Rebuilding New Orleans
Patrick Phillips, President of ERA, recently played a key role on a high-profile panel organized by the Urban Land Institute. Patrick served as Chairman of the Economic Development expert team, one of five teams formed by the Urban Land Institute on behalf of Mayor Ray Nagin’s Bring Back New Orleans Commission. The ULI Panel's recommendations have been hailed as most comprehensive and detailed vision yet set forth for the Crescent City's recovery. Over 50 ULI members and staff spent several weeks collecting data, listening to local stakeholders, and intensively debating the most appropriate course of action over a 10-day site visit. Recommendations were organized into five major categories: economic development, government efficiency, infrastructure, urban planning and design, and housing.
Separately, Cheryl Baxter, Senior Vice President in ERA's Chicago office, was a participant with Walter Isaacson, vice chair of the Louisiana Redevelopment Authority, as part of the US Chamber of Commerce's initiative to create a business strategy to rebuild the Gulf Coast. Cheryl's panel identified funding needs, innovative financing tools, and potential housing program options.
Midge McCauley, Principal in ERA’s Washington, DC office was appointed to The Advsiory Group of the AIA Retail and Entertainment Knowledge Community comprised of 5 people, mainly architects. The AIA views the Knowledge Communities to be very important to the professional growth of its members; "information is something that can be communicated, but it is knowledge that creates the possibility for action."
Ms. McCauley was also recently elected for a term of three years to the Board of the International Downtown Association, a 50 year old organization who’s mission is to serve as the principal resource and leading advocate for vital and livable downtowns.
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