“Tyra Johnson Brown has been a vital part of the Mayor’s Office of Housing Policy and Community Development for more than 24 years and has nurtured and cultivated productive relationships with our local, state and federal partners that share the same vision as my administration to ensure accessibility to affordable housing in our City,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “When I first embarked on my campaign to be your Mayor, housing was my top priority. Under the persistent and dedicated leadership of Brown, she has undoubtedly helped me keep a campaign promise to champion housing in the City of New Orleans. Recognizing the need for additional resources during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown secured over $70 million in funding to provide vital rental and utility bill assistance for our residents in need. Tyra has constantly placed the housing needs of our City first and has delivered millions in funding to construct and enhance more housing projects across the City. I am excited to announce her promotion, and I am confident that she will continue to enhance and foster the community's quality of life.” 

Brown is a housing policy and community development professional with proven expertise in policy implementation and community advocacy. She began her career in City Hall as a program analyst for the Office of Housing Policy and Community Development. After years of dedicated service and proven work, she is advancing to director of the department.  

Since joining this office, Brown has created a lasting portfolio of achievements. Under the leadership and guidance of Brown, she has overseen the administration of the Community Development Block Grant Program, HOME Investment Partnership Program, Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Shelter Plus Care, Emergency Solutions Program and many other governmental programs that allocate funding for the acquisition, rehabilitation and construction of multifamily developments.

Brown has been instrumental in achieving housing development goals through planning, resource development, program evaluation and capacity building. She is an advocate for low-income individuals and families experiencing homelessness and believes that collaboration and coordination are key factors to building healthy and strong communities. Brown has served on many leadership teams representing the City for various initiatives to eradicate homelessness in New Orleans. These efforts have resulted in tremendous success and has made the City lead in best practices for addressing homelessness in veterans. The City of New Orleans has become the first community to eliminate homelessness amongst veterans. 

Born and raised in Uptown New Orleans, Director Brown graduated from McDonogh 35 High School and went on to pursue a degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations from Southern University at New Orleans. Since then, she has received a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Brown is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.