The United States spends more on healthcare than any other high-income nation, yet life expectancy is declining. Americans spend roughly $3.5 trillion annually on healthcare, and an estimated 85% of that spending goes toward chronic illnesses that are largely preventable. At the same time, the United States ranks just 27th among high-income nations for economic mobility, with opportunities for upward mobility stagnating since 1980.
What happened to the “land of opportunity”? Something isn’t working.
On a state level, the picture is even more challenging. Louisiana ranks last among U.S. states for health outcomes, with these burdens falling disproportionately on Black and Brown communities. New Orleans consistently ranks among the lowest U.S. cities for upward economic mobility, and income inequality remains stark. In 2024, the highest earners in New Orleans made nearly eight times more than the lowest earners — one of the widest income gaps in the nation.
For decades, statewide economic development strategies have focused on attracting companies, creating jobs and offering tax incentives. Yet many companies today struggle to find workers, residents continue to leave the state, and shrinking tax revenues limit our ability to invest in the infrastructure and services that support long-term prosperity.
So, what comes next?
LifeCity, in collaboration with the Regional Sustainability Committee — representing more than 25 local civic organizations — recently released the first biennial Love Your City New Orleans State of Sustainability Report. The report offers a community-driven assessment of our city’s progress and highlights key opportunities to strengthen New Orleans’ long-term resilience.
While New Orleans faces profound challenges — from coastal land loss to rising costs of living — it is also a city defined by extraordinary social capital. The civic pride, grassroots leadership and cross-sector collaboration that define this community are powerful assets. The report builds on that strength by offering a systemic look at the conditions shaping our city’s future.
Three core findings emerged. First, equitable access must be at the center of sustainability.
It is impossible to build a truly sustainable community if large portions of the population cannot access essential resources. Healthcare, housing and energy costs place heavy burdens on many New Orleans households, limiting economic mobility and participation in sustainable solutions, from recycling to housing and clean energy.
Second, investing in children and nature secures long-term prosperity. Upstream investments in early childhood education, strong public schools and environmental resilience produce long-term economic benefits. Research shows that regions with stronger schools, lower income inequality and less segregation experience higher economic mobility and lower crime rates. Strengthening our education systems not only supports families, it helps attract businesses, build a stronger workforce and reduce long-term healthcare costs. We must address the elephant in the room: White students have better access to high quality schools than Black students, and this is a problem for all of us.
Third, stronger collaboration and trust will accelerate progress.
New Orleans has extraordinary civic energy, but too often our efforts occur in silos. Greater transparency, collaboration and partnership among government, business and community organizations can help align resources and scale solutions that benefit the entire city, not just special interest groups.
Most importantly, many of the steps needed to move forward do not require massive new spending. They require alignment, cooperation and courageous leadership.
At a time when New Orleans faces one of the most significant municipal budget deficits in recent memory, our greatest asset remains the connective tissue of this community: the networks of residents, organizations, businesses and institutions committed to building a better future — and the trust between them that can unite us all.
This moment calls for leadership that recognizes a simple truth: When we invest early — in our children, our communities, and the natural systems that protect us — we reduce long-term costs and strengthen our collective resilience. We can be more than resilient — we can plan for the future.
Ensuring every child has access to a strong education, every neighborhood has access to clean energy and green space, and every resident has the opportunity to thrive is not only a moral imperative. It is also a sound economic strategy.
As we mark Earth Day this April, the State of Sustainability Report invites all of us — business leaders, policymakers, and residents alike — to imagine new partnerships, new solutions, and new pathways toward a more resilient New Orleans.
Our future depends on it.
Liz Shephard is the founder and CEO of LifeCity. Since 2011, LifeCity has helped businesses track, report and market their positive community impact. She may be reached via email at Liz@MyLifeCity.com.
