Upcoming Events
A Celebration of Leaders
Join us for an unforgettable in-person event celebrating our 2024 Leadership Forum graduates, and presenting two awards to exceptional civic leaders in the New Orleans Community. It's sure to be a night filled with inspiration, celebration, and well-deserved recognition. Don't miss this opportunity to come together and applaud the hard work and dedication of our future leaders.
ATTIRE:
Jazz it up!
PROGRAM:
6pm - Mix & Mingle, Dinner & Drinks
7pm - 2024 Forum Graduation
7:30pm - Presentation of Awards
9:00pm - Good night!
FOOD & DRINK
Dinner and a champagne toast are provided. There will also be a cash bar.
TICKETS
1 ticket - $45
5 ticket bundle (includes name recognition) - $200
10 ticket bundle (includes logo recognition) - $400
Sponsor a Leader for our 2025 Cohort (includes logo recognition) - $1,200
Block By Block: Better Bus Stops in Minecraft
Block by Block: Designing Better Bus Stops with Minecraft
Join us for an exciting and interactive event where young minds will have the chance to redesign New Orleans' bus stops—block by block! Using Minecraft, participants will form teams to develop innovative solutions for transit shelters that meet the needs of our community.
Did you know? About 83% of New Orleans transit stops lack bus shelters, leaving riders exposed to the elements in increasingly hot and hazardous conditions. As part of the Better Bus Stops program, we're working to change that! This initiative, in partnership with the Committee for a Better New Orleans, RIDE New Orleans, and the Regional Transit Authority, focuses on designing new shelters for New Orleans' transit stops, and streamlining the process so we can get more shelters out on the street.
At this kid-focused event, we’ll introduce students to the challenges of public transit and bus stop design. Teams of four will rotate through stations, brainstorming ideas and then bringing their designs to life in Minecraft!
Event Details:
Who: Students (Ages 10-17) with an interest in design, architecture, or Minecraft!
What: Team-based bus stop design using Minecraft, with guidance from local transit advocates and design experts.
When: Saturday, November 9th, 10am-2pm (Check in & free play begins at 9)
Where: Harriet Tuban Charter School
Why: To inspire the next generation to create bus stops that are safe, accessible, and sustainable for everyone.
Get your game face on and help us transform New Orleans' bus stops—one block at a time!
The Big Easy Budget and Ballot Bash!
The most important decision the City makes all year is in progress -- The Budget! Over the next 7 weeks, the City will finalize their decisions about 1.78 Billion of your tax dollars. Join us Tuesday, October 8th from 5:30-7:30 at The Broadside to learn about:
What's in the City's 2025 Proposed Operating Budget, and what you can expect from the process;
The Housing Trust Fund ballot measure, which would dedicate millions to affordable housing without increasing taxes; and
The Workers Bill of Rights measure, which would add provisions for workers like a living wage and paid leave to the City Charter's existing Bill of Rights.
The Big Easy Deal, a $125.5M investment in community priorities developed by the Big Easy Budget Coalition
This is a free event that’s open to all ages! Childcare available. Please RSVP with the number of kids you’re bringing with you!
RSVP here!
Changemakers Happy Hour - City Council
CBNO’s Changemakers program is a series of monthly pop-up civic educational events where current and emerging community leaders innovate new ways to make an impact within their communities. This month we’re teaming up with Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative for a training on the ins and outs of City Council.
Join us and learn the inner workings of the New Orleans City Council, including:
Council Basics - Who is on City Council, how it's structured, what responsibilities they have and how meetings & committees work;
Practical training on where to find comment cards & how to fill them out, tips on making public comment, and how and why to contact and create relationships with staffers;
Successful collaboration stories from community organizations, and more!
This is an opportunity for activists, advocates, organizers, changemakers, and everyday New Orleanians to learn how to engage in municipal decision making. All events in the Changemakers Series are free and open to the public.
Better Bus Stops Community Meeting (Evening)
RSVP Below! Join the Committee for a Better New Orleans, RIDE New Orleans, and the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) for the following conversation. Learn more about our vision for better bus stops, get involved, and help us make it a reality!
