In 2007, the Greater New Orleans Foundation created a five-year, $25 million initiative designated for Community Revitalization with the support of 22 national and local foundations. Last year, Michael Schubert with Community Development Strategies was hired to evaluate the progress of our grantmaking and provide critical insights into the impact the Fund is having on the housing system in New Orleans. Schubert , who has 32 years experience in housing and community development work including serving as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Housing under Mayor Richard M. Daley, shares his insights on New Orleans.
What is your answer when people say there is already enough affordable housing in New Orleans?
There has to be some clear thinking on how much supply is needed to meet demand. At the same time there is always a need for affordable housing, particularly in a city whose economy relies on so many low-wage workers. Affordable housing must be seen as a regional issue.
What is something you see here that you don’t see elsewhere?
We saw in our work such strong commitments to New Orleans on the part of those who chose and were able to return. Having to go through all the stress that people went through and are still going through will result in a corps of residents with a strong sense of place and an orientation toward being active in local affairs. This loyalty is uncommon in many cities and can be a real asset here.
What positive trends are you seeing in the affordable housing sector in New Orleans?
We think the whole sector is getting much more sophisticated in how they are approaching the work and we have seen a number of very successful collaborations.
Are housing units being produced at scale to respond to the crisis of Katrina?
There have been a substantial number of housing units developed since Katrina, but given the scale of devastation and the recent meltdown of the economy, it is hard to say that all the units lost will be replaced. More important than replacing all the units, at this point in time, might be maximizing the impact of the units that are being created so that they continue to build confidence that the city and its neighborhoods are coming back.
Why is the evaluation process important?
The evaluation process helps the Community Revitalization Fund assess the environment in terms of not only what has been working effectively but also the gaps that the Fund can address.
Click here to read the executive summary of the Community Revitalization Fund evaluation prepared by Community Development Strategies.
