New Orleans is booming, so thank you, Atlanta

Thank you Atlanta, for your love and support of one of America’s most resilient and culturally unique cities, New Orleans. Hurricane season started June 1 and we are confident and better prepared. Our hurricane protection system is the best it has ever been. Citizens can sign up for free hurricane evacuation services by simply dialing 311.

We will never forget when many of you moved with real compassion for us in our time of need. As Atlantans and Americans, you saw us struggle in a flooded American city and were stirred to action. You prayed for us. You volunteered and gave money. You took in strangers from New Orleans and eased our pain. You wrote letters to editors. You called your congressmen.

As a result, federal dollars are finally flowing and New Orleans is recovering her balance. This August will be Katrina’s fourth anniversary. The number four metaphysically signifies balance and completion.

Unfortunately, the truth of our recovery is too often hidden by misinformation. For example, on the question of pace, I asked Dr. Ed Blakely, our internationally experienced recovery czar, to compare us to other disasters. He discovered an average recovery’s duration is 10 to 15 years. The postwar recovery of Tokyo lasted 25 years, rebuilding after the Los Angeles riots took 10 years and New York’s rebuilding from the terrorist attacks of 9/11 is approaching eight years.

Today, as New Orleans approaches this anniversary, our economy and tax base are strong. Job growth is above national average. Our unemployment rate is among the lowest in the country. Downtown office occupancies are high. We also have more fine dining restaurants than pre-Katrina.

Our population makeup of returned residents, newcomers and migrant workers exceeds 80 percent of pre-Katrina. Our neighborhoods are stronger with the success of our target zone strategy. Blakely identified 17 key areas of focus. For every $1 of city resources invested, the private sector invests $188.

More than $20 billion of citywide construction projects are either in final design or under construction. Close to $1 billion of streets are being repaired. Parks, playgrounds and schools are being rebuilt. Two state-of-the-art research and teaching hospitals are being developed near downtown. The Superdome is practically brand new and we were recently awarded our 10th Super Bowl for 2013.

Finally, our post-Katrina accomplishments are getting noticed. Business Week ranks New Orleans as one of the best cities to ride out the national recession, Money Magazine has us as the sixth-fastest-growing real estate market, and Outside Magazine rates us as one of the 20 best towns to live in.

With your help, New Orleans is experiencing an unprecedented economic boom predicted to last the next seven-plus years. We still have challenges but we are among the best-positioned cities in America. You helped us heal and regain our balance.

C. Ray Nagin is mayor of New Orleans.