{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"DT #654 Rebuilding Better: How New Orleans Turned Disaster Into Long-Term Economic Growth","description":"What does it take to rebuild an economy after a disaster\u2014and turn it into a model for long-term growth? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Michael Hecht, CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., to explore lessons learned from leading economic recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina and 9\/11. Michael shares how New Orleans approached rebuilding not just infrastructure, but its entire economic foundation\u2014balancing urgency with long-term strategy, and recovery with reinvention. A major theme is the importance of community involvement in shaping recovery efforts. He emphasizes that post-disaster planning cannot be top-down, and that successful rebuilding requires both structure and local autonomy to respond effectively to evolving needs. The conversation also highlights how New Orleans has leveraged innovation, incentives, and workforce development to reposition itself for future growth\u2014particularly in emerging sectors like tech and innovation. A key takeaway? Economic recovery is not just about rebuilding what was lost\u2014it\u2019s about designing something stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient. Key Takeaways Post-disaster recovery requires both structure and local autonomy Community involvement is essential in rebuilding efforts Incentives must balance short-term recovery with long-term value Workforce development is critical to economic resilience Innovation is playing a growing role in New Orleans\u2019 economic shift Strong leadership is key to navigating complex recovery environments Key Topics Covered Post-disaster economic recovery strategies Lessons from Hurricane Katrina and 9\/11 recovery efforts Community involvement in economic planning Workforce development and skills alignment Incentive design for sustainable growth Leadership approaches in crisis and recovery Sound Bites \u201cYou can\u2019t plan top down post disaster.\u201d \u201cCreate structure but give autonomy.\u201d \u201cStay proactive and avoid complacency.\u201d ","author_name":"Develop This: Economic and Community Development","author_url":"http:\/\/www.developthispodcast.com","html":"