Candidates for Mayor and City Council Share Plans for Fair Housing in New Orleans

September 26, 2025

Here at the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, we have made significant inroads to improve the state of housing discrimination in our 30-year history, but New Orleans still finds itself in an ongoing housing crisis. Whether it’s post-Katrina, post-Covid, or the legacy of red lining and exclusion of protected classes from public life, housing segregation and discrimination cannot be eradicated without a deliberate effort from our city’s leadership to protect our civil rights.

We asked the city’s mayoral and city council candidates to share their plans to combat housing discrimination and ensure that the people across the city, their constituents, have an affordable and well-resourced place to call home. These are their responses.

Mayoral Candidates

Joe Bikulege

No response given at this time.

Manny Chevrolet Bruno

No response given at this time.

Russell Butler

No response given at this time.

Eileen Carter

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected mayor, will you commit to revising the Assessment of Fair Housing within your first year in office? What policy or programming recommendations do you have to combat housing discrimination in the City of New Orleans? Yes, I will commit to revisiting and revising the City of New Orleans’ Assessment of Fair Housing within my first year in office—but more than that, I will press reset on housing in the first 90 days of my administration. We cannot keep applying outdated solutions to a housing crisis that has drastically changed over the last decade. In my first 90 days, I will conduct a comprehensive State of Housing in New Orleans—not just on paper, but in the community, with the people who are living through it every day. We will talk directly with our neighbors, tenants, legacy residents, housing advocates, developers, and policy experts. We’ll get everyone on the same page, understand where we truly stand today, and coordinate accordingly. From there, we will build clear, unified strategies to create healthy, affordable, dignified homes for our people—homes that reflect the values and culture of New Orleans. This 90-day reset is about cutting through politics and confusion to do what’s right: Centering the voices of renters, homeowners, and displaced residents Breaking down silos between agencies and departments Restoring public trust by being transparent, accountable, and action-oriented As part of this plan, I will also establish two key advisory bodies: 1) A Tenant Advisory Committee to bring real-life renter experiences into city policy 2) A Housing Advisory Committee that includes buyers, builders, nonprofit leaders, and housing justice advocates to ensure we’re designing policy that works at every level We can’t build a more equitable New Orleans without healthy homes for our people. Housing isn’t just about buildings—it’s about public health, public safety, and our ability to thrive as a city. This reset is how we start fresh, start together, and finally start moving forward.
If elected mayor of New Orleans, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law within your administration and with your proposed legislation? Yes. As mayor, I will fully uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968—not just as a legal obligation, but as a civil rights commitment. Fair housing is a cornerstone of justice and equity in this country, and my administration will reflect that in both policy and practice. That means: Enforcing protections against discrimination in all forms of housing Taking proactive steps to address historical patterns of segregation Expanding access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing for all residents—regardless of race, income, disability, family status, or background I will lead a city government that doesn’t just follow the Fair Housing Act—but honors its spirit by working every day to build a New Orleans where everyone has a real place to call home.
How will you prioritize funding for affordable housing in your annual proposed budget? How will you ensure transparency in the process of allocating and distributing the funding you dedicate to affordable housing? Affordable housing is my top priority—and it is the first pillar of my “Reverse the Exodus” plan, available on EileenCarterMayor.com. We cannot keep losing our people—our teachers, artists, culture bearers, and working families—because they can no longer afford to live in the city they love. If we want to keep New Orleans truly New Orleans, we must address housing head-on and make it central to how we budget, plan, and govern. How I will prioritize funding for affordable housing: Dedicate significant and sustained funding in my annual proposed budget to increase the supply of deeply affordable housing—not just workforce units, but housing for the people who need it most. Reimagine how we use existing resources by identifying underutilized properties, aligning city, state, and federal dollars, and holding developers accountable for delivering on affordability commitments. Streamline city operations by breaking down the silos between departments like Housing, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, and Planning. When these departments work together, we can do more—with the same resources. How I will ensure transparency: Publish a clear, public dashboard showing how every dollar of housing funding is allocated, where it’s going, and what impact it’s having—updated quarterly. Establish a Housing Advisory Committee made up of renters, buyers, builders, and advocates to provide oversight, guide funding decisions, and keep the public voice at the center of the process. Host regular community forums and budget briefings so residents know exactly how housing priorities are being funded—and how they can participate in the process. Affordable housing is not a luxury. It is a basic human need. Our neighbors have been screaming from the rooftops for years—and under my leadership, they won’t have to scream anymore. Let’s build a new table, come together across neighborhoods and sectors, and get it done—milestone after milestone. Because when we work together with clarity, purpose, and transparency, we can reverse the exodus and build the New Orleans our people deserve.
If elected mayor of New Orleans, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? It should have never gotten to the point where Governor Landry had the space to step in. That kind of state overreach only happens when there’s a complete void in local leadership—and that’s exactly what we’ve had. Under my leadership, there will be no void. No silence. No inaction. Years ago, there were private partners ready to collaborate with the city to build a triage center—a safe, transitional space where unhoused residents could receive care, shelter, and personalized support based on their needs. That effort stalled—not due to a lack of resources, but because of conflicting personalities and leadership breakdowns at City Hall. Today, we’ve watched over $200 million flow through programs like UNITY, and yet homelessness has not decreased. That tells us something is fundamentally broken in how this city addresses the crisis. Here’s how I will lead differently: Restore strong local leadership to ensure no outside agency steps in to criminalize or displace our most vulnerable neighbors. I will fight for humane, community-centered solutions—not political theater. Bring all stakeholders to the table—including nonprofit partners, housing and health experts, law enforcement, service providers, and most importantly, unhoused residents themselves. We will build a coordinated system that reflects real needs and real people—not bureaucracy. Engage directly with our unhoused neighbors—not as a photo-op, but to truly listen, learn, and co-create solutions. My administration will govern with proximity and purpose. Partner with organizations like Odyssey House to create a functioning triage and stabilization center—where residents can be assessed and connected to the right wraparound services: housing, addiction treatment, mental health care, job placement, or trauma recovery. This is about restoring human dignity—and doing the real work with accountability, coordination, and heart. When I’m mayor, we will not allow the state to run over our people. We will take care of our people—because that’s what real leadership looks like.

