We sat with Pres Kabacoff & Peter Gardner to learn more
Why it matters:
New Orleans is on the brink of transformation. While every great city faces challenges, the magic of New Orleans lies in its ability to rise, reimagine, and reinvent. This week, KW New Orleans had the honor of hosting developer and civic visionary Pres Kabacoff to discuss the bold, actionable ideas behind the City Services Coalition—a movement committed to building a more efficient, livable, and opportunity-rich New Orleans.
Our guest:
Pres Kabacoff, co-founder of HRI Properties and a post-Katrina redevelopment leader, joined KW New Orleans’ Jeffrey Doussan Jr. to break down what’s really possible when smart people come together with a shared mission: make New Orleans work better—for everyone.
The Moment: A City Ready for Renewal
Yes, New Orleans has hurdles—from aging infrastructure to outdated systems—but these aren’t signs of failure. They’re signals of opportunity. Kabacoff reminded us that the city’s deep cultural roots and entrepreneurial spirit make it a prime candidate for a breakthrough. The question isn’t “Can New Orleans improve?”—it’s “Who’s going to lead the way?”
“People love this city,” Kabacoff said. “Let’s give them every reason to stay and invest in it.”
The Blueprint: Real Reform, Not Just Rhetoric
The City Services Coalition—a diverse team of more than 30 civic, business, and community leaders—has created a 216-page plan for reimagining city operations. It’s not theory. It’s practical, data-backed, and ready to implement.
Key priorities include:
- Turning the Sewerage & Water Board into a model of accountability.
- Centralizing HR and IT for smarter hiring and performance.
- Modernizing permitting to support faster closings and clearer communication.
- Empowering city leadership to operate with transparency and efficiency—without political gridlock.
Read the full report here.
The Vision: Systems That Outlast Politics
New Orleans doesn’t need perfect leaders—it needs resilient systems. The Coalition’s approach draws inspiration from cities like Pittsburgh and D.C., showing how structural reform can create a city that works, no matter who’s in office.
This isn’t about temporary fixes. It’s about laying the foundation for long-term growth.
The Opportunity for REALTORS®
Here’s the truth: when New Orleans wins, so do REALTORS®.
- Efficient permitting means smoother transactions.
- Stronger infrastructure supports higher property values.
- A safe, reliable city attracts more buyers, renters, and investors.
KW New Orleans doesn’t just market homes—we champion the communities around them. Our team sees first-hand how city systems shape the daily realities of our clients, and we’re proud to be part of a coalition that’s pushing for a more responsive, equitable New Orleans.
How You Can Make an Impact
Here’s how the real estate community can step up and lead:
- Read the 10-page plan summary here.
- Ask the candidates where they stand. The upcoming elections matter—make them count.
- Sign the petition. Let’s show that REALTORS® and residents alike are ready for real reform.
- Keep the conversation going. Every open house, listing appointment, or neighborhood meeting is a chance to advocate for a better city.
“This city is worth saving,” Kabacoff said. “But it’s going to take courage, coordination, and commitment.”
At KW New Orleans, we’re all in.
We’ll keep creating spaces where important conversations happen. We’ll keep showing up for our neighborhoods—not just to sell homes, but to shape the future of the city we love.