Algiers Named Louisiana Development Ready Community

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Louisiana Economic Development has recognized the Algiers region of New Orleans as the state’s newest Louisiana Development Ready Community. Separated from the rest of New Orleans by the Mississippi River, the West Bank community of Algiers becomes the 45th participant in the community development program, now in its 13th year.

The Louisiana Development Ready Communities Program helps participants prepare and become more competitive for new investment and jobs. The program guides selected communities through the creation and implementation of a strategic plan. By following its plan for multiple years, participants leverage their assets and address their particular challenges to become more competitive in attracting growth to their communities.

“We consider this program a very effective tool for Louisiana communities that are seeking to build a more resilient local economy,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “Our rural communities and small municipalities use this program effectively, and it works in urban areas, too. The LDRC Program provides the framework and effective guidance needed to support community marketing and business recruitment or retention efforts. We all know planning and preparation are the keys to success, so it follows that we are pleased to see Algiers committing to success with the LDRC Program.”

The Algiers Economic Development Foundation took a leading local role in the effort to qualify for the LDRC Program. Founded 30 years ago, the foundation works to build a sustainable, business-friendly environment to grow investment and jobs on New Orleans’ West Bank.

“The Algiers Economic Development Foundation is thrilled to celebrate our neighborhood as a Development Ready Community and proud to put Algiers on the map as a community that is prime for investment and job creation,” foundation board President Rachel Shields said. “We look forward to a strong continued partnership with our regional economic development colleagues, elected officials and the Algiers community as we work towards a prosperous future. We welcome you to join us – Algiers is open for business.”

“It is great to see LED recognize Algiers as its newest Development Ready Community, a community that has been putting in the work to be primed for investment and opportunity,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said. “Algiers is leading the way in health care, creative, education and maritime industries, and our administration will continue making development and growth a priority. One of the ways we have prioritized Algiers is through infrastructure, which includes a $28 million investment in four major projects since December 2019, and we will break ground on three more projects this year valued at $32 million. Across New Orleans, particularly in Algiers, we are working to develop and sustain business growth, investments and jobs, especially on our road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The LDRC process enables participating communities to chart their progress from year to year, even across changes in political administrations. Once a municipality or parish is accepted into the program, it must implement six elements of its plan within a year.

For more information about the LDRC Program, visit the LED website or contact LED Director of Community Competitiveness Stacey Neal at stacey.neal@la.gov or 225.342.4703.

About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant Louisiana economy. LED cultivates jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana, and promotes business opportunity for employers of all sizes. For more information, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com.

###

Media Inquiries

Members of the news media can contact the LED Communications team for information and interview requests about LED projects and programs.

Media Inquiries