The Downtown Development District (DDD) of the City of New Orleans and Urban Land Institute (ULI) Louisiana announced the inaugural “Future of Affordable Housing Summit,” on Friday, June 28, at the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), located at 725 Howard Avenue in Downtown New Orleans.
The summit will gather local and national leaders in the affordable housing industry, including experts, policymakers, owners, developers and investors, for a comprehensive examination of the future of affordable housing in New Orleans. Attendees will delve into essential topics such as financial viability strategies for local projects, the impact of zoning regulations and policy roles in enhancing affordability. Panelists will also share best practices from successful projects beyond New Orleans.
“The creation of affordable housing in and around Downtown is an essential component of DDD’s economic development strategy,” said René Pastorek, AICP, DDD’s Chief Economic Development Officer. “By hosting this summit with our partners at ULI Louisiana, we aim to highlight policy incentives and funding streams that support a secure and enjoyable living environment for all New Orleanians.”
The summit offers a robust agenda, starting with breakfast at 8 AM, followed by two keynote speeches. Angela Brooks, FAICP, President of the American Planning Association, will deliver the first keynote. The closing keynote will be presented by Marjorianna Willman, Executive Director of the Louisiana Housing Corporation.
The event will feature three panel discussions:
- Urban Insights: Exploring Successful Housing Models Beyond New Orleans at 9 a.m., moderated by Mike Sherman, Founder of Sherman Strategies, LLC, with panelist Randy Rhoads, Executive Director of Affordable Housing at Cushing Terrell.
- Making it Pencil: Unpacking the Economics of Local Affordable Housing Initiatives in New Orleans at 10 a.m., led by Kathy Laborde, President & CEO of the Gulf Coast Housing Partnership.
- Building Bridges: Exploring Policy Pathways for Affordable Housing at 11 a.m., featuring Finance New Orleans CEO Damon Burns, District B Council Member Lesli Harris, and Bob Rivers, City Planning Commission Executive Director.
In addition to these informative panels, the summit will provide ample networking opportunities, fostering valuable connections among stakeholders.
Tickets and additional information are available at ULI Louisiana’s event page.
The DDD and ULI Louisiana extend their gratitude to NOCHI and the Tulane School of Architecture for providing the event space.
About the Downtown Development District of the City of New Orleans: Established in 1974 as the nation’s first assessment-based Business Improvement District, the Downtown Development District enhances economic development and public space services in Downtown New Orleans. Initiatives include employing city planners, administering grant programs and providing public safety and sanitation services within its district boundaries.
About Urban Land Institute Louisiana: ULI Louisiana is a District Council of the Urban Land Institute, focusing on the responsible development of the Gulf Coast and the state. With approximately 260 members, ULI Louisiana facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices through events and monthly luncheons.