Renada Collins

No response given at this time.

Royce Duplessis

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected mayor, will you commit to revising the Assessment of Fair Housing within your first year in office? What policy or programming recommendations do you have to combat housing discrimination in the City of New Orleans? Yes, I will commit to revising the Assessment of Fair Housing within my first year in office. New Orleans cannot meet the challenges of housing affordability or displacement without a clear, updated plan that addresses patterns of segregation and expands access to opportunity. Our city led the nation in 2016 by being the first to submit an Assessment of Fair Housing, and we should once again lead by example. As mayor, we will update the plan with robust community input, transparent data, and measurable goals. We will focus on expanding affordable housing near transit and jobs, enforcing fair housing laws with stronger oversight, and partnering with community organizations to educate residents about their rights. I will also push for greater use of inclusionary zoning, leverage the Housing Trust Fund, and crack down on predatory practices such as illegal short-term rentals that drive up costs.
If elected mayor of New Orleans, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law within your administration and with your proposed legislation? Yes. As mayor, I will uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and ensure that its promise of equal housing opportunity is fully honored in New Orleans. The rollback of federal protections makes it even more important for local government to stand firm. My administration will treat housing discrimination as a civil rights issue, not a bureaucratic matter. That means strengthening the city’s Office of Human Rights and Equity, partnering with LaFHAC and other advocacy organizations, and ensuring that complaints are investigated and resolved quickly. I will also push for local ordinances that explicitly protect LGBTQIA+ residents and other vulnerable communities from discrimination, even if federal agencies refuse to act.
How will you prioritize funding for affordable housing in your annual proposed budget? How will you ensure transparency in the process of allocating and distributing the funding you dedicate to affordable housing? The voters were clear when they overwhelmingly supported the Housing Trust Fund: affordable housing must be a top priority. As mayor, I will fully fund the Trust Fund at the required 2% of the general fund every year and treat it as a floor, not a ceiling. In my first budget, I will work with the City Council to close the $8 million gap and ensure projects already in the pipeline can move forward without delay. Transparency is just as important as funding. I will require quarterly public reports that show how much money has been allocated, which projects are funded, and how many units are being created or preserved. The process will be open to public input, and decisions will be tied to clear goals: reducing displacement, preserving affordability in high-cost neighborhoods, and creating new opportunities near jobs and transit.
If elected mayor of New Orleans, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? As mayor, I will not allow New Orleans to criminalize poverty or punish people simply for being unhoused. Forcing people into psychiatric centers or moving them out of sight is not a housing policy; it is political theater. Housing First works, and I will protect and expand it in New Orleans. My administration will increase investments in supportive housing, low-barrier shelters, and mobile health services so people get care instead of punishment. I will work with advocates to block harmful legislation and direct city agencies to refuse cooperation with policies that target people for being poor or ill. We will use every resource available to stabilize housing, expand mental health services, and create a coordinated system built on dignity and evidence.

Frank Robert Janusa

No response given at this time.

