Strengthening Our Neighborhoods. Preserving Our Culture.

In 2025, we continued to do what we have done for more than half a century: meet the city where it is, while planning intentionally for where it must go next.
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Latest News

NORA in Action

NORA authorizes submission of an application seeking FastSites funding for the former Six Flags/Jazzland site

Summary
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority approved an application for Louisiana Economic Development’s FastSites funding to support development of the unprogrammed 65-acre portion of the former Six Flags/Jazzland site. Bayou Phoenix, which is redeveloping the other 165 acres under an approved Master Plan, proposes using this remaining land as a transportation hub and has identified FastSites as a potential funding source toward the estimated $21M in infrastructure costs. FastSites offers $1–25M awards for infrastructure-ready projects, with construction required to begin within nine months. NORA approved submittal of the application as long as it does not reduce or redirect existing Master Plan funding.

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NORA approves and adopts its Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

Summary
The NORA Board of Commissioners approved and adopted the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget prepared by the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer. After reviewing the recommendation, the Finance Committee endorsed the Budget and forwarded it to the full Board for approval, noting that adoption is contingent upon the availability of funding. The resolution also recognizes that budget amendments may be necessary as funding sources shift or new resources emerge.

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NORA approves 2026 Annual Scope of Work plan

Summary
The NORA Board of Commissioners reviewed its obligation under the Authority’s By-Laws to approve an annual scope of work that outlines the organization’s activities for the coming year. For 2026, staff presented the Annual Scope of Work and Implementation Plan detailing initiatives aligned with NORA’s three strategic priorities—Build Homes, Enhance Corridors, and Strengthen Neighborhoods—established under the NORA/60 Strategic Plan. The Board considered the Plan, attached as Exhibit A, as the official framework guiding NORA’s work throughout the 2026 calendar year. In addition to adopting the Plan, the Board authorized the Executive Director to make periodic revisions as needed to ensure effective implementation.

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NORA amends its Facade Renew grant award at Bayou Road and S. Broad St

Summary
The NORA Board of Commissioners authorized an update to a previously approved Façade Renew grant for commercial storefront improvements at 1466–1468 N. Broad Street. An earlier $75,000 award had been granted based on an application submitted by tenant businesses, but with Velveteen Lounge & Restaurant no longer occupying the space, the property owner, Gina Calcagno of Calcagno Buildings, LLC, submitted a revised application reflecting current project needs. The updated scope of work includes new awnings, repaired cornice, new exterior doors, siding repairs, window restoration, upgraded lighting, new signage, exterior painting, and installation of security gates. Although the total project cost is $117,800—of which 75% equals $88,350—the maximum eligible reimbursement remains capped at $75,000, with the owner covering all additional costs.

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NORA amends its Facade Renew grant award to increase the funding amount to Ricard's, Inc.

Summary
The NORA Board of Commissioners made an ament with regard to NORA's Façade RENEW Program to support storefront and commercial façade improvements, including allowing up to 100% reimbursement for eligible businesses in low- to moderate-income areas affected by revenue loss in 2020–2021. Ricard’s Inc., led by Kim Krivjanick, was approved in 2023 for a grant of up to $37,500, but later submitted an updated construction budget showing a total project cost of $49,700. Having provided documentation to qualify for full reimbursement under the 2021 policy revisions, the applicant requested funding for 100% of the revised cost. The Board is now authorizing a Façade RENEW grant award of up to $50,000 to cover the updated project cost for improvements at 810 North Broad Street.

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NORA amends its 2025 Budget in response to new Housing Trust Fund and Food Incubator funding

Summary
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, increasing it by $9.85 million. The additional funding from the City of New Orleans will support two major initiatives: $5 million for redevelopment of the former Six Flags/Jazzland site in partnership with Bayou Phoenix, and $4.85 million for the creation of a Food Business Incubator Hub at NORA’s Claiborne and St. Bernard site. These projects aim to advance community redevelopment, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.

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NORA approves Agreement with City of New Orleans for implementation of the Housing Trust Fund

Summary
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) Board of Commissioners approved a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of New Orleans and the Finance Authority of New Orleans (FANO) to administer the Housing Trust Fund, established by voters in the November 2024 election. The Housing Trust Fund will provide ongoing annual funding to support affordable housing programs and projects citywide.

