The Urban Institute

Every facet of the New Orleans housing sector is up for debate as the old status quo is reordered in the city’s recovery. It was clear early on, however, that the local professionals and leaders at the center of all this change wanted and needed better access to national networks of experts and their research in these areas.

That’s why the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Institute used its Community Revitalization grant to develop the New Orleans Housing Institute. This yearlong series of seminars brought in 10 national experts to speak about best practices and lessons learned in areas ranging from architectural preservation during neighborhood revitalization to the link between affordable housing, transportation and jobs.

“Although the challenges facing New Orleans are particularly intense, they aren’t unique,” said Margery Turner, the Urban Institute’s vice president for research. “Policymakers and practitioners in many other cities are grappling with homelessness, racial polarization, high housing costs and exclusionary policies, and we knew New Orleans could benefit from their experience and the lessons emerging from their work.”

Local organizations gained a better understanding about promising practices in their field and about how their individual initiatives fit together to address the complex web of housing challenges facing New Orleans. In addition, each installment of the series was an opportunity for leaders in the sector to convene, network and form stronger bonds within the local housing community.