Helena Moreno

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected mayor, will you commit to revising the Assessment of Fair Housing within your first year in office? What policy or programming recommendations do you have to combat housing discrimination in the City of New Orleans? Yes. I would like to revisit the city’s now-dated Assessment of Fair Housing. Fighting against housing discrimination is more important than ever, as federal policy changes continue to have an impact and cuts to housing are coming soon from the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’. That said, the Fair Housing Act and other measures to address housing discrimination have never been adequately enforced by federal authorities. So, it has fallen to locals, non-profits, and the media who have, for decades, relied on tip hotlines, agency whistleblowers, and investigations of landlords by the proper authorities. I would like to partner with the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center and other groups to do this work. Demanding that the appropriate state and federal agencies enforce the law, while exploring different methods that the mayor could take to sue when discrimination is directed against residents due to the aggrieved effects it has on the city itself.
If elected mayor of New Orleans, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law within your administration and with your proposed legislation? My administration will not tolerate any form of discrimination.
How will you prioritize funding for affordable housing in your annual proposed budget? How will you ensure transparency in the process of allocating and distributing the funding you dedicate to affordable housing? From the beginning of my career as a public servant, I’ve pressed for more transparency and accountability from government. As a councilmember, I led the way to create dozens of citizen dashboards for crime, streets, and utilities. I’d continue this work by building a citywide data portal that would display information across departments in an easily digestible format. Two important changes are coming: first, thanks to our work on the Council, we now have a dedicated housing trust fund to help fund new units of housing every year. Second, as Mayor I intend to align and organize housing funding availabilities in an orderly fashion, so all potential buildings and stakeholders have a fair shake at local, state, and federal housing subsidies. We need to professionalize our housing production pipeline while energizing it with the use of an Economic Development Corporation (EDC) that would help match nonprofit developers and others with available public property and facilitate new development quickly and more efficiently. We would also start the budget process earlier, so the public can be more engaged. We also commit to working with the community to better explain the budget – its constraints, its inputs, and its opportunities and tradeoffs so that we can build an equitable way forward.
If elected mayor of New Orleans, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? First, I would thoroughly review the approach that has been taken, the available resources, and what federal funding may be in jeopardy. We need to evaluate the performance of UNITY of Greater New Orleans and the city’s new Office of Homeless Services to ensure they are fulfilling their roles and responsibilities, holding everyone accountable. I will prioritize improving the city’s homeless shelter and engagement center at the old VA Hospital and limit criminalizing homelessness, knowing it is expensive and ineffective. I also know we need better mental health services. As Council President, in partnership with the city’s Health Department, I spearheaded the creation of the City’s Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit (MCIU) in 2023. Today, the MCIU has answered more than 5,000 individual calls for service and diverted more than 35% of all behavioral health crisis calls from 911 operations. This provides help, not handcuffs, to people in crisis while saving NOPD manpower to pursue violent crime and to lower response times. We need more, not less, of this type of effort. However, to fully address the homelessness crisis, more affordable housing is required. To build that housing, our approach will begin by establishing an Economic Development Corporation focused on activating underutilized city and other public properties and converting them into housing units. The model is akin to that of the New Orleans Building Corporation, where the NOBC develops and then leases properties that then provide revenue to further new development opportunities, creating a virtuous cycle. Second, the community land trust (CLT) model is an essential mechanism for lowering the cost of home ownership and guiding first-time owners towards long-term stability. The city needs to invest in and partner with community organizations and nonprofit developers to scale this opportunity. Over the years, CLTs have fostered sustainable and renewable growth, while also increasing housing availability for young homeowners and providing opportunities for first responders, teachers, and other public servants. People’s Housing Plus is an example of an effective local organization with the capacity and mission to develop CLTs across the city, and we would actively partner with similar organizations to build capacity and address community needs from the ground up. Furthermore, the Housing Trust Fund, which I championed and got approved by the voters last year, is another key component in the workforce and affordable housing space. The thing I hear most often from the housing community is that the city rarely communicates or poorly schedules opportunities for funding, leaving developers and builders in the dark about funding availability and threatening projects. We need to formalize and create a structure around housing finance in the city, using the baseline funds from the trust to develop reliable funding availability. We also need to continue to secure and backstop renters by continuing to fund the right to counsel for renters and Healthy Homes, both critical components of housing stability and affordability. We can also make it generally easier for people to build in New Orleans. That means getting Safety & Permits working again with white-glove service and sherpas to help applicants through a much more streamlined office. Technology will also help meet ambitious service goals, such as next-day inspections and 72-hour approval processes. Amongst the other things mentioned above, I would also work with the City Council and others to: -Attack insurance costs by fighting for tax exemptions at the state level to finance thousands of fortified roofs across the city. -Use city bond funding for workforce housing in the city’s center. -Allow for more density in certain areas and corners for low-rent housing. -Complete the comprehensive land use barrier study to identify unnecessary permitting and licensing processes, as well as potential paths for removing these hurdles.

Frank Scurlock

No response given at this time.