Thursday, June 6th
5:30pm - 7:00pm
NOLA Business Alliance
1250 Poydras Street, Suite 2150
New Orleans, LA 70113
(Note: We are also hosting the same conversation on Tuesday, June 4th at 8am. To learn more or to RSVP for that date/time instead, click here)
Better Bus Stops. We are working to transform New Orleans’ network of transit stops. We’re working together to clear the barriers and apply for funding to build a network of stops that keeps riders safe from heat and rain, and serve as dignified places to wait. Riders deserve better. For years, riders have expressed a need for improved stop infrastructure. The increasing extreme weather events leave transit riders at high risk of climate-related illness.
Why now? Right now, there’s unprecedented levels of Federal funding for cities and public agencies to build transportation improvements. This funding is not guaranteed, but the RTA will need to put together a good plan to win the grant funding. The federal government is prioritizing projects that emphasize equity, collaboration, and community input.
Our approach centers the needs of transit riders. Transit advocacy organization RIDE New Orleans is a critical member of the project team to ensure riders are heard, considered and included in every step of the project. We’re working collaboratively to ensure the people closest to the problem (especially transit riders) are included in decision making throughout the process, while acknowledging the real constraints of City and RTA operations. We’re bringing all stakeholders to the same table to learn, discuss, and deliberate.
RSVP today and save your spot!
WHEN
June 06, 2024 at 5:30pm - 7pm
WHERE
New Orleans Business Alliance
1250 Poydras St
#2150
New Orleans, LA 70113
United States
Google map and directions
Better Bus Stops Community Meeting (Morning)
RSVP Below! Join the Committee for a Better New Orleans, RIDE New Orleans, and the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) for the following conversation. Learn more about our vision for better bus stops, get involved, and help us make it a reality!
Tuesday, June 4th
8:00am - 9:30am
NOLA Business Alliance
1250 Poydras Street, Suite 2150
New Orleans, LA 70113
(Note: There is another opportunity to attend this conversation on Thursday, June 6th at 5:30pm. Click here to learn more and RSVP for that date/time instead)
Better Bus Stops. We are working to transform New Orleans’ network of transit stops. We’re working together to clear the barriers and apply for funding to build a network of stops that keeps riders safe from heat and rain, and serve as dignified places to wait. Riders deserve better. For years, riders have expressed a need for improved stop infrastructure. The increasing extreme weather events leave transit riders at high risk of climate-related illness.
Why now? Right now, there’s unprecedented levels of Federal funding for cities and public agencies to build transportation improvements. This funding is not guaranteed, but the RTA will need to put together a good plan to win the grant funding. The federal government is prioritizing projects that emphasize equity, collaboration, and community input.
Our approach centers the needs of transit riders. Transit advocacy organization RIDE New Orleans is a critical member of the project team to ensure riders are heard, considered and included in every step of the project. We’re working collaboratively to ensure the people closest to the problem (especially transit riders) are included in decision-making throughout the process, while acknowledging the real constraints of City and RTA operations. We’re bringing all stakeholders to the same table to learn, discuss, and deliberate.
RSVP today and save your spot!
WHEN
June 04, 2024 at 8:00am - 9:30am
WHERE
NOLA Business Alliance
1250 Poydras St
#2150
New Orleans, LA 70113
United States
Google map and directions
2024 Better New Orleans Block Party
Calling all New Orleanians! Join us on Saturday, March 23rd, 3:00pm - 8:00pm for our 2024 Better New Orleans Block Party in the St. Roch Neighborhood.
Unlock Funding: Grant Writing Workshop
Unlock the potential of your projects! Join us for a grant writing workshop with partner and Forum Alumni Lindsey Loyd of Meraki For Good. We’ll discuss how to find, plan, and draft grant proposal opportunities to fuel your impact.
Civic Sips & Ballot Tips
There’s a lot on the ballot for our next election, October 14th. Learn more about the proposed City Charter and State Constitution amendments, what positions we’re electing, your polling place, and more.
We’ll have presentations by the Bureau of Governmental Research, Dist. A Councilmember Joe Giarrusso, and room for questions.
Bring a neighbor!
Building Our Future Stakeholder Meeting
While equity has long been a stated goal of City plans, we haven't seen it implemented broadly, and many already-disadvantaged neighborhoods are bearing the brunt of our subpar infrastructure. With billions on the table for infrastructure in the coming years, and a Federal policy to prioritize disadvantaged communities with Federal funds, we can't afford to miss this opportunity. We're working to create actionable recommendations for applying equity goals to City infrastructure projects under IIJA and IRA.
