Why it matters
At KW New Orleans, we don’t just sell real estate. We build community, share leadership perspectives, and shape the future of our city. This week, our team had the privilege of hosting Aimee McCarron, candidate for New Orleans City Council District A, in a powerful conversation on leadership, infrastructure, housing, and business growth in the city we love.
The big picture
Aimee McCarron is no stranger to hard work or hard choices. From her roots in the local restaurant scene to her leadership at the City Council Budget Committee, Aimee brings both financial expertise and a deeply personal mission:
“I want my kids to have the choice to live here when they grow up,” she said.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Aimee is a mother of twins, a former financial advisor, and currently serves as Policy and Budget Director for Councilmember Joe Giarrusso. Her career has taken her from the back of the house at Reginelli’s to the front lines of city government, advocating for smarter budgeting, more efficient services, and stronger community partnerships.
The U-Haul Shift
New Orleans has been experiencing a noticeable trend: more residents are leaving than arriving. But Aimee has ideas to flip that narrative.
“We saw what happened with the Super Bowl. When we work together, things move fast. We need that level of coordination all the time, not just when ESPN shows up,” she explained.
She proposes a citywide “expediter” system—a business-minded approach to keep departments accountable, projects on track, and public services operating with urgency. Think of it like a general contractor for the city.
Workforce & permitting
One major takeaway? It’s not always about the money.
“Hiring isn’t a budget issue. It’s a leadership one,” said McCarron.
From slow hiring pipelines to permitting delays, Aimee emphasized that solving these issues starts with city leadership investing in people and creating systems that empower—not stall—progress.
Housing, STRs & overlays
From short-term rentals to overlays and property taxes, McCarron recognizes the complexities of land use and affordability.
- On STRs: She supports the current structure but is listening. McCarron acknowledged that while the current residential short-term rental regulations seem to strike a balance for now, she understands that the landscape is evolving. She emphasized the need for consistent enforcement and expressed a willingness to revisit policies if the community voices strong concerns or if legal challenges continue to drain city resources. “If the majority of neighbors want change, I’m open to hearing them out,” she said.
- On overlays: She wants smarter planning, not reactive policy. McCarron acknowledged that while overlays have been used to address urgent community concerns, their overuse or misuse can create confusion, hinder investment, and alienate stakeholders. She advocates for a more thoughtful, inclusive process that includes community input and long-term strategy over quick fixes. “We need to bring everyone to the table—residents, planners, and business owners—before we make decisions that impact neighborhoods for decades,” she emphasized.
- On property tax exemptions: She supports equitable drainage fees for major nonprofits and a reassessment of long-term impacts on neighborhoods. Aimee noted that while institutions like universities and churches provide value to the community, they also utilize city services, particularly drainage, at a higher rate. She believes in exploring alternative funding mechanisms such as a drainage fee to ensure fair contributions without overburdening residents. “Everyone needs to help carry the load if we’re going to maintain our infrastructure,” she said.
“If we’re changing the rules constantly, no one wants to invest here. That has to change,” she said.
Streets & solutions
The city is facing an $800 million shortfall on FEMA-funded road repairs, with $300 million of that impacting District A alone. McCarron didn’t shy away from the challenge. She called for:
- Transparent priority-setting for which streets get fixed
- Better DPW & Sewerage & Water Board coordination
- A possible new bond proposition for infrastructure in fall 2025
She also encouraged agents and residents to get involved: “You know where the worst roads are. Tell us. Advocate. We’ll listen.”
Bottom line
KW New Orleans was honored to host Aimee McCarron. Her candid, energetic, and solutions-driven approach is a reminder that leadership matters at every level—and real estate professionals are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution.
We sell homes. We build neighborhoods. And we bring leaders to the table.
Want to be part of a brokerage where we talk about the real issues affecting New Orleans? Join us at KW New Orleans.
Want to connect? Reach out to our leadership team at (504) 862-0100 or visit careers.kwrno.com to learn more about how we do real estate differently.