Oliver Thomas

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected mayor, will you commit to revising the Assessment of Fair Housing within your first year in office? What policy or programming recommendations do you have to combat housing discrimination in the City of New Orleans? Absolutely. If elected Mayor, I will commit to revising and updating the Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) within my first year in office. We cannot fix what we don’t measure, and tracking patterns of segregation, displacement, and discrimination is the only way to create meaningful, proactive plans that expand fair access to housing for every resident of New Orleans. Housing discrimination in our city didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of decades of intentional policy decisions that concentrated poverty, reinforced racial segregation, and stripped families — particularly Black families — of the opportunity to build wealth. Undoing this harm will require courage and bold action. My administration will take on this challenge by strengthening enforcement, expanding affordable housing, and centering community voices in every decision we make. First, we will create a Housing Equity & Accountability Office within City Hall to lead this work, coordinating closely with HUD, local nonprofits, and legal aid organizations to investigate complaints and hold landlords, lenders, and developers accountable for discriminatory practices. This office will also be responsible for educating renters and homeowners about their rights and for ensuring every resident knows where to report violations. We will bring transparency to this process by tracking complaints and outcomes in real time and sharing that data with the public through an online dashboard so progress is visible and the city remains accountable to its people. Second, we will expand access to affordable, safe, and stable housing throughout New Orleans. This means leveraging federal, state, and private resources to build and preserve affordable housing, especially in areas with access to quality schools, reliable transit, and good-paying jobs. We will focus on creating mixed-income, mixed-use developments that reduce concentrated poverty and give families genuine choices about where to live. To prevent families from losing their homes unjustly, we will launch a Right to Counsel program to provide legal representation for tenants facing eviction. And we will implement anti-displacement strategies, like targeted property tax relief for long-time homeowners, so people can stay in the neighborhoods they’ve built and loved for generations. Finally, this work must be done with communities, not just for them. I will establish a citywide Housing Justice Task Force made up of neighborhood leaders, housing advocates, developers, and civil rights organizations to ensure that community voices shape our housing policies and decisions. Major development projects will undergo equity impact assessments to prevent displacement before it happens, and we’ll use predictive mapping tools to identify neighborhoods most at risk of gentrification or exclusion so the city can intervene early with resources and support. Patterns of segregation and discrimination were built over generations, and they won’t be undone overnight. But by starting with a revised Assessment of Fair Housing, we will have the data and the plan we need to hold ourselves accountable and track progress over time. My vision is a New Orleans where every family has safe, affordable housing and the freedom to choose where they live, without barriers of race, income, or background. As Mayor, I will fight every single day to make that vision a reality — through stronger enforcement, smarter investments, and a relentless commitment to equity and justice.
If elected mayor of New Orleans, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law within your administration and with your proposed legislation? Yes, absolutely.
How will you prioritize funding for affordable housing in your annual proposed budget? How will you ensure transparency in the process of allocating and distributing the funding you dedicate to affordable housing? Affordable housing shouldn’t be a dream, it should be a basic promise this city keeps. I supported the Housing Trust Fund because too many of our residents, teachers, hospitality workers, first responders, can’t afford to live in the neighborhoods they serve. Voters made it clear: housing is a priority. Now it’s on us to make sure that 2% of the General Fund isn’t just spent, but spent wisely. We’ve got to lead with transparency, performance, and results. As mayor, I’ll make sure every HTF dollar supports developments that are actually affordable, in the neighborhoods where people want to live, with long-term affordability protections. That means we’ll establish clear criteria for who gets funded: projects that serve families earning below 60% of AMI, include accessibility features, are located near transit and schools, and align with neighborhood plans. Not scattershot spending or political deals. I’ll also require independent audits of the fund and regular public reporting, so residents can track what’s being built, where, and for whom. I’ll also strengthen the role of the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee, not just to give feedback, but to help shape priorities year-round. They’ll have real teeth under my administration. The 2% Housing Trust Fund alone is not sufficient to address all of our needs, but there are other capital opportunities we can pursue in addition to the Housing Trust Fund including the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), bonds through Finance New Orleans, philanthropic and private lending, and state partnerships, so local dollars are a match that multiplies projects. At the same time, I know housing can’t be solved with money alone. We need zoning reforms to allow for more affordable units, tax incentives to support small landlords, and faster permitting for affordable housing developers. We’ll coordinate with Finance New Orleans and NORA to make sure the Trust Fund is one part of a broader housing strategy, not a silo. And yes, we’ll do all this while balancing the budget. We can support affordable housing and still meet our other obligations, if we plan smart, cut waste, and use data to guide decisions. At the end of the day, the voters gave us a tool. Now it’s up to leadership to use it responsibly, to build not just units, but opportunity, dignity, and a future for the people who’ve always called this city home.
If elected mayor of New Orleans, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? As Mayor, I will make housing stability a top priority because safe, affordable housing is the foundation for everything else—public safety, health, education, and economic opportunity. And, because no child should do homework in a shelter, no senior should be forced onto the streets, and no working family should lose their home simply because help wasn’t there when they needed it most. With federal housing dollars shrinking and voucher waitlists stretching for years, we can’t afford to wait on Washington to solve this crisis. I fully support creating a city-funded Emergency Rental Assistance program to help families and individuals avoid eviction and homelessness. Beyond emergency relief, my administration will launch an Anti-Displacement Fund that provides both rental assistance and home repair grants, so that longtime residents can remain in their homes and neighborhoods even as new development and investment flow into our city. To ensure these programs truly meet the needs on the ground, I will bring together industry leaders, housing advocates, and service providers—from developers and contractors to nonprofits and health providers—to design a system that works in practice, not just on paper. Most importantly, community voices will guide our strategy, and we will rely on data and equity metrics to make sure resources are distributed fairly and reach the people and neighborhoods most at risk of displacement.

