The population of River Ranch City is expected to reach more than a thousand. The community is a virtual reconstruction of historic New Orleans, and will feature parks, schools, banks, and other amenities. Since the master-planned community was first announced, River Ranch officials have been busy laying the legal groundwork for three separate special districts. They have worked through the Texas state legislature to gain approval for these plans, and so far, three are up and running. The developer, Gray Enterprises, has structured the districting like a spider web.
Despite the challenges of rebuilding the city, some former residents have welcomed River Ranch. Others consider it a tribute to their beloved city. The architectural style of the community has caused controversy, but some consider it a true tribute to the city that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Some critics see the project as a blatant imitation of New Orleans, which has a rich cultural heritage and unique architecture.