The September 17 forum will bring together economic development, commercial real estate, tourism and community leaders to discuss why businesses and investors should be looking at New Orleans now.
THE SOCIAL SCENE
Kim M. Braud | September 8, 2026
The Commercial Investment Division of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (CID-NOMAR) will host Selling New Orleans: Investment, Development, and Growth in the Crescent City on Thursday, September 17, bringing together leaders from economic development, commercial real estate, tourism and community development for a conversation about the future of investment in New Orleans.
Built around the question “Why New Orleans? Why now?”, the forum will examine the advantages the city offers businesses and investors and the role that development can play in strengthening New Orleans’ commercial corridors. The program brings together perspectives from the public, private and community development sectors at a time when decisions about investment, redevelopment and economic growth continue to shape neighborhoods across the city.
The panel will feature Daphine Barnes, Executive Director of Economic Mobility at GNO, Inc.; Bobby Boone, Founder and Chief Strategist of AndAccess; Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company; and Jeff Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Community Development for the City of New Orleans.
Jiarra Rayford, broker and owner of Rayford Realty, will moderate the discussion.
The event will be held at the New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, placing the conversation within one of the city’s historic commercial corridors. The program is sponsored by OnPath Credit Union.
For Evans Cutchmore Press, the discussion presents an opportunity to look beyond the broader message of attracting investment to New Orleans and examine where investment is being directed, how city and industry leaders are positioning New Orleans for growth, what strategies are being used to attract businesses and developers, and how existing neighborhoods and businesses fit into those plans.
Evans Cutchmore Press will be on site covering the September 17 discussion as part of its ongoing reporting on economic development, investment and the decisions shaping the future of New Orleans.
EVENT DETAILS
Selling New Orleans: Investment, Development, and Growth in the Crescent City
Thursday, September 17, 202611:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
Presented by: Commercial Investment Division of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (CID-NOMAR)
Sponsored by: OnPath Credit Union
Kim M. Braud is the Founder & Editor of Evans Cutchmore Press, an independent newsroom covering Louisiana and the Gulf South. Her reporting focuses on government accountability, infrastructure, business, culture, and the public policies that shape communities.
© 2026 Evans Cutchmore Press. All rights reserved.