Richard Lee Twiggs Jr.

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected mayor, will you commit to revising the Assessment of Fair Housing within your first year in office? What policy or programming recommendations do you have to combat housing discrimination in the City of New Orleans? New Orleans knows what housing injustice looks like because we’ve lived it: redlining that carved our neighborhoods into “worthy” and “unworthy,” highways plowed through Black communities, public housing disinvestment, discriminatory lending, and post Katrina speculators who treated our homes like chips on a table. These choices didn’t just move people; they moved opportunity away from safe streets, quality schools, jobs, groceries, and clinics. If we want different outcomes, we have to change the rules, not just the rhetoric. This is a civil rights project in a civil rights city; from Ruby Bridges to today, our moral authority comes from doing the hard, structural work in public view. I will revise the Assessment of Fair Housing in year one, but I will not stop at a report. We will work to codify fair housing duties into the Home Rule Charter so they outlast any mayor, council, or news cycle. That charter package will: require an AFH update every three years; mandate equity impact statements for land use, budgets, and major capital projects; prohibit discrimination in City funded housing (including source of income, disability, and family status protections) via binding covenants; create a right to counsel framework for eviction defense and relocation assistance; and establish a proactive rental inspection and registry system with enforceable timelines. If a protection is not already in the charter, we will strengthen the charter to include it, because rights that aren’t written down are too easy to ignore. Washington can weaken or even erase federal obligations; New Orleans will not. Just because D.C. pulls back on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing does not mean cities must stop furthering fair housing. We will lead regardless of federal drift aligning our AFH, our consolidated plan, and our incentives to desegregate opportunity, expand accessible housing, and dismantle discriminatory practices. Every City dollar, permit, abatement, or land deal will carry enforceable fair housing conditions; perform, or lose the perk. Accountability requires sunlight. We’ll collect data ethically no tenant names, no immigration details, no retaliation. We will publish a Public Landlord Dashboard with due process safeguards. Every licensed rental will carry a transparent scorecard that tracks code violations and remediation speed, energy and water burden, accessibility features, eviction-filing rates, acceptance of vouchers and reasonable accommodations, participation in City programs, and tenant satisfaction surveys run by an independent partner. A community data governance board will set standards, audit for bias, and hear appeals. The goal is not to shame; it is to set clear expectations, reward good actors, and focus enforcement where harm is happening. Finally, we will pair renter protections with real paths to ownership. Working with HANO, we will pivot from a voucher only mindset to ownership where feasible: expand the Section 8 Homeownership option; pilot Tenant Opportunity to Purchase for small properties; use a land bank/land trust to keep homes permanently affordable; clear heirs’ property titles; offer down payment assistance and rehab loans for first time buyers; and provide mobility counseling so families can choose high-opportunity neighborhoods without losing community. This is social and civil-rights justice, made local and durable: write the rules into the charter, enforce them with data and teeth, and build ownership and opportunity where discrimination once stood. When we work to protect our most vulnerable we protect a future you that could need the resources you never thought you would need.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes. I will uphold and defend the Fair Housing Act with every vote I take. Housing discrimination is not only illegal; it is a moral wrong that undermines dignity and destabilizes communities. As councilmember, I will introduce and support legislation that strengthens local enforcement, expands renter protections, and ensures equal access to housing regardless of race, income source, family status, LGBTQIA+ identity, or disability.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes. I will sponsor Source of Income protection legislation. Voucher discrimination is too often a stand-in for racial and disability discrimination. I will work with LaFHAC, landlords, tenants, and housing advocates to expand landlord participation through education, mobility counseling, and accountability measures. Families who use vouchers deserve the same chance to live in safe, thriving neighborhoods as anyone else.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? I will fight to make sure the Housing Trust Fund is fully funded and that allocations are distributed transparently and on time. That means requiring quarterly public reporting, public dashboards that show where every Housing Trust Fund dollar is going, and clear consequences if funds are delayed or diverted. The voters made their will clear; housing must be a permanent priority and I will work with the new administration to guarantee that no affordable housing project falls through the cracks because of mismanagement or neglect.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? I will strongly oppose any effort to criminalize homelessness or warehouse our neighbors in psychiatric facilities against their will. New Orleans must adopt a Housing First approach; expanding permanent supportive housing, mental health care, and wraparound services. I will advocate for city ordinances that prevent our resources from being used to carry out harmful state mandates and push instead for investments in community-based housing solutions. People deserve dignity, not punishment, and our response to homelessness must be rooted in compassion, evidence, and equity.

