This week at KW New Orleans, we had the honor of welcoming Alexis Marceaux, Director of Community Programming for the Lafitte Greenway Partnership. If her name sounds familiar, it might be from a stage rather than a podium—Alexis is also a beloved New Orleans musician known for her band Sweet Crude and iconic performances as Alanis Morissette at Bayou Boogaloo.
But beyond the music, Alexis plays a powerful role in shaping the future of our city. As a leader at the Greenway Partnership, she’s helping transform an old railroad corridor into one of New Orleans’ most dynamic public spaces—blending history, health, culture, and climate resilience all in one 2.6-mile linear park.
More Than a Trail—It’s a Connector
The Lafitte Greenway is far more than a bike and pedestrian path. It’s an evolving corridor that links neighborhoods, transit, parks, and people. Over 500,000 people use it each year, and the number keeps rising. Locals commute by bike, walk their dogs, take workout classes, shop at farmers markets, or enjoy music festivals along its stretch.
Alexis described it best: “The Greenway is the ultimate connector.”
But when the trail was first built in 2015, it didn’t get to finish the job. The original vision was to link the French Quarter all the way to City Park, but the final half-mile—cut short by budget constraints—never materialized.
That’s changing now.
Trail Completion is Back on Track
Thanks to a new $4.5 million federal grant, the Greenway will finally reach its full potential. The extension will connect to Delgado Community College, City Park, and the RTA transit center, dramatically increasing its reach.
Currently in the design and community engagement phase, the team is working with local residents, business owners, and the rail company to finalize plans. Construction could begin as soon as Fall 2026, a full decade after the trail first opened.
Pedestrian Safety, Public Health & Climate Action
Alexis walked us through other major projects the Greenway has taken on:
- Pedestrian bridges are making it safer to cross from neighborhoods across active streets and canals—especially near Broad and Claiborne.
- A football field near Claiborne has been built using recycled Super Bowl turf, donated in partnership with the NFL and NORD.
- With help from SOUL NOLA, the Greenway has now planted 565 native bald cypress trees, helping to manage stormwater and fight heat. The goal is 1,000 trees over the next few years.
- Rain gardens, bioswales, and green infrastructure now help absorb flooding, reducing pressure on city drainage systems.
All of these initiatives help New Orleans become a more climate-resilient, people-centered city.
Art, Music & Local Culture Take Center Stage
As a musician herself, Alexis is passionate about using the Greenway as a launchpad for local talent. Through community events like the Crescent City Farmers Market, youth music showcases, and the annual Supernova light art festival, the Greenway has helped dozens of young musicians grow from neighborhood shows to headlining spots at Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest.
Supernova, now entering its 6th year, features light-based installations, live music, and family activities every December. It’s become a must-see experience in New Orleans’ cultural calendar.
Economic Development with Equity in Mind
One of the most exciting updates? The Greenway Economic Development District passed in 2024.
This new tax district means that businesses, developments, and real estate projects benefiting from the Greenway’s presence will eventually contribute back to the space itself through tax increment financing (TIF). It’s a long-term plan that could fund improvements, public art, safety infrastructure, and maintenance for years to come.
Already, the Greenway has attracted over $360 million in adjacent real estate investment. This new model ensures that as the area grows, it does so equitably—with funds cycling back into public use.
How You Can Support the Greenway
Whether you’re a resident, real estate agent, developer, or business owner, there are real ways to get involved:
- Attend events like:
- Sweet Crude’s benefit concert at Broadside
- Movies in the Park
- Free “Get Fit” classes throughout the year
- Supernova in December
- Volunteer on the 4th Saturday of each month. Plant trees, clean up litter, or help maintain the trail with other community members.
- Sponsor a trail banner for your business. For $2,500/year, your company can gain daily visibility from thousands of passersby Click here to view Alexis Marceaux’s full Greenway presentation (PDF)while directly supporting community programming.
- Donate or become a member at lafittegreenway.org.
See the Full Presentation
Click here to view Alexis Marceaux’s full Greenway presentation (PDF): https://kwneworleans.kw.com/blog/alexis-marceaux-on-the-greenways-next-chapter-how-a-trail-is-transforming-new-orleans
At KW New Orleans, we talk often about “selling New Orleans.” But that also means celebrating the stories, spaces, and people who make this city worth living in. The Lafitte Greenway is one of New Orleans’ most powerful public success stories—a blueprint for urban resilience, connection, and culture.
Thank you to Alexis Marceaux for not only sharing updates with us—but showing us what’s possible when public space is treated as public good.