Building a better New Orleans

One year since the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina, recovery in New Orleans continues to be uneven. Many ascribe the little visible progress in the region to the slow pace of federal spending and decision making. However, quality of spending matters. This paper reviews the federal, state, and local post-hurricane recovery effort, highlights areas of progress, and offers a plan for ensuring that future actions create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous New Orleans region.