Brenda Breaux
Executive Director
New Orleans Redevelopment Authority
What are you most excited about in the coming year?
Multiple things excite me! We’re excited to launch several new initiatives that create more resilient housing and stronger communities. With the Housing Trust Fund, we now have permanently dedicated resources to address long-standing housing challenges. Other initiatives include the Double Up Duplex affordable homeownership program with built-in rental units, a 50-unit Fortified Gold mixed-income development on vacant city land, and non-congregate housing for the unhoused on Tulane Avenue. We’re also partnering with NOLA Public Schools to repurpose two former school buildings into housing and mixed-use spaces.
Beyond housing, we’re implementing the Early Childhood Education Facilities Grant Program to improve childcare centers and providing microgrants to support small businesses in low- and moderate-income corridors. What excites me most is seeing these projects come to life with residents at the center because that’s how real, lasting community change happens.
What is the biggest challenge facing your industry today?
The greatest challenge is balancing urgent housing needs with long-term sustainability. Rising construction costs, shifting market conditions and limited resources often slow progress at a time when families need safe, affordable housing more than ever. At the same time, we must ensure our work is inclusive and forward-looking: not just homes, but neighborhoods that are resilient against economic and environmental pressures. For NORA, this means forging stronger partnerships, leveraging every available tool and keeping community voices at the heart of decision-making. The challenge is significant, but it’s also what drives us to innovate and push harder toward solutions.
In 2012, the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) became the steward of 5,225 former Road Home properties. The organization transformed vacant lots into vibrant homes and community assets.
Through the Lot Next Door Program, 1,748 properties were returned to use, and 1,037 affordable and 2,170 market-rate homes were developed.
NORA also helped revitalize commercial corridors, supporting anchor projects like Whole Foods, Walmart in Gentilly, Bohn Ford, Bayou Treme Center, Dryades Market, Café Reconcile, and the renewal of O.C. Haley
