BGR's Economic Development Initiatives

BGR's Economic Development Initiatives is a research and policy program operated by the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR), a nonprofit, independent research organization focused on informed public policy and effective use of public resources in greater New Orleans. BGR conducts research on a wide range of public policy issues including economic development, infrastructure, housing, drainage, and local government finance.

The program is open to organizations and individuals involved in economic development in New Orleans. BGR publishes reports and analyses on topics such as New Orleans capital bond authorizations, property tax dashboards, drainage funding, and convention center development, aiming to improve government effectiveness and accountability in the region.

Bureau of Governmental Research Bureau of Governmental Research >> The Legislature is moving to cut Orleans Parish judgeships. Read BGR's analysis. The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) is a nonprofit, independent research organization dedicated to informed public policy making and the effective use of public resources for the improvement of government in greater New Orleans.

Send Us Your Research or Event Idea --> BGR to Legislature: Don’t Cut Orleans Parish Judges Without a Full Study $510 Million in Bonds: What New Orleans Residents Should Know BGR Welcomes New Director of Communications & Engagement BGR’s reports cover a wide range of public policy issues important to the New Orleans metro area. Explore our report library.

BGR Opposes Cuts to Orleans Parish Judgeships Without a Supreme Court Study BGR examines pending legislation to cut nine judgeships in Orleans Parish and warns that the proposed reductions are outpacing the evidence. The Legislature should wait... 2026 Property Tax Dashboard: What’s New and What It Means for Homeowners BGR’s updated dashboards explain how local property tax rates are changing as homeowners review their tax bills.

2026 Property Tax Dashboard As homeowners across the... Improving Drainage in New Orleans Will Take a Careful Funding Solution BGR examines New Orleans’ drainage funding challenges and outlines what any future stormwater proposal must deliver to earn public trust. OVERVIEW New Orleans faces significant...

Reducing Public Subsidies for New Orleans Convention Hotel BGR shows how the Convention Center can reduce public subsidies for its convention hotel. And it can do so with little or no impact on... On the Ballot: $510 Million New Orleans Capital Bond Authorization Update, April 2026: Now that the City is moving forward with bond issuances, BGR has published guidance for residents on what to watch for and...

On the Ballot: New Orleans City Attorney Charter Amendment This On the Ballot report examines the November 15, 2025, proposed charter amendment on New Orleans’ City Attorney. Analyzing the Results of the 2019 New Orleans Bond Authorization This Beyond the Ballot report enhances public transparency and accountability for the 2019 New Orleans bond authorization and helps residents understand its uses and impacts.

New Orleans Needs a Sustainable Budget to Meet Residents’ Demands This BGR NOW report re-emphasizes key recommendations to help preserve and strengthen the City of New Orleans’s financial health. 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...

Candidate Q&A Oct. 11 Primary Edition: Mayor, City Council and Sheriff BGR’s Candidate Q&A reports ask the candidates for mayor, City Council and sheriff in the October 11, 2025 primary election to explain how they will... BGR Urges Sheriff and City to Work Together to Solve Jail’s Needs Public outrage over the brazen escape of 10 men from the Orleans Parish jail is a clear call for the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office and...

BGR Examines Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office May 3 Tax Renewal In this On the Ballot report, BGR informs New Orleans voters about the May 3, 2025 property tax renewal proposed by the Orleans Parish Sheriff. BGR’s work goes beyond reports. We’ve helped shape reforms, inform public debate, and improve how government works across greater New Orleans.

See our impact. At least $12 million a year in restored funding for infrastructure needs $88. 5 million in taxpayer interest costs on City bonds saved national awards for BGR policy achievements BGR is a nonprofit organization sustained primarily by members who believe in better local government.

As a BGR member, you get first access to special events, new reports, and a community of people who care about our city’s future. Stay up to date with announcements of the latest BGR reports and new events!