New Orleans East is making New Orleans great again. Nonresidents love to hate the East. But recent developments point to the East not only being significantly better, but the biggest economic engine in the city. The resulting impact will change crime, politics, business, a nasty negative narrative and peoples’ minds.
The city and the developers of Bayou Phoenix inched closer to finalizing that deal. The $3 billion project is the biggest thing to hit the East since the new hospital. The project projects over 15,000 permanent and construction jobs. And while this is the most prominent and important economic development in the area, there are several other projects that are happening in tandem. Development of the lakefront airport and the surrounding area with an entertainment district including restaurants and hotels is also on the works. And Lincoln Beach is getting cleaned up and put back into commerce. If Ochsner and Xavier University are considering putting the new medical school in the East then call it grand slam.
New Orleans East is Booming
Nothing stops a bullet like a job. Of the 90,000 residents who call the east home, around 100 were murdered last year. Drugs and drug related activity contributed to many of these murders. Many young drug dealers see no other job options. But good paying jobs greatly diminsh the lure and trappings of corner drug dealing. And working consistent hours means less time for other activities. Creating a neighborhood centered on work and productivity changes the very nature of the place.
The East is one of the most politically active subdivisions in the state. People always vote around 50% in several precincts. Those homeowners who saw green dots on their property are now fierce advocates of property rights and proper political representation. They demand accountability and communication from their City Councilmen, State Representatives and Senators. The elected officials who help propel the East to higher heights have bright political futures. You might see future mayors or a Congressman in the bunch. Currently the elected officials are putting together a string of economic development projects that make the future bright.
Most impressively, African Americans are investing in the East. In fact, every confirmed big new project is led by an African American. The nasty race based narrative that the East is a dangerous and unsavory place depressed the area for too long. If you want something done right, then you should do it yourself. African Americans are pulling up their neighborhood up themselves. Forming alliances with smart and informed businesspeople, our local people are making a difference. Black excellence trumps the stale stupid talk about crime ridden and toxic. Not only is the East vibrant and strong, but the city of New Orleans will also depend upon the jobs and tax revenues created there. Any future crime reduction from these projects benefits the entire state.
Soon people will flock out East like they run to Metairie of the Northshore. New Orleans East is booming. Black excellence on display.
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of Executive Appraisers Louisiana, an MBE-certified real estate appraisal firm, and EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu
Publisher — Black Source Media
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of Executive Appraisers Louisiana, an MBE-certified real estate appraisal firm, and EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu
Lets roll Troy. Can’t wait 🙏🙏🦾🦾
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Eastern New Orleans, it’s a feeling and this is the place. New Orleans East is simply Great Living!. Don’t miss what’s happening in New Orleans East and who is making it happen. It’s what delights a community that make New Orleans a favorite destination. Symbols of economic engines in land, air, water, and rail will bring investments of a new dawn to revitalize the economy of distant memory, directing and boosting tourism towards the East of not only the City of New Orleans but the State of Louisiana.