Details of New Orleans' Online Property Auction

On March 6, 2015, New Orleans launched a new online auction system for tax-adjudicated properties. The Times-Picayune has been closely monitoring the system since it launched.

1 minute read

March 17, 2015, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Robert McClendon has been covering the new online auction system for 1,700 tax-adjudicated properties online, noting trends among the enthusiasm for the auction.

McClendon's coverage includes a dispatch 48 hours after the system launched. In that first period, the system received $650 "pre-bids" for 300 properties. "Interest was shown in just about every neighborhood where properties were available, but the most intense activity centered around the city's historic core," according to McClendon. The article goes on to detail some of the reasons why inner neighborhoods inspired more interest (hint: supply and demand). This article includes a lot of detail about how the system works.

Most recently, McClendon discusses the gentrification triggering potential of the auction. McClendon cites a letter to the Times-Picayune by Alexandra Miller, deputy director of the Crescent City Community Land Trust, which describes the auction as a step in the right direction for neighborhoods that have long-suffered the impact of vacant properties, but also suggests that some of the properties be saved for affordable housing.

Finally, McClendon has also penned a revised "digestible guide" to the system that updates an earlier version of the guide with responses to frequently asked questions about the auction.

The city will eventually release another 1,300 properties for auction and the current pre-bidding phase of the process will expire in 90 days, so stay tuned.

Monday, March 9, 2015 in The Times-Picayune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.