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NORA approves Agreement with City of New Orleans for creation of a Food Business Incubator in the Seventh Ward

Summary
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) Board of Commissioners approved a Subrecipient Agreement with the City of New Orleans to implement the Food Business Incubator Program. Under the agreement, the City will provide $4.85 million to NORA to create a state-of-the-art Food Incubator Hub and administer a microgrant program supporting existing food businesses with commercial kitchens. The Executive Director was authorized to execute all necessary documents to carry out the program.

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NORA approves Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with City of New Orleans for Six Flags/Jazzland redevelopment

Summary
On August 11, 2025, the NORA Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 2025-07, authorizing the execution of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the Authority and the City of New Orleans to support redevelopment of the former Six Flags/Jazzland site. Under the agreement, the City will provide $5 million in funding—$1 million within 45 days of execution and $4 million in January 2026—to help restore the site to pre-Katrina conditions, improve drainage, cover startup expenses, and prepare the land for future development. The resolution empowers the Executive Director to execute the CEA and any related documents.

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NORA adopts policies and procedures for LMI Area Small Business Marketing Program

Summary

On August 11, 2025, the NORA Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 2025-06, approving and adopting the Policies and Procedures for the LMI Area Small Business Marketing Program (SBMP). This program will provide up to $30,000 in grants to help at least 20 small businesses in designated low- and moderate-income commercial corridors develop professional marketing campaigns. The Executive Director is authorized to make adjustments to the program as needed for effective implementation.

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NORA approves property awards to four developers for construction of ten low to moderate income homes in NOHIP program

Summary

The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) Board of Commissioners approved awards for the New Orleans Housing Investment Program to develop new affordable single-family homes on vacant lots across Central City, the Seventh Ward, and New Orleans East. Four developers—People’s Housing+, CNTRD Group, DG Properties, and Xavior Estates—were selected to receive a total of ten properties. The Executive Director is authorized to finalize all necessary documents to complete these awards.

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NORA adopts the Louisiana Complicance Questionnaire

Summary

The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2025-04 on April 14, 2025, approving the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for Audit Engagements for the period of January 1 through December 31, 2024. This questionnaire, required under Louisiana law for audits of quasi-public agencies, was reviewed and approved by the Board to ensure compliance with state audit requirements.

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NORA approves two $250,000 grants to early childhood education facilities in Lower Garden District and Holy Cross

Summary

The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) Board of Commissioners approved awards for the New Orleans Early Childhood Education Facilities Fund Grant Program. This program, created in partnership with Agenda for Children and funded by a voter-approved property tax, provides SEED, SUPPORT, and GROW grants to improve, expand, or build early childhood education facilities. The Board authorized awards in accordance with program policies, with the Executive Director empowered to approve SEED and SUPPORT grants and the Board approving GROW grants.

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NORA approves Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with City of New Orleans for non-congregate shelter on Tulane Ave

Summary
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) Board of Commissioners approved agreements with the City of New Orleans to redevelop several Tulane Avenue properties for the creation of a non-congregate homeless shelter. Funded by over $9.4 million from the federal HOME-ARP program, the project will provide supportive housing through a ground lease and development agreement. The Executive Director was authorized to execute all related agreements and documents to implement the project.

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NORA approves Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Orleans Parish School Board for redevelopment of two former school buildings

Summary

The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) Board of Commissioners approved a cooperative endeavor agreement (CEA) with the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) to redevelop vacant, OPSB-owned properties. The partnership aims to promote affordable housing, economic development, and educational initiatives, including early childhood services. The Executive Director was authorized to negotiate and execute all necessary documents to implement the agreement.

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NORA celebrates the completion of St. Bernard Circle Apartments, a mixed-use, mixed-income residential community in the Seventh Ward

Summary
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA), in partnership with HRI Communities and New Orleans Restoration Properties, celebrated the opening of St. Bernard Circle Apartments, a $22 million mixed-use, mixed-income development in the 7th Ward. The project includes 51 apartments—most affordable to families earning ≤60% of area median income—and two retail spaces for local minority-owned businesses. Funded through city, state, and private partnerships, the development promotes affordable housing, local entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation, marking a major step in revitalizing St. Bernard Avenue.

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Coming Soon

Louisiana Avenue Firehouse

Redeveloping a historic building into a center for early childhood education and affordable housing.

Double Up! Duplex Pilot

Helping build generational wealth by developing affordable duplexes where low- to moderate-income buyers own one unit and rent out the adjacent unit.

New Orleans Housing Investment Program (NO-HIP)

Using land subsidies, construction loans, and homebuyer assistance to develop resilient, affordable housing in target neighborhoods.