Join us to get an update on our progress and get involved in our next steps.
-
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 843 2745 4356
Passcode: 069156
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Meeting ID: 843 2745 4356
Passcode: 069156
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbRWO3dJuM
RSVP:
Building Our Future Stakeholder Meeting
While equity has long been a stated goal of City plans, we haven't seen it implemented broadly, and many already-disadvantaged neighborhoods are bearing the brunt of our subpar infrastructure. With billions on the table for infrastructure in the coming years, and a Federal policy to prioritize disadvantaged communities with Federal funds, we can't afford to miss this opportunity. We're working to create actionable recommendations for applying equity goals to City infrastructure projects under IIJA and IRA.
Join us to get an update on our progress and get involved in our next steps.
-
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 861 7789 2377
Passcode: 451416
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One tap mobile
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RSVP:
Forum Planning Committee Meeting
Help us lay the groundwork for our 2023 Leadership Forum (September - November 2023) — join our planning committee!
To be added to the committee & access the zoom meeting, email Sophi@cbno.org
Better New Orleans Block Party Planning Committee Meeting
Join our planning committee to help plan our signature event, the Better New Orleans Block Party.
The Block Party on August 12, 2023 will be a celebration of community & visioning for the future of our beloved city; with live music, food, kids activities, and our first Civic Art Challenge!
Are you an event planner? A go getter? A team player? Come join us!
Email Sophi@cbno.org to be added to the committee.
Eyes on Infrastructure Webinar Series
Join us on Wednesday, April 5th (6-7pm CT) for the first session of "Eyes on Infrastructure"! Eyes on Infrastructure is a 6-part webinar series where we’ll explore local climate and infrastructure issues—and learn how to use ISeeChange to bring solutions to our neighborhoods. In each part, we will dive deep into the infrastructure systems that keep our city running, examine how climate change is impacting them, and discuss ways YOU can help.
Local experts and community leaders will provide insights on transportation infrastructure, flooding, energy efficiency, dumping, and more. Then, learn to use ISeeChange and share local experiences of climate and infrastructure, identify neighborhood priorities, and co-design solutions with city decision-makers.
By learning how to share critical infrastructure data through ISeeChange, you’ll help inform federal funding decisions with top concerns in your neighborhood. Click here to register for this free series, and be sure to pass this along to friends, family, colleagues, or anyone passionate about bringing change to their neighborhood. Eyes on Infrastructure is presented by Healthy Gulf, Committee for a Better New Orleans, and ISeeChange as part of the People Empowering Projects initiative.
Eyes on Infrastructure Webinar Series
Eyes on Infrastructure is a 6-part Wednesday Night webinar series where we’ll explore local climate and infrastructure issues—and learn how to use ISeeChange to bring solutions to our neighborhoods. In each part, we will dive deep into the infrastructure systems that keep our city running, examine how climate change is impacting them, and discuss ways YOU can help. Wednesday Nights from 6pm-7pm through May 10th.
Eyes on Infrastructure Webinar Series
Join us on Wednesday, April 5th (6-7pm CT) for the first session of "Eyes on Infrastructure"! Eyes on Infrastructure is a 6-part webinar series where we’ll explore local climate and infrastructure issues—and learn how to use ISeeChange to bring solutions to our neighborhoods. In each part, we will dive deep into the infrastructure systems that keep our city running, examine how climate change is impacting them, and discuss ways YOU can help.
Local experts and community leaders will provide insights on transportation infrastructure, flooding, energy efficiency, dumping, and more. Then, learn to use ISeeChange and share local experiences of climate and infrastructure, identify neighborhood priorities, and co-design solutions with city decision-makers.
By learning how to share critical infrastructure data through ISeeChange, you’ll help inform federal funding decisions with top concerns in your neighborhood. Click here to register for this free series, and be sure to pass this along to friends, family, colleagues, or anyone passionate about bringing change to their neighborhood. Eyes on Infrastructure is presented by Healthy Gulf, Committee for a Better New Orleans, and ISeeChange as part of the People Empowering Projects initiative.
NerdOut for Infrastructure Best Practices
CBNO & the Building Our Future Coalition are researching and compiling best practices for building equity into federally-funded infrastructure projects. As federal dollars from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) are now available and we look forward to even more opportunities via the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), we’re making sure we’re doing all we can to direct dollars to the most worthy projects that can help build a better New Orleans.
