Faced with increasing numbers of residents more than 50 percent of their income on housing costs, the mayor of New Orleans has announced his intentions to build or preserve 7,500 affordable units by 2021.
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced a new affordable housing plan during the annual "State of City" address this week.
"According to the plan, the city will 'build or preserve' 7,500 affordable housing units by 2021 — with 4,000 units available by 2018, followed by an additional 3,500 units," reports Alex Woodward. To do so, "the city will 'leverage' city-owned property and other public land for affordable housing by reserving tax-adjudicated properties in 'target neighborhoods,' and by increasing its use of 'priority bids' at sheriff’s auctions and public sales." According to Woodward, the city will partner with "the Finance Authority of New Orleans to help people with their downpayments and closing costs, with local employers on incentives for employees to live closer to their jobs, and with the Regional Transit Authority to offer more public transit options in underserved neighborhoods."
The mayor's plan follows the path blazed by a Housing NOLA [pdf] report released last year, which called for 5,000 new units.
FULL STORY: Mayor Landrieu unveils five-year affordable housing plan
Louisiana State Senate Votes to Preempt Locals on Inclusionary Zoning
Earlier this week, the Louisiana State Senate approved SB 462, which preempts local authorities from approving inclusionary zoning.
New Orleans Added Almost 2,00 Affordable Units in 2016
A report from HousingNOLA about efforts to create and preserve affordable housing in New Orleans finds reasons to celebrate and reasons to keep working on the challenge.
New Orleans Housing Report Card: “F” for Affordable Housing
A New Orleans nonprofit has failed the city’s affordable housing efforts for the third year running, citing local agencies’ inability to convert the city’s many underused properties into safe and affordable housing.
New York Governor Advances Housing Plan Amid Stiff Suburban Opposition
Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious proposal to create more housing has once again run into a brick wall of opposition in New York’s enormous suburbs, especially on Long Island. This year, however, the wall may have some cracks.
A Serious Critique of Congestion Costs and Induced Vehicle Travel Impacts
Some highway advocates continue to claim that roadway expansions are justified to reduce traffic congestion. That's not what the research shows. It's time to stop obsessing over congestion and instead strive for efficient accessibility.
Rethinking the Role of Parking in the American City
In cities big and small, the tide is turning against sprawling parking lots, car-centric development, and minimum parking mandates.
‘Bus Revolution’ Revised in Philadelphia
The bus system redesign underway in Philadelphia changed direction after riders and local politicians complained about an initial draft plan.
Hudson Valley City Bans Fossil Fuels in New Construction
Beacon will require all-electric appliances in new buildings starting next year.
Mapping Sidewalks for Improved Connectivity
A new tool uses aerial image recognition to map a city’s sidewalks and crosswalks. Its developers hope it will aid in creating a more comprehensive understanding of pedestrian networks and where improvements are needed.
City of Greenville
City of Greenville
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Spearfish
City of Lomita
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.
