The
Front Porch Lab
Front Porch Lab
Named after the place where neighbors gather to talk, listen, and solve problems together, the Front Porch Lab brings together culture bearers, neighborhood leaders, small business owners, and civic partners to help build a New Orleans that works for everyone. Over 17 months, 30 New Orleanians will work together to identify community challenges and create real solutions. Along the way, participants will build relationships across neighborhoods and backgrounds, learn from one another, and take action on issues that affect daily life. Together, the cohort will design and launch four community-rooted projects, each supported by a $10,000 budget.
Interested in joining our inaugural cohort? Applications are now open. Deadline is August 12, 2026.
What You’ll Do:
As a member of the Front Porch Lab, you’ll turn your passion for New Orleans into action. During the first three months, you’ll take part in CBNO’s Bryan Bell Leadership Forum. You’ll learn how local government works, how decisions are made, and how to make a difference in your community. Then, you’ll put those skills into practice. Working alongside your fellow cohort members, you’ll identify challenges and develop solutions that improve everyday life in New Orleans. Together, the cohort will create four local projects to bring your ideas to life.
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17-month commitment
(September 2026 - January 2028)Weekly Forum Sessions on Wednesdays
(September 9th - November 18th)Monthly Front Porch Lab 2-3 hour in-person working sessions + additional work sessions and group meetings as needed to deliver the project
Full Day Kickoff Event Saturday 9/12
Full Day Forum Retreat Saturday 11/21
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Enthusiasm for collaboration with people who may be different from you
Ability to engage respectfully across differences
Willingness to learn new skills as a leader to navigate conflict across differences
Curiosity about engaging with city and civic systems to make change
Creative problem solving skills
“Ripple effect” - demonstrated community involvement/ability to engage peers
Ability to attend at least 80% of scheduled meetings and program sessions
Want to Learn More? Join an Info Session.
Our Partners
