The New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors (NOMAR) will host its 15th annual Economic and Real Estate Forecast Symposium on October 16, 2025. The full-day event, held at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, will bring together industry leaders to discuss the future of the Gulf South property market under the theme, "Breaking Ground: The Emergence of a New Economy."
Presented by NOMAR and its Commercial Investment Division (CID), the symposium aims to provide critical insights into the economic forces shaping residential and commercial real estate. The event will feature analysis from seasoned professionals, including commercial real estate specialist Paul Richard and public policy expert Michael Sherman.
Key Takeaways
- Event: The 15th annual Economic and Real Estate Forecast Symposium.
- Date and Location: October 16, 2025, at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center.
- Host: New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors (NOMAR).
- Theme: "Breaking Ground: The Emergence of a New Economy," focusing on future trends in the Gulf South.
- Featured Speakers: Includes Paul Richard of NAI Rampart and Michael Sherman of Sherman Strategies.
Annual Symposium to Tackle Economic Shifts
For fifteen years, the Economic and Real Estate Forecast Symposium has served as a key event for professionals seeking to understand the trajectory of the Gulf South's property markets. This year's conference is scheduled to provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities facing the region.
The theme, "Breaking Ground: The Emergence of a New Economy," suggests discussions will move beyond traditional market analysis. Experts are expected to explore how technological advancements, new financing models, and evolving public policies are creating a different economic landscape for real estate developers, investors, and agents.
According to organizers, the full-day schedule is designed to equip attendees with forward-looking data and strategic knowledge. The symposium is presented by NOMAR's Commercial Investment Division (CID), which focuses on the specialized needs of the commercial real estate sector in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Spotlight on Keynote Speakers and Experts
The symposium will feature a roster of speakers with deep expertise in both the private and public sectors. Their combined experience offers a multi-faceted view of the market, covering everything from complex financial transactions to the intricacies of governmental policy. Two of the highlighted speakers are Paul Richard and Michael Sherman.
Paul Richard on Community-Driven Development
Paul Richard, a member of the NOMAR Symposium committee, brings decades of commercial real estate experience to the discussion. He works in commercial sales and leasing for NAI Rampart, previously known as NAI Latter & Blum Commercial Real Estate, where he has been an associate since 1988.
His work centers on the Greater New Orleans area, with a specialized focus on multi-family housing, investment properties, and the acquisition and disposition of public and parochial school properties. He has extensive experience working with the Orleans, Jefferson, and Plaquemines Parish School Boards, as well as the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Understanding Tax-Credit Financing
Paul Richard's work often involves complex financial structures that leverage government incentives to fund development. These include New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), Historic Tax Credits (HTC), and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). These programs are designed to encourage private investment in historically significant buildings, affordable housing, and economically distressed communities.
Since Hurricane Katrina, Richard has concentrated on projects that utilize layered financing and public-private partnerships (P-3s). He is a vocal advocate for affordable housing and innovative design, guided by a professional philosophy he describes as “doing well by doing good!” His deep local roots and commitment to New Orleans provide a unique perspective on the region's redevelopment.
Michael Sherman on Policy and Governance
Michael Sherman, another featured speaker, will provide insights from his extensive background in law, government, and academia. As the founder of Sherman Strategies, LLC, he advises clients on navigating complex governmental and regulatory environments.
Sherman's public sector experience includes serving as executive counsel and director of intergovernmental affairs for former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. In these roles, he was a key legal advisor in the mayor's office and managed the city's strategic interactions with state and federal governments, as well as local boards and commissions.
"Understanding the interplay between government policy and real estate development is crucial for navigating the market effectively. Legislative and regulatory decisions can significantly influence land use, project viability, and investment returns."
His experience gives him a detailed understanding of how legislation and public initiatives can impact the real estate market. This is particularly relevant in areas like land use and zoning, which were a focus of his private law practice where he represented clients before governmental bodies.
A Diverse Career in Law and Real Estate
Before his tenure in city government, Sherman was a licensed attorney in four jurisdictions: Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. His legal career also included a position at a multinational law firm in Washington, D.C., focusing on legislative and regulatory affairs.
From Public Service to Private Strategy
Michael Sherman's career path highlights a deep connection between public service and the private sector. His experience includes being elected as an advisory neighborhood commissioner in Washington, D.C., in 2004 and serving as a mayoral fellow in New Orleans in 2001. This foundation in municipal governance informs his current strategic consulting work.
In addition to his legal and government work, Sherman has direct real estate industry experience, having served as vice president for a Florida-based development company where he managed its Gulf Coast operations. He is also an adjunct assistant professor of political science at Tulane University and a frequent political analyst on Fox 8 WVUE, further establishing his role as a public commentator on local and national affairs.
What to Expect at the Symposium
Attendees of the 15th annual symposium can anticipate a day of in-depth analysis and networking opportunities. The discussions led by experts like Richard and Sherman are expected to provide a roadmap for the coming years in Gulf South real estate.
The event is tailored for a wide range of professionals, including:
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Commercial and residential developers
- Property investors
- Urban planners and municipal officials
- Banking and finance professionals
- Attorneys specializing in real estate and land use
The focus on a "new economy" indicates that sessions will likely cover disruptive technologies, sustainability in development, and the changing demographics of the Gulf South. For those interested in attending, more information and ticket purchasing are available at nolaforecast.org.
