Economic Development Capstones

Advancing A Bella LaFemme Society

Author: Zera Johnson
Host: A Bella LaFemme Society
Description: This revitalization project for A Bella LaFemme Society, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering collegiate minority women, developed strategic recommendations to diversify funding streams and expand mental health programming. Through in-depth research and stakeholder analysis, this report identifies opportunities for sustainable partnerships, enhanced community engagement, and financial support from mission-aligned organizations. This work aims to strengthen the organization’s capacity to provide critical resources, ensuring long-term impact in advancing the mental wellness and overall well-being of the women it serves.

Abundant Housing Los Angeles Housing Policy Toolkit for Southern California Cities

Author: Mikyle Christian
Host: Abundant Housing Los Angeles
Description: This project offers a housing policy toolkit for Abundant Housing Los Angeles. AHLA is a non-profit housing organization based out of Los Angeles that does both housing policy research and advocacy. An interview and research process culminated in a list of policy recommendations that municipalities across Los Angeles County can implement to achieve four objectives: 1) Legalize More Homes 2) Make Homes Easier to Build 3) Fund Affordable Housing 4) Strengthen Renters Rights and in doing so promote racial equity and justice.

Equitable Business Development In New Orleans East

Author: Jalin Carter
Host: GNO Inc Office of Economic Mobility
Term: Fall 2025
Description: This project examines strategies to support and scale entrepreneur-led business development along the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor in New Orleans East. The corridor has the potential to be a catalyst for equitable growth, increase access to commercial opportunities and will connect underinvested neighborhoods to regional job centers.

Governance Reform and Economic Development Strategy for St. Tammany Parish

Author: Rachel Templeman
Host: St. Tammany Parish Council (Primary Contact: Arthur Laughlin, Councilman, District 11)
Term: Fall 2025
Description:  St. Tammany Parish is at a pivotal moment as it evaluates reforms to strengthen government accountability, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term economic growth. This capstone project provides an in-depth analysis of the Parish’s current President–Council structure and examines the feasibility of transitioning to a Council–Manager form of government. Additional governance reforms, including establishing an independent Office of Inspector General and resizing the Parish Council, are assessed for their potential to enhance transparency, oversight, and public trust.

The project also offers an economic development strategy that pairs structural reforms with opportunities for diversified growth, drawing on regional industry trends, resilience frameworks, and stakeholder priorities. Deliverables include a detailed logic model, SWOT/TOWS analysis, feasibility analysis, and phased implementation roadmap designed to support evidence-based decision-making as St. Tammany Parish finalizes its Home Rule Charter Review. Combined, these recommendations are intended to modernize governance, strengthen fiscal and ethical oversight, and position the parish for sustainable and equitable economic development.