Reforming New Orleans: the contentious politics of change in the Big Easy

Introduction: Rebuilding governance, politics, and policy in New Orleans

Pre-Katrina New Orleans

Reform and economic development

Democracy vs. reform in pre-Katrina education

The most reform friendly city in the country

From neglect and mismanagement to reform and development in housing

The most brutal police?

Conclusion: The effects of sudden shocks on governance, politics, and policy.