A survey conducted by The University of New Orleans shows public perception is that the quality of life in Jefferson and Orleans Parish is improving, but those polls reflect that residents have a gloomy outlook on the economy and the prospects of new industry and jobs.

Empty storefronts, vacant buildings, and hearing about but not always seeing new industry and new jobs are among the reasons local experts on economic development believe the public has a negative perception.

Kurt Weigle, CEO of the Downtown Development District for New Orleans, admits it is time for the region and the state to make improvements.

"We just have to execute. One of the reasons why folks tend to be pessimistic is because they've seen plan after plan after plan. I think now we're in the execution mode and if we do it consistently, I think the future's great," he said.

Those working toward economic growth in Jefferson Parish say that despite the public perception, new businesses and new jobs are not the problem for that area.

As of January 2008, Jefferson Parish gained 5,061 new businesses post-Katrina. But they are losing residents.

The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission has determined that before it can focus on attracting and retaining businesses, which is what it is created to do, it must first look at quality of life issues that concern residents the most.

Crime, safety, flood protection are the issues Lucien Gunter, Executive Director of JEDCO, says they must solve. If they do, that will not only bring residents back, it will bring the business and industry that people can see.

"Let me use the hurricane and flood protection as an example. That's not the responsibility of JEDCO, but we're a catalyst to sit with people who are responsible for that," said Gunter.

This was one of several issues the UNO study asked of residents in Jefferson and Orleans Parish. Three hundred people were interviewed by phone last month for the data