O
n October 16, the Jefferson Performing Arts Center will host the 15th Economic and Real Estate Forecast Symposium, a full‑day event organized by NOMAR and its Commercial Investment Division. The theme, “Breaking Ground: The Emergence of a New Economy,” will be previewed in this week’s BizTalks by NOMAR committee member Paul Richard and speaker Michael Sherman. Tickets and details are available at nolaforecast.org.

    Paul Richard is a long‑time NAI Rampart (formerly NAI Latter & Blum) broker who has worked in commercial sales and leasing since 1988. He focuses on multi‑family, public and parochial school properties and investment real estate in Greater New Orleans. His practice includes tax‑credit and economic‑development brokerage, and he is currently selling public surplus assets and acquiring school sites for local districts and the Archdiocese. A post‑Katrina advocate for NMTC, Historic & LIHTC projects, layered finance, and public‑private partnerships, Richard champions affordable housing and innovative financing. Born and raised in New Orleans, he is committed to the city’s future.

    Michael G. Sherman, founder of Sherman Strategies, LLC, served as executive counsel and director of intergovernmental affairs for Mayor Mitch Landrieu, advising the mayor and coordinating policy with state, federal, and local bodies, including 162 boards and commissions. He teaches political science at Tulane and appears on Fox 8 WVUE. Prior to city work, Sherman practiced law in New Orleans (licensed in Louisiana, NY, NJ, DC) focusing on land‑use before government agencies. He also held senior roles in a Florida real‑estate developer and a Washington, DC law firm, handling legislative and regulatory affairs. His public‑service record includes a 2004 DC advisory neighborhood commissioner role and a 2001 mayoral fellowship in New Orleans. He earned a J.D. from Georgetown and a B.A. from Tulane.