New Orleans Redevelopment Authority Newsletter (Quarter 1 - 2025)

This bulletin was sent at 03/31/2025 04:55 PM CDT

St. Bernard Circle is 99% Complete!

A project that's been years in the making and will serve the 7th Ward for years to come! This four-story mixed-income residential complex has 51 residential units and 1800 square feet of ground floor retail. Of those 51 units, 80% are affordable and include 1 or 2 bedroom options. This transformative $22 million project was made possible through public-private partnerships with diverse funding streams including $6 million in HOME funds from the City.

NORA played an integral role in making this project a success. NORA identified the strategic location, secured funding for the land acquisition, facilitated meaningful community engagement, attracted qualified developers, hosted a competitive public bid process, and selected the best-fit developer for this major project!

This 7th ward corridor is ready for visitors and residents! Please join us for the ribbon cutting of St. Bernard Circle on April 23 at 11:00am (1431 St. Bernard Ave.)

Interior and Exterior of St. Bernard Circle

100 Day Challenge - Ready, Set, Go!

We're partnering with People's Housing+'s on an exciting and innovative new approach to affordable housing development. 100 Homes in 100 Days challenges developers to build stronger, better, and quicker. Check out People's Housing+ progress in New Orleans East here.

100 Homes in 100 Days in New Orleans East multi

NSP2 in Central City

In October 2024, NORA broke ground on two self-developed homes that will help us make affordable housing even more accessible to the New Orleans community. Both units are 100% complete and will be listed for sale in April 2025.

These FORTIFIED Gold and Energy Star certified units will be on the market for households at or below 120% AMI.

If you or someone you know is interested in buying one these units, contact Delia King to begin the eligibility determination process (delia.king@nola.gov or 504-658-4425).

News & Opportunities

The Early Childcare Education Facilities Grant Program will open its application period again! The new application period opens April 7.

Apply Here for Part A

Can New Orleans Save its Homes from Flooding Again? Watch this CNBC segment on Katrina 20 with Brenda Breaux on housing and NORA.

Watch It Here

“New Orleans is reshaping its housing landscape. These efforts are not just about creating homes; they are about building a more substantial, more inclusive city where residents can live, work and contribute to a thriving community.” - Brenda Breaux, Biz New Orleans

Read More

We're Hiring!

Procurement Manager
Compliance Manager

Apply Here

Save the Date

Auction 2025

June 17-18, 2025

Staff Member Highlight

Name: Shannon Ford

Title: Disposition Coordinator

Joined NORA: December 1998

About: Shannon Ford started as a receptionist at NORA 26 years ago. Not long after she started, she was promoted to Assistant of the Blighted Properties Manager. Following Hurricane Katrina, Shannon was again promoted to Disposition Coordinator where she’s helped dispose of over 1,000 NORA properties. While Shannon has helped transfer 100s of properties through our auction and affordable housing programs, her real passion is the Lot Next Door program.

She’s a pioneer of and advocate for the Lot Next Door Program. Shannon enjoys helping New Orleanians build generational wealth through property ownership of their neighboring lots. If we ever have questions about NORA’s disposition programming or historical knowledge about the organization, Shannon is our go-to person!

When Shannon’s not working you can find her at home relaxing with her family, attending church, or enjoying any kind of Asian-inspired cuisine. Whether the Saints win or lose, you can count on Shannon enjoying a well-deserved steak at Houston’s on St. Charles Ave.

Fun Fact about Shannon: She’s warm blooded and can’t stand to be cold. She has a heater at her desk, even in the middle of July! Thanks for 26 years of service, Shannon!