Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, St. Bernard Parish has moved beyond recovery and into a period of intentional growth. The parish that once focused almost entirely on rebuilding homes and infrastructure is now focused on rebuilding opportunity. As 2025 came to a close, economic development efforts in St. Bernard reflected a community that has learned from the past and is actively planning for the future.
In the years immediately following Katrina, the priority was clear and urgent: Bring residents back home. Housing, utilities and basic services had to be restored before any broader economic vision could take shape. Today, much of that foundational work has been done. The focus has shifted to jobs, small businesses, workforce readiness and long-term financial stability for residents who chose to stay or return.
One of the most visible signs of this shift in 2025 was the opening of the St. Claude Collective. Located in St. Bernard Parish, the collective is Louisiana’s first and only free coworking space for entrepreneurs. It was created to remove common barriers that prevent people from starting or growing a business, including the cost of office space and limited access to professional resources. Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners now have a dedicated workspace, educational programming, and opportunities to collaborate at no cost. The goals are straightforward: Make it easier to build a business in St. Bernard Parish and create reasons for people to stay.
Workforce and small business development continue to be central to the parish’s economic strategy. Throughout 2025, St. Bernard Parish and the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation worked with regional partners to expand training, technical assistance, and one-on-one support for both employers and entrepreneurs. These efforts help local businesses find and retain talent while giving residents access to career pathways that offer stability and upward mobility.
Housing and real estate education also emerged as a major focus this year, especially as rising insurance costs and inflation continue to strain homeowners across Louisiana. In response, SBEDF partnered with local broker Mike Fernandez of Arpent Realty to launch the Real Estate Investor Series. The series brings experienced professionals to St. Bernard Parish to speak directly to the public about how to lower homeowners insurance costs, invest in real estate, finance development projects, and better understand today’s market. The emphasis is on practical information that residents can use immediately.
The Real Estate Investor Series is closely tied to SBEDF’s post-Katrina mission of bringing people back home to St. Bernard Parish and helping keep people in Louisiana at a time when the state is facing significant population loss. By promoting local ownership and informed investment, the program helps residents protect their assets, participate in the parish’s growth, and build long-term financial security and generational wealth.
Another major milestone in 2025 was the opening of the St. Bernard Prosperity Center through a partnership between SBEDF, United Way of Southeast Louisiana and the Community Center of St. Bernard. The Prosperity Center expands access to essential financial support services for residents, including financial literacy classes, budgeting and credit-building education, free tax preparation, benefits screenings, and referrals to additional resources. The center is designed to meet residents where they are and provide tools that strengthen household stability and economic resilience.
As St. Bernard Parish moves forward in 2026, the focus is on steady, sustainable growth that improves quality of life. Economic development leaders are prioritizing entrepreneurship, workforce development, housing stability and financial empowerment, while ensuring that growth remains rooted in the community.
Two decades after Katrina, St. Bernard Parish is defined not by what it lost, but by the people who stayed, returned and continue to invest in its future. With practical programs, accessible resources, and a clear vision, the parish enters 2026 with momentum, purpose and a renewed commitment to shared prosperity.
Meaghan McCormack is CEO of the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation. She may be reached via email at mmccormack@sbedf.org.
