About Us

The Institute for Economic Development and Real Estate Research combines the resources of the Center for Economic Development and Real Estate Research Center to provide technical assistance and applied research for public, private and nonprofit organizations throughout its service area.

Center for Economic Development

The Center for Economic Development was established in 1978 as a joint effort of the state and federal government to work cooperatively with local agencies and non-profit organizations to create an environment which encourages economic diversification and growth. The Center at UNO operated within a network of over 65 university center programs funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration throughout the United States which help direct the technical and human resources of institutions of higher education to their surrounding communities. The Center has been engaged in a wide variety of applied research and technical assistance programs involving resources from within the College of Business Administration as well as other colleges and community service units at UNO.

The Center assists local community and economic development agencies in preparing strategic plans to direct their growth and development initiatives and in conduction economic and market studies of the opportunities that may exist to attract new business and retain and nurture existing firms. The Center also publishes research reports on various aspects of economic and community development, assists in preparing grant applications and sponsors conferences and seminars which present concepts, information and techniques helpful to local agencies and non-profit organizations whose focus is economic development at the state, regional or local level. The Center also offers internship opportunities that utilize the services of graduate and undergraduate students to assist local organizations or agencies complete work on specific projects or within a particular program. These internships are very often linked to course credit and provide the equivalent of staff resources for local organizations with limited resources.

Real Estate Research Center

The Real Estate Research Center was established to serve the real estate community and the general public. The three main areas of services offered by the Center are professional real estate education, primary real estate market data and contract research.

The mission of professional real estate education is accomplished through continuing education courses and conferences, including the Annual Economic Outlook and Real Estate Forecast Seminars. The Center is also responsible for teaching university courses designed to aid students obtain professional licenses or certifications as a real estate agent, broker or appraiser.

Primary market data is published annually in the Metropolitan New Orleans and Northshore Real Estate Market Analysis. It covers real estate market trends in the metropolitan New Orleans and Northshore region for apartments, office, retail and warehouse and industrial properties. The report also presents current trends for single-family and condominium housing by parish and Multiple Listing System (MLS) neighborhood. This analysis of the real estate market is distributed at the local, state and national levels and is widely referenced by media outlets.

In memory of Dr. Ivan Miestchovich (September 27, 1948 - September 25, 2015)

After a yearlong battle with ALS, Dr. Ivan Miestchovich, the Institute's recently retired Director, Associate Professor of Finance and Max J. Derbes III Professor in Real Estate, passed away on Friday, September 25th. Dr. Miestchovich retired with 38 years of distinguished service from the university and in May 2015, before his retirement, the annual Economic Outlook and Real Estate Forecast Seminars were named in his honor. Though retired, Dr. Miestchovich planned on assisting the Institute in an advisory role, as he was still devoted to UNO and the success of the Institute. He will be greatly missed by his staff as well as his many friends and colleagues at UNO and in the business community.

Please send donations to the Gleason Initiative Foundation, P.O. Box 24493, New Orleans, LA 70184 in memory of Ivan. Services were held on October 5, 2015.