Port of New Orleans receives national planning award

Port NOLA President & CEO, Brandy D. Christian and Port NOLA director of sustainable development, Amelia Pellegrin, accepting the award

The Port of New Orleans’ (Port NOLA) Strategic Master Plan, has earned a Silver 2019 National Planning Achievement Award for Economic Development Planning from the American Planning Association (APA) for identifying and seizing upon economic growth opportunities.

“Being recognized by a distinguished planning body like the American Planning Association is an honor and validation that we as an agency are on the right course,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA president & CEO. “Our role as a port is to plan and build the infrastructure to drive commerce and create jobs for our region. In an economy with limited public resources, it is absolutely vital to have a clear vision and strategic roadmap to remain competitive now and 100 years from now.”

Port NOLA also received the Plan Excellence Award in October from the APA’s Louisiana Chapter for its strategic master plan, which is a bold vision to deliver significant, sustained economic benefit throughout the Port’s three-parish jurisdiction – Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes.

At the plan’s core, and key to its success, is collaborative partnership with a wide range of stakeholders. Throughout the planning process, the Port invited the participation of its tenants, carriers, customers, Federal, State and local elected officials, economic development and civic leaders, and neighbors — residents who rely on the Port for family-supporting jobs.

“The Port Authority recognized the importance of strategic collaboration to bolster the economic strength of the region,” said Wendy Shabay, AICP, 2019 Awards jury chair. “It demonstrated how the Port is an important economic engine for the city, and how to work together for a common good by breaking down perceived barriers.”

Related content

Leave a reply

Tea & Coffee Trade Journal