Join us on Zoom here - Friday, March 10th between 11am & 1pm
passcode - equity
NerdOut for Equitable Infrastructure
CBNO & the Building Our Future Coalition are researching and compiling best practices for building equity into federally-funded infrastruture projects. As the City begins receiving federal dollars from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) and looks forward to even more opportunities via the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), we’re working with partners to make sure we’re doing all we can to direct dollars and worthy projects to meet people’s everyday needs.
Come for lunch at Pizza D in the Bywater or join virtually here
Join us for a relaxed, introductory working lunch on the Friday following Mardi Gras as we map out a path of research objectives to put New Orleans in position to build a more equitable and sustainable future.
PROTECT: Citywide Conversation
Hear the latest from local leaders about building resilience into local streets & transportation systems. Participate in a discussion about planning and fortifying evacuation routes. Learn how you can help guide local infrastructure investments.
Featured presenters include -
Harry Vorhoff - Deputy Director, Governor’s Office of Coastal Activities
Tom Haysley - Principal Planner, Regional Planning Commission
Aron Chang - Water Leaders Institute, Civic Studio
Stakeholder Meeting
You have a stake in this process so join our discussion on Thursday, November 3rd from 6 - 7:30 where we will cover the latest on our IIJA campaign, resources, and how to make your voice heard.
NerdOut November: Shovel-Ready Projects
RSVP to join our next working happy hour to help City leaders bring home historic federal $$$ for us to build a more equitable & sustainable New Orleans
Building Our Future ‘Spotlight’: RECONNECTING COMMUNITIES
One of the opportunities available to New Orleans via historic levels of federal funding is ‘Reconnecting Communities’. This is the program national leaders cited New Orleans as an example of where infrastructure has been used to divide, and now, hopefully, can be used to connect. Join this public discussion to hear from local project sponsors, learn the City’s plans, and how to get involved moving forward.
Neighborhood Canvass - Tremé
Join us in gathering resident priorities in CBNO’s Building Our Future survey!
This summer we’re launching monthly neighborhood canvass series where we hear directly from residents about their vision for a more equitable, sustainable, & prosperous future.
Join us at Tremé Coffeehouse, this Saturday at 10am.
Nerd Out - August Happy Hour
RSVP to join our next working happy hour to help City leaders bring home historic federal $$$ for us to build a more equitable & sustainable New Orleans
FOR OUR FUTURE - Stakeholder Meeting
Join our stakeholder meeting to discuss our campaign, For Our Future (previously Just Recovery). There’s been major news regarding City of New Orleans plans for funding just recieved via the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and updated ways to get involved in a range of potential infrastructure projects via the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA).
Nerd Out: For Our Future
Calling all policy advocates & readers of fine print!
Come out for a series of happy hours to help City leaders bring home historic federal $$$ for us to build a more equitable & sustainable New Orleans
Just Recovery Stakeholder Meeting
We need a just and lasting Recovery for New Orleans! Join us to learn about what recovery dollars may be available to New Orleans, how the City of New Orleans is approaching the plans, and how to make your voice heard. Learn more about our campaign for a Just Recovery here.
RSVP VIA ZOOM
Click the button below to register for the meeting. You’ll be emailed the sign in link.
Having a hard time registering, or need to attend by phone? Text 504.356.3156 for assistance.
Just Recovery Stakeholder Meeting
Join us in building a coalition of organizations and leaders across New Orleans ready to leverage historic investments in the resilience of our people, their well-being and our built environment.
At this meeting, we’ll focus on -
Covid impacts in New Orleans - health, housing, economy, crime, infrasructure
Hearing from Stakeholders breakout session
Just Recovery timelines & resources
Establishing a Just Recovery community training program/schedule
Opportunities for partnerships, etc
Story Time with CBNO: The 2022 City Budget
Join CBNO for a storybook-style read-along of the 2022 City Budget, with food, drinks, and games. Learn what’s in the 2022 City Budget and what’s not, how the City sets the Budget, and how to make your voice heard.
WEBINAR: Residents’ Guide to the American Rescue Plan
New Orleans has already started to receive our portion of the Federal COVID Stimulus money. What are the opportunities and restrictions on that money? How can you be a better advocate? Learn more on this free webinar with presentations from the Bureau of Governmental Research, Louisiana Budget Project, and City of New Orleans’ Chief Administrative Officer.