Real Estate

By Jak Harris In a city where culture flows from the streets and community is everything, the most radical act we can commit in 2025 is simple: ownership. Ownership of property. Ownership of business.   Ownership of voice. For too long, New Orleanians—especially in Black, working-class, and historically disinvested neighborhoods—have been told to wait: wait for better jobs, for better housing, for outside investment to “lift up” our communities. But if the past two decades ha

By J.A.K. Harris New Orleans is a city that wears its history on its sleeve. Our architecture tells stories—of Creole culture, French colonialism, Black resilience, and economic booms and busts. But while we should protect what makes this city special, we must also ask: At what point does historic preservation become historic obstruction? Right now, our historic landmark commissions—responsible for safeguarding the visual and cultural identity of New Orleans— are operating as

By J.A.K. Harris New Orleans understands what it means to rebuild. From Katrina to economic downturns, this city has proven its resilience time and again. But as investment surges across our neighborhoods, we need to take a hard look at what kind of growth we’re really encouraging—and whether it strengthens our communities or slowly erodes them. As a real estate professional and lifelong New Orleanian, I’ve seen how development can be a force for good—or a wrecking ball. The

New Orleans thrives on its culture, character, and close-knit neighborhoods. But as short-term rentals continue to grow, we face a challenge: how do we protect the spirit of our communities without cutting off opportunities for residents and small property owners?