Nellie Catzen is the Executive Director of the Committee for a Better New Orleans. We sat down with her to talk about how civic engagement in New Orleans can be reimagined through joy, culture, and community. Nellie shares how the organization’s “Better New Orleans Block Party” flips the script on traditional civic spaces by bringing the work of democracy to the people—in their neighborhoods, through music, food, and hands-on activities.

We get into why so many people feel disconnected from local government, the legacy of CBNO’s post-Katrina work, and why creating space for fun is a crucial step toward deeper engagement. From gamifying the city budget to empowering youth with real questions for their community, Nellie breaks down how block parties are building bridges between residents and the systems that shape their lives.

Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

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