BGR Looks Back at Post-Katrina Government Reforms

The reform and modernization of local government is a lasting legacy of Hurricane Katrina. By envisioning positive change and reforming local government, residents, advocates and policymakers created a better future for Greater New Orleans. BGR is proud to have been a leader in these efforts with our independent, nonpartisan research and monitoring.

On the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we face new challenges. Population is declining and residents are increasingly dissatisfied with public services and infrastructure. Building on the progress we’ve made over the last 20 years will require a new groundswell of ideas, leadership and persistence. BGR will support that work with data and research for informed public policy making.

Explore Post-Katrina Governmental Reforms

Click the button above or this link to read Responding to the Call, or explore this interactive webpage, which highlight significant BGR contributions to these post-Katrina government reforms:

• Rethinking Flood Protection Governance: Regional Levee Boards and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
• Seeking a Fairer System of Property Taxes
• Strengthening New Orleans Public School Finances
• Preparing the City to Weather the Next Storm through Better Fiscal Management
• Improving Land Use Decision Making in New Orleans
• Retooling the Justice System: Right-Sizing Judgeships, Improving Jail Governance

Watch Our Breakfast Briefing Discussion

Take a look at this BGR Breakfast Briefing in June 2025 the disaster’s lasting impact on local government reform — and what lessons public officials and citizens can use to inspire future change. The event featured retired former Chief Judge of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Calvin Johnson, Dillard University Professor of Urban Studies and Public Policy Robert Collins, and Greater New Orleans Foundation President and CEO Andy Kopplin, who joined with BGR President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray for a wide-ranging conversation on the legacy of local government reform and the role of civic engagement in driving progress. This event was generously sponsored by First Horizon Bank.

More Reflections on @BGRNola Social Media

And explore our August 23-29, 2025, social media series “20 years…” in which local professors Dr. Brian McNamara, Dr. Halima Leak Francis, and Dr. Silas Lee shared their perspectives on local government reform following Hurricane Katrina and the work that still needs to be done. Read all of their thoughts, along with BGR’s, by clicking these Instagram links or another favorite social media button at the very top of this webpage to visit us @BGRNola