20 Years of Building a Stronger New Orleans

As we mark 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, we reflect on the incredible progress New Orleans has made and the unwavering spirit of its people. The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) evolved to meet the unprecedented need to address the widespread damage and displacement caused by the storm.

Today, we continue to build on that legacy, developing programs and forging partnerships that create pathways to homeownership, environmental sustainability, and citywide equity. Here's a look at some of those initiatives shaping our city's future.

The Lot Next Door program has been a cornerstone of NORA's efforts to return blighted and vacant properties to commerce. This innovative initiative allows eligible homeowners to purchase vacant, NORA-owned lots adjacent to their properties. By expanding their yards or creating new green spaces, residents can improve their homes and neighborhoods. Participants who meet income eligibility requirements and have a homestead exemption on their property can even receive a "Growing Home" credit of up to $10,000 toward the purchase price in exchange for making improvements like landscaping and fencing. The program empowers residents to invest in their own community and turn once-vacant spaces into valuable neighborhood assets.

NORA has partnered with Councilman Thomas's office and the City of New Orleans to revitalize the St. Claude Avenue corridor in the Lower Ninth Ward. This critical area has experienced blight and under-investment for many years. The St. Claude Avenue Corridor Revitalization Program aims to change that by identifying and supporting new retail opportunities, including the potential for a full-service grocery store. Through a combination of low-interest commercial development financing, community engagement, and a detailed retail market study, NORA is working to bring vital goods and services back to the neighborhood, creating a more vibrant and equitable commercial landscape for residents and businesses alike.

Our city's small businesses are the heartbeat of our commercial corridors. To help them thrive, NORA is launching the Small Business Marketing Assistance Program. This new initiative will provide funding for tailored marketing consulting to eligible businesses in targeted low-to-moderate-income commercial corridors. The program pairs business owners with contracted marketing experts who will work with them over several months to create and implement comprehensive marketing strategies. By providing these essential tools, NORA is directly supporting the growth and sustainability of the businesses that make our neighborhoods unique. Applications are open until 4pm on Friday, September 5.