Cultural and Preservation Challenges

History of the Challenge

New Orleans is known for its rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in African, French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. However, gentrification, commercialization, climate change, and economic pressures threaten the city's unique culture, historic neighborhoods, and long-time residents.

Key historical moments shaping cultural preservation issues:

• French & Spanish Colonial Influence (1700s-1800s): The city’s architecture, traditions, and legal systems were shaped by European settlers, enslaved Africans, and Creoles.
• Jim Crow Era & Cultural Suppression (1865-1960s): Black musicians, artists, and cultural groups were marginalized despite their deep influence on jazz, food, and traditions.
• Urban Renewal & Gentrification (1950s-Present): The Claiborne Expressway (I-10) was built through Treme, a historically Black neighborhood, destroying local businesses and community gathering spaces.
• Hurricane Katrina & Post-Storm Development (2005-Present): Many longtime residents were displaced, and rising property values have made it difficult for some cultural communities to return.
• Short-Term Rentals & Tourism Pressures (2010s-Present): Airbnb and rising rents have pushed out artists and musicians, leading to the loss of cultural spaces.

How We Got to the Present Moment

Several factors contribute to the erosion of New Orleans' cultural identity and historic preservation challenges:

1. Gentrification & Displacement: Rising housing costs have forced out many Black and working-class families, altering the city's cultural landscape.
2. Commercialization of Culture: Mardi Gras, jazz, and Creole traditions are being marketed as tourism products rather than community traditions.
3. Historic Preservation vs. Development: While historic buildings are being restored, many are converted into luxury hotels or high-end restaurants instead of benefiting locals.
4. Climate Change & Cultural Sites at Risk: Flooding and extreme weather threaten historic neighborhoods and cemeteries.
5. Music & Art Industry Struggles: Many musicians and artists cannot afford to live in the city due to rising rent and lack of financial support.

Current Data on the Issue

• Housing Displacement: Home prices have risen by 65% since 2005, making it difficult for many local families to stay.
• Airbnb Impact: Over 40% of available rental properties in neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Marigny are short-term rentals.
• Loss of Black-Owned Businesses: Since Katrina, the number of Black-owned businesses in the French Quarter and Treme has declined by 50%.
• Rising Music Venue Closures: Due to noise ordinances, gentrification, and rising rents, nearly 30% of independent music venues have closed since 2010.

Possible Solutions

Preserving Historic Neighborhoods & Preventing Displacement

1. Stronger Gentrification Protections
• Implement property tax relief programs for long-time homeowners.
• Limit luxury development projects in historic neighborhoods.
2. Regulate Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb & VRBO)
• Restrict the number of Airbnbs per neighborhood to prevent housing shortages.
• Require owners to live in the rental unit instead of allowing corporate investors to buy multiple properties.

Protecting Music, Arts & Local Businesses

1. Fair Wages & Housing for Musicians & Artists
• Create affordable housing incentives for cultural workers.
• Expand healthcare & financial assistance programs for musicians.
2. Support Local Music Venues & Street Performers
• Prevent restrictive noise ordinances that threaten live music venues.
• Provide grants for historic music clubs like Tipitina’s and Preservation Hall.

Historic & Environmental Preservation

1. Strengthen Historic Landmark Protections
• Increase funding for historic preservation in neighborhoods like Treme and Algiers.
• Establish community land trusts to protect historic Black neighborhoods.
2. Climate Adaptation for Historic Sites
• Invest in flood protection measures for cemeteries, historic buildings, and landmarks.
• Expand disaster relief funds to protect cultural institutions after hurricanes.

Cultural Preservation & Community Control

1. Community-Owned Cultural Spaces
• Provide funding for community-run art galleries, music schools, and cultural centers.
• Support artist cooperatives that allow musicians and creators to own performance venues.
2. Reduce Commercialization of Mardi Gras & Local Traditions
• Ensure local krewes and Black masking Indian tribes receive funding and control over their traditions.
• Prevent big corporations from over-commercializing Mardi Gras and other cultural events.

Organizations Actively Working on These Solutions

1. Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans
• Works on historic preservation and protecting cultural sites.
• Website: www.prcno.org
2. HousingNOLA
• Focuses on preventing displacement and promoting affordable housing.
• Website: www.housingnola.org
3. The Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans (MaCCNO)
• Advocates for musicians, performers, and live music venues.
• Website: www.maccno.com
4. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation
• Supports local musicians and funds cultural preservation projects.
• Website: www.jazzandheritage.org
5. New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission
• Protects historic buildings and neighborhoods.
• Website: www.nola.gov/hdlc
6. Louisiana Landmarks Society
• Advocates for historic preservation and sustainable development.
• Website: www.louisianalandmarks.org
7. Friends of Lafitte Greenway
• Works on sustainable green spaces and protecting cultural landscapes.
• Website: www.lafittegreenway.org
8. Airbnb Watch New Orleans
• A watchdog group advocating for stricter regulations on short-term rentals.
• Website: www.airbnbwatch.org
9. Treme Cultural Consortium
• Works on preserving the history and culture of Treme, the oldest Black neighborhood in America.
• Website: www.tremeheritage.org
10. Ashe Cultural Arts Center

• A Black-led organization supporting artists, musicians, and community events.
• Website: www.ashecac.org

Outside Success Stories

1. Vienna, Austria – Protecting Historic Neighborhoods
• What Worked: Vienna restricted corporate development in historic areas, keeping rents affordable for locals.
• Lesson for New Orleans: Implementing heritage protection zoning laws can preserve cultural identity.
2. New Orleans, LA – Local Musician Support & Preservation Programs
• What Worked: Programs like the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic support local artists with healthcare & financial assistance.
• Lesson for New Orleans: Expanding financial support & policy protections for artists can sustain cultural traditions.

On this page

• Cultural and Preservation Challenges
• History of the Challenge
• How We Got to the Present Moment
• Current Data on the Issue
• Possible Solutions
• Preserving Historic Neighborhoods & Preventing Displacement
• Protecting Music, Arts & Local Businesses
• Historic & Environmental Preservation
• Cultural Preservation & Community Control
• Organizations Actively Working on These Solutions
• Outside Success Stories