New Orleans, nicknamed the "Big Easy," is a melting pot of French, African and American culture and is known for its vibrant and unique music scene, round-the-clock nightlife, and distinctive cuisine. Key industries include petrochemical and hospitality. In recent years, however, there has been significant growth in the biomedical, digital media and technology sectors. The city's urban population is nearing a million.
The city has a relatively lower cost of living than the other American cities, making it more attractive for young talent.
The city performs less well in Urban Management and Governance and requires immediate action to develop more climate resilient systems. Hurricane Katrina devasted the city's economy, resulting in loss of human life as well as massive financial losses for the city. An inability to recover saw the city's credit rating plummet from AAA to BBB-. Investment in climate action and preparedness will help the city withstand future shocks.
