Webre Consulting

07/30/2026

Let's talk about removing barriers to development.

A recent report by H,R,&A makes one thing crystal clear: ANY type of development requires subsidy. Not just affordable housing. All development.

Construction costs are astronomical. Insurance keeps climbing. Development requires real commitment from elected officials—not just in words, but in action.

Blocking development doesn’t fix a budget deficit. Development begets more development and results in more money in our coffers. Short-term reactions don't create long-term solutions.

Thriving cities and states incentivize development. They support trusted, local developers. That's smart business. That's how to build a thriving city.

Nicole Webre

07/22/2026

City Council voted YES on the Rivana PILOT. It’s been 7 years in the making since we formed our team River District Neighborhood Investors.

The first Class A office building (Shell USA) in almost 40 years is constructed and interior buildout underway. The Rivana will be first residential component at the River District and set to start construction this year. Almost a decade of work and counting!

We are local. We are residents and voters too.

My River District partners and I have a track record of doing what we say we’re going to do. Reputation matters. Community matters.

This is about building homes for the people who keep this city running. ⚜️

Nicole Webre Lesli Harris for District B

07/15/2026

Vacant since Hurricane Katrina.

The former Mercy Hospital (Lindy Boggs Medical Center) is one of the top five biggest eyesores in the city of New Orleans—and the Mid-City neighborhood is ready to see it go.

Last week Nicole Webre hosted and led a successful neighborhood meeting in coordination with the development and construction team. Demolition is set to begin this month and the meeting was well-attended by many nearby residents and business owners. Once demo is complete, then work begins to convert the basement into a (4) million-gallon stormwater retention facility that reduces flooding in the neighborhood. Mixed-use development to follow.

And here's the best part: Parkway Bakery and Tavern's Justin Kennedy isn't just cheering from the sidelines. He's committed to feeding the demolition crew, keeping them nourished to get the job done. That's community right there.

This is adaptive reuse. This is innovative thinking. This is how you turn former blighted properties into community assets. And it's how you elevate a neighborhood. (Video cred: WWLTV)

07/10/2026

IT HAPPENED! 🎉

City Council voted YES on the Rivana PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes). 220 affordable homes. $100 million investment. Riverfront land that’s sat vacant for decades now becomes housing for working families.

Rents capped for 40 years. Public loses no revenue. Gains a neighborhood.

A decade of work. Today, it paid off. Groundbreaking this summer.

This is what it looks like when the city commits to affordable housing.

07/02/2026

Gibbs Construction has helped shape New Orleans' skyline—from the Caesars Superdome to Smoothie King Center to Louis Armstrong Airport. After 50 years, they're receiving well-deserved recognition for it.

Congratulations to Lauren Gibbs and the entire team on this milestone! Webre is proud to partner with you on Rivana and the River District. The groundbreaking this year is going to be transformational for our city.

Here's to the next 50. 🏗️

Read the full story: https://loom.ly/kujq18M

Since 1976, Gibbs Construction has been instrumental in shaping New Orleans' landmarks with a focus on talent development, embracing technology, and community impact.

06/30/2026

Last week at the New Orleans City Council’s Economic Development Committee meeting we discussed barriers to development and why incentives are necessary. The HR&A Report commissioned by the council makes it clear: ANY type of development in New Orleans requires subsidy. Not just affordable housing. ALL development.

So tax incentives like PILOTs (Payment-in-lieu-of taxes) aren't “give-aways”.They're acknowledging reality. Development requires real commitment. Blocking development doesn't fix a budget deficit. Flourishing cities partner with their developers and incentivize development. Investing in development begets more development (economic growth) and results in more money in our city’s coffer.

Nicole Webre

06/24/2026

When we talk about affordable housing we’re talking about residents who keep the city running, who make $15-$30 an hour. In order to live comfortably in the city of New Orleans, an individual must make OVER $86,000 and a family with two kids must have an annual income of $201,000 (SmartAsset.com).

Today at the New Orleans City Council Economic Development Committee Meeting, we laid out why the River District’s Rivana, 220 units of affordable apartments set to start construction THIS YEAR, requires a PILOT (Payment In-Lieu-Of Taxes) which has been in the works for over two (2) years.

06/12/2026

Great news from Tuesday’s City Planning Commission hearing:
City Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval on a conditional use for a Neighborhood Commercial Establishment at 139 Broadway and Leake Avenue. A Neighborhood Commercial Establishment (NCE) allows for limited commercial use in smaller commercial spaces that were originally constructed for commercial use.

The future tenant will be a beloved dog groomer 🐶🐾 who has many clients already in the neighborhood. This is a great example of how historic neighborhood businesses work in residential urban areas. A neighborhood business has operated at the building for over 100 years and Tuesday’s vote further supports that businesses will continue to operate there for another 100+ years.

Next step is City Council public hearing and vote in July.

Local businesses serving local people. A building that's been commercial for over a century will keep serving its neighborhood. The 100-year legacy continues. City Council holds the final public hearing and vote in July, but Tuesday’s unanimous CPC recommendation is huge momentum.

Because sometimes zoning isn't about blocking things. It's about protecting exactly what you want more of, neighborhoods that feel like home.

Nicole Webre New Orleans City Planning Commission

06/04/2026

The North America's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony happened last week, right here in New Orleans!

Chefs from across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean gathered in our city celebrating culinary excellence. But the momentum doesn't stop at award-winning restaurants. New spots like 762 Coffee + Cocktails are part of that same energy. Local entrepreneurs building the next chapter.

That kind of cultural moment requires infrastructure - permitting, licensing, development. At Webre Consulting, we handle that behind-the-scenes work that makes these success stories possible.

Congrats to Dakar, Emeril's, and Acamaya. Here's to the next generation! 🍽️⚜️ Nicole Webre

05/26/2026

Let's clear up some Restoration Tax Abatement myths:

MYTH: 'RTA is only for historic buildings.'
REALITY: It's for ANY existing older structure in designated districts. Historic, downtown, or economic development zones qualify.
MYTH: 'The paperwork is too complicated.'
REALITY: It requires advance notification before starting work, but that's what consultants like Webre exist for. We handle the process.
MYTH: 'It's a tax break for rich developers.'
REALITY: RTA works for homeowners AND commercial developers. Owner-occupied residences qualify too.
MYTH: 'The city loses tax revenue forever.'
REALITY: After 10 years, properties pay full taxes based on improved value. Plus, renovated buildings generate economic activity immediately.
MYTH: 'You can't make money with RTA.'
REALITY: RTA exists BECAUSE it makes projects financially viable that otherwise wouldn't pencil out. That's the whole point.

Bottom line: RTA is a tool that works. It saves historic buildings, improves neighborhoods, and makes renovation math work.

Nicole Webre