Monday, April 20, 2026

ROYAL BARRACKS GUEST HOUSE NEW ORLEANS 

HISTORIC COTTAGE WITH RARE TRANQUILITY IN FRENCH QUARTER


Royal Barracks Guest House New Orleans is in the heart of the action.

It's great to stay in an historic property so close to all the action but far enough away to sleep well.

Frenchman Street and all of its live music is a 10 minute walk away.

Favorite locals food joints Coop's Place, Clover Grill and Verti Marte are also no more than a 15 minute walk from the property.

Sunday, April 19, 2026

ROYAL BARRACKS GUEST HOUSE NEW ORLEANS

HISTORIC COTTAGE WITH RARE TRANQUILITY IN FRENCH QUARTER


I did not think it was possible to find a quiet place in the French Quarter till I stayed at Royal Barracks Guest House New Orleans.

Even on New Year's Eve, there was minimal noise.

The reviews cite the tranquility.

When you read the house rules, the proprietor emphasizes quiet hours and being respectful of other guests (there are at least 4 units within the historic single story building.

Saturday, April 18, 2026

CHAMPIONING DISABILITY RIGHTS

WITH A WORLD LEADER ON HUMAN RIGHTS


Rabbi Marvin Hier founded the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the Museum of Tolerance + Moriah Films. 

I was gratified to talk to him this week about increasing disability awareness at the Museum of Tolerance.

We met after the World Premiere of The Hollywood Rabbi.

The Hollywood Rabbi, "the story of Marvin Hier who won 2 Academy Awards, worked with 8 Presidents + a Who's Who of Hollywood royalty while dedicating his life to healing the world through tolerance."

I was happy to attend World Premiere, at the Miami Film Festival, on 4-14-26.

I am well aware that Rabbi Marvin Hier is controversial.

He gave an invocation at 2017 inauguration of Donald Trump, despite #47 spouting intolerance.

The greater good was the opportunity to preach my gospel of disability inclusion.



Friday, April 17, 2026

HELPING WITH SMART GROWTH AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION


To create a curriculum, East Tennessee REALTORS® (ETNR) is using some of its $7,500 NAR grant to hire local land-use lawyers and a planning consultant.

They want to ensure that it complies with continuing education standards, so REALTORS® can benefit from the course.

As she builds a course for a growing region, Maria McHale, governmental affairs and policy director for ETNR, emphasizes that the key is offering technical assistance.

She advises other REALTOR® boards and associations to take a non-intrusive approach to informing elected and appointed officials on best practices.

The goal is to finalize ETNR's course this fall and roll it out in early 2026.

Thursday, April 16, 2026

HELPING WITH SMART GROWTH AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION


"Local governments have an incredible amount of flexibility in how they can support infrastructure, said Maria McHale, governmental affairs and policy director for East Tennessee REALTORS®

We are sampling defining those paths," she said.

"We are saying that if you do it right, if you put together the right [deals], growth can pay for itself."


Wednesday, April 15, 2026

HELPING WITH SMART GROWTH AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION



Maria McHale, governmental affairs and policy director for East Tennessee REALTORS®, said ETNR aims to explain policy best practices to local governments.

 "We can help them explore payment in lieu of taxes.

If a developer needs a stoplight for the development, the developer can fund that up front in a payment in lieu of taxes agreement.

Our legal and land-use experts can provide assistance in creating the proper framework."


Tuesday, April 14, 2026

HELPING WITH SMART GROWTH AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION


The East Tennessee REALTORS®, proactive toolkit will include advice for smaller municipalities.

ETNR governmental affairs and policy director McHale is quick to point out that some small jurisdictions are not populated enough to have large planning and economic development staffs.

This program could be as simple as presenting ideas to a city planner, mayor or commission member.