City Council Candidates

District At Large #1

Delisha Boyd

No response provided at this time.

Matthew Hill

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes—I will support and, if necessary, introduce an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every five years. It is impossible to address patterns of segregation and discrimination without reliable data and proactive planning. Regular updates ensure we’re not just reacting to crises but actively tracking barriers to housing and expanding equal access across neighborhoods. By holding the city accountable to a recurring review, we can align housing policy with changing demographics, economic pressures, and community needs—making sure New Orleans builds a fairer, more inclusive housing market that gives every resident a chance to thrive.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember?* We need to do better than simply upholding the Fair Housing Act of 1968—we need to pioneer the next level of housing justice in New Orleans. I will honor the principles of the Act, but my vision goes further: creating Earned Income Housing where residents build real equity, not just rely on vouchers. This means transforming rent into ownership opportunities, so families can generate wealth, stability, and long-term security. As a councilmember, every piece of legislation, program, and vote I support will be aimed at moving beyond compliance toward innovation—so that New Orleans can lead the nation in building housing systems that truly lift people out of poverty and give them a stake in their community.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders?* No—I would not sponsor Source of Income protection legislation, because I believe we need to go further and build a new system: Earned Equity Housing. Instead of patching a broken model with more regulations, we should be pioneering a system where renters build equity through their monthly payments, creating a pathway to ownership and long-term stability. That’s how we break cycles of poverty and displacement. I would work with stakeholders—developers, nonprofits, financial institutions, and residents themselves—to design and implement this model so that housing in New Orleans isn’t just about access, but about opportunity, wealth-building, and giving people a true stake in their neighborhoods.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding?* I will ensure that affordable housing funds are not just allocated but actually spent correctly by putting strong oversight mechanisms in place. That means regular audits, public reporting on where every dollar goes, and strict accountability for developers and agencies receiving funding. I will work with the new administration to create transparent dashboards and open data tools so the public can track progress in real time. Oversight isn’t about slowing things down—it’s about guaranteeing that money earmarked for affordable housing truly results in units being built, blight being transformed, and families getting homes they can afford. Without accountability, funding is just a promise; with oversight, it becomes results.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight?* We have made progress by reconnecting many unhoused residents with their home states and families, and I believe we need to continue and strengthen those efforts. Simply letting people wander the streets is not compassionate, and it doesn’t help the city either. My focus will be on building a robust system of intake, assessment, and placement—one that identifies the most vulnerable individuals and quickly connects them with the programs that best meet their needs, whether that’s mental health care, addiction treatment, housing support, or family reunification. Instead of the state’s costly and ineffective “out of sight” approach, New Orleans should invest in humane, practical solutions that help people stabilize their lives while also addressing the broader impacts of homelessness on our community.

Matthew Willard

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes. Engaging stakeholders in this process is key to the development of good policy and necessary to gain the public trust and engagement necessary to get the ordinance passed. I’d probably want to start with a working group comprised of LaFHAC, the Renter’s Rights Coalition, Janes Place, as well as HANO and FANO and other engaged public and nonprofit stakeholders to develop a policy framework before bringing to other city councilmembers and City staff to work through details. I made it a point as a State Representative to bring all stakeholders from different sides of issues together to get workable solutions passed. I’ll do the same as your Councilmember.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? The City is now facing I believe about a $100 million budget shortfall, so it’s not surprising, however unacceptable, that the Housing Trust Fund is being shorted. We have to get our financial house in order as a city government, and I’ve repeatedly called for a comprehensive financial and performance audit of City Hall. The two percent the trust fund is in the City Charter and cannot be withheld. I will work with the new administration to make sure the City follows through on its commitments, especially as it relates to the Housing Trust Fund. My goal is to ensure that this dedicated funding stream truly addresses affordability, and that the Council and City Hall are held accountable to the people of New Orleans. That means first ensuring maintenance and upkeep of existing affordable housing units so families currently relying on them are not displaced, and then investing in new mixed-housing developments near grocery stores, green spaces, and transit hubs. Just as importantly, we must maximize federal dollars, redevelop blighted housing before building new units, and use performance metrics to hold the City accountable. I will push for clear criteria, public reporting, and strong oversight so every dollar appropriated to the Housing Trust Fund delivers on its promise of delivering housing our people can afford.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? It’s not just our City—our State has struggled with mental health services since Bobby Jindal completely dismantled funding for related services and emergency mental health services. And what we got instead was a jail. Addiction and mental health disorders are not a problem we can arrest our way out of. I support expanding non-police crisis response programs and Housing First approaches to ensure we are treating people with dignity, compassion, and services—not criminalization.

District At Large #2

Keneth Cutno

No response provided at this time.

Pastor Gregory Manning

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes—I will support and, if necessary, introduce an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every five years. It is impossible to address patterns of segregation and discrimination without reliable data and proactive planning. Regular updates ensure we’re not just reacting to crises but actively tracking barriers to housing and expanding equal access across neighborhoods. By holding the city accountable to a recurring review, we can align housing policy with changing demographics, economic pressures, and community needs—making sure New Orleans builds a fairer, more inclusive housing market that gives every resident a chance to thrive.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember?* We need to do better than simply upholding the Fair Housing Act of 1968—we need to pioneer the next level of housing justice in New Orleans. I will honor the principles of the Act, but my vision goes further: creating Earned Income Housing where residents build real equity, not just rely on vouchers. This means transforming rent into ownership opportunities, so families can generate wealth, stability, and long-term security. As a councilmember, every piece of legislation, program, and vote I support will be aimed at moving beyond compliance toward innovation—so that New Orleans can lead the nation in building housing systems that truly lift people out of poverty and give them a stake in their community.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders?* No—I would not sponsor Source of Income protection legislation, because I believe we need to go further and build a new system: Earned Equity Housing. Instead of patching a broken model with more regulations, we should be pioneering a system where renters build equity through their monthly payments, creating a pathway to ownership and long-term stability. That’s how we break cycles of poverty and displacement. I would work with stakeholders—developers, nonprofits, financial institutions, and residents themselves—to design and implement this model so that housing in New Orleans isn’t just about access, but about opportunity, wealth-building, and giving people a true stake in their neighborhoods.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding?* I will ensure that affordable housing funds are not just allocated but actually spent correctly by putting strong oversight mechanisms in place. That means regular audits, public reporting on where every dollar goes, and strict accountability for developers and agencies receiving funding. I will work with the new administration to create transparent dashboards and open data tools so the public can track progress in real time. Oversight isn’t about slowing things down—it’s about guaranteeing that money earmarked for affordable housing truly results in units being built, blight being transformed, and families getting homes they can afford. Without accountability, funding is just a promise; with oversight, it becomes results.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight?* We have made progress by reconnecting many unhoused residents with their home states and families, and I believe we need to continue and strengthen those efforts. Simply letting people wander the streets is not compassionate, and it doesn’t help the city either. My focus will be on building a robust system of intake, assessment, and placement—one that identifies the most vulnerable individuals and quickly connects them with the programs that best meet their needs, whether that’s mental health care, addiction treatment, housing support, or family reunification. Instead of the state’s costly and ineffective “out of sight” approach, New Orleans should invest in humane, practical solutions that help people stabilize their lives while also addressing the broader impacts of homelessness on our community.

JP Morrell

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes. Engaging stakeholders in this process is key to the development of good policy and necessary to gain the public trust and engagement necessary to get the ordinance passed. I’d probably want to start with a working group comprised of LaFHAC, the Renter’s Rights Coalition, Janes Place, as well as HANO and FANO and other engaged public and nonprofit stakeholders to develop a policy framework before bringing to other city councilmembers and City staff to work through details. I made it a point as a State Representative to bring all stakeholders from different sides of issues together to get workable solutions passed. I’ll do the same as your Councilmember.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? The City is now facing I believe about a $100 million budget shortfall, so it’s not surprising, however unacceptable, that the Housing Trust Fund is being shorted. We have to get our financial house in order as a city government, and I’ve repeatedly called for a comprehensive financial and performance audit of City Hall. The two percent the trust fund is in the City Charter and cannot be withheld. I will work with the new administration to make sure the City follows through on its commitments, especially as it relates to the Housing Trust Fund. My goal is to ensure that this dedicated funding stream truly addresses affordability, and that the Council and City Hall are held accountable to the people of New Orleans. That means first ensuring maintenance and upkeep of existing affordable housing units so families currently relying on them are not displaced, and then investing in new mixed-housing developments near grocery stores, green spaces, and transit hubs. Just as importantly, we must maximize federal dollars, redevelop blighted housing before building new units, and use performance metrics to hold the City accountable. I will push for clear criteria, public reporting, and strong oversight so every dollar appropriated to the Housing Trust Fund delivers on its promise of delivering housing our people can afford.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? It’s not just our City—our State has struggled with mental health services since Bobby Jindal completely dismantled funding for related services and emergency mental health services. And what we got instead was a jail. Addiction and mental health disorders are not a problem we can arrest our way out of. I support expanding non-police crisis response programs and Housing First approaches to ensure we are treating people with dignity, compassion, and services—not criminalization.

District A

Holly Friedman

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes. I will sponsor, and vote for, an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to update New Orleans’ Assessment of Fair Housing every five years, with clear accountability and transparency.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes. I will fully uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and strengthen its protections locally through legislation, funding priorities, and oversight.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes. I will sponsor and support Source of Income (SOI) protection legislation so that residents using Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs), veterans’ benefits, disability income, or other lawful sources of support are not shut out of housing opportunities. Voucher discrimination is housing discrimination, and New Orleans must address it head-on.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? I will treat the Housing Trust Fund as both a legal mandate and a moral obligation to the people of New Orleans. The voters spoke clearly: they want real, ongoing investment in affordable housing, not empty promises or delayed allocations.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? I will strongly oppose any effort that criminalizes poverty or treats unhoused residents as problems to be hidden rather than people to be housed. Forced institutionalization and “out of sight” strategies are costly, ineffective, and inhumane. New Orleans deserves better.

Aimee McCarron

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes, I would be happy to author and/or support an ordinance to do this. It is important we are always staying current with our polices and assessments to ensure we are addressing these issues correctly to provide equal access to housing opportunities.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes, as a councilmember, I believe it is my role to protect the rights of all residents here and will always fight to ensure our city is upholding this Act or any other rights that are being infringed upon due to state or federal overreach.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes– I would support and sponsor Source of Income protection legislation. Discrimination against Housing Choice Voucher holders is unacceptable, especially in a city where so many Black families, seniors, and people with disabilities rely on vouchers to access safe and affordable housing. I will work with groups like LaFHAC, tenant advocates, and HANO to ensure protections are clear, enforceable, and paired with education for landlords to fight the “stigma” around vouchers. I would also ensure the process involved with accepting a housing voucher (inspections, payment processes, etc) is timely.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? The housing trust was passed by an overwhelming majority of residents and it is now not just a law, but part of our City Charter, so it is both the Administration and the Council’s role to ensure this funding is added into the Housing Trust Fund every year as it is supposed to. An advisory committee was set-up along with the trust, to make recommendations on how the money should be used and this committee is required to submit quarterly reports to the council regarding the use of the funds. They are also required to have a public facing dashboard and it should be updated quarterly. The Council has the ultimate oversight of this committee and their recommendations so we must ensure the process is followed. The other side of this is that as a council, we need to make sure the people appointed to this committee are also doing their part and showing up and participating.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? I fundamentally oppose any effort to criminalize poverty or force people into psychiatric facilities simply because they are unhoused. As a Councilmember, I will fight to protect our residents from inhumane state overreach. That means passing local ordinances that safeguard the Housing First model, working with service providers to expand supportive housing, and ensuring city funds aren’t used to criminalize homelessness. I will also push back against the governor’s plans that funnel people into institutions instead of homes. Our people deserve dignity, services, and housing, not punishment for being poor.

Alex Mossing

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes, I commit to requiring a revised Assessment of Fair Housing on a 5-year basis.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes, I would sponsor and support Source of Income protection legislation. Discrimination against Housing Choice Voucher holders undermines both fair housing and racial equity in New Orleans. I will work with LaFHAC, tenant advocates, landlords, and developers to design enforceable legislation paired with clear education and compliance resources. Enforcement must include real penalties for landlords who discriminate, along with incentives for property owners who expand access. To be effective, we must also increase public reporting and monitoring so residents see where the barriers are and how the City is addressing them.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? The voters spoke clearly in support of the Housing Trust Fund, and the City has a legal and moral obligation to deliver. I will push for an automatic, recurring appropriation of at least 2% of the general fund as required so that funding is never subject to political whims. Beyond securing funds, we must also demand transparency: quarterly public reports from the Office of Community Development on allocation, disbursement, and unit creation. I will also advocate for an independent advisory board with community and housing experts to review funding decisions and track outcomes. Affordable housing is too critical to allow shortfalls or delays to derail projects.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? I oppose efforts at the federal or state level that criminalize poverty and homelessness under the guise of mental health or public safety. Forcing people into psychiatric centers without adequate resources or housing is inhumane and ineffective. In New Orleans, I will fight to uphold Housing First principles: expanding permanent supportive housing, increasing funding for wraparound services, and strengthening partnerships with nonprofits providing mental health and substance use care. The Council must stand against state overreach and instead invest in proven, compassionate solutions that address root causes like housing affordability, access to care, and economic opportunity