses on social change and building the Circular Economy. The Circular Economy is a new economic approach designed to transform the old, linear “take-make-waste” industrial model into a restorative and regenerative system that eliminates waste and works more harmoniously with (and within) the limits of the planet’s resources.

Neighborhood Partnership Network’s mission is to improve quality of life by engaging New Orleanians, individually and collectively, in neighborhood vitality and civic processes.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation serves the Southeast Louisiana region. For over 30 years, GNOF has been connecting donors to community needs. We help create a resilient, sustainable, vibrant community in which individuals and families flourish and the special character of our region is preserved, celebrated, and supported.