Bureau of Governmental Research
Coverage of Bureau of Governmental Research in the Nexus archive.
- Digital Engineering welcomes Kazem Alikhani, P.E., as Principal Advisor
Digital Engineering (DE) has appointed Kazem Alikhani, P.E., as Principal Advisor. Alikhani brings over 45 years of infrastructure experience, including executive roles in public and private sectors, leadership in post-Hurricane Katrina recovery, and oversight of major infrastructure projects in Southeast Louisiana. At DE, he will focus on strategic planning and mentoring engineers.
- New Orleans City Council advances Omni hotel project, signals approval on tax break
The New Orleans City Council advanced the $600 million Omni hotel project by approving a zoning change to bypass height regulations. The project, led by the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, seeks tax incentives including a revised PILOT agreement that includes job commitments and local hiring requirements. Despite opposition from state officials, hospitality workers, and watchdog groups, the council approved the zoning change without dissent.
- As Omni project advances, hospitality workers express doubts
New Orleans' Ernest N. Morial Convention Center seeks $265 million in tax incentives for a $600 million Omni hotel to boost tourism and compete for events like the 2031 Super Bowl. The project faces delays due to legislative concerns over public subsidies and opposition from unionized hospitality workers who demand guaranteed benefits.