Bring New Orleans Back Commission


The Bring New Orleans Back Commission was established by Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans, Louisiana, after levees, built by the Army Corps of Engineers, failed during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and flooded 80% of the historic city. Aside from one Hispanic, the membership of the commission is half black and half white. For reference, and because race has been a contentious issue, the race of the members is indicated.
The goal of the commission is to advise, assist, plan and help the City of New Orleans develop recommendations on all aspects of rebuilding. The Bring New Orleans Back Fund is also a tax-exempt organization under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Membership

The Bring New Orleans Back Commission members are:
On November 18, 2005, the Commission received a report from over 50 urban development experts from the Urban Land Institute. The theme of their recommendations was that New Orleans must be made a liveable and equitable city attractive to current and new residents. Some specific recommendations included forming a "Crescent City Rebuilding Corporation", creating a financial oversight board, involving citizens in creating criteria for renovation and redevelopment, and creating tax incentives. The study was funded by Albert B. Ratner, co-chairman of Forest City Enterprises, a large development company. Included in the funding was the $100,000 Ratner received as recipient of the ULI's 2005 J. C. Nichols Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development.