Episode 14: Advocacy and Planning in Historic Cities with Erin Holmes

In this week’s episode I interview Erin Holmes, the Executive Director of the Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents and Associates. Through her role as the Executive Director of the VCPORA and as the previous Advocacy Coordinator for the Preservation Resource Center, Erin fights for the historic integrity of New Orleans; her passion for advocacy shows in her commitment to making the city a better place for both tourists and locals. Erin and I discuss the work the VCPORA does to “maintain the French Quarter as a living, breathing neighborhood in addition to being a major economic driver in the city and state.” On a daily basis the VCPORA contends with issues such as short term rentals and sustainable tourism management.

The VCPORA has accomplished many deeds in it’s 85 year history including saving the Upper Pontalba Building, stopping the construction of the Riverfront Expressway, and helping create the Vieux Carre Commission. They work primarily as an advocacy and neighborhood organization in the French Quarter. The French Quarter is a National Historic Landmark, one of only 2,500 in the country.

Learn more about the Claiborne Overpass or the Riverfront Expressway

More information about short term rentals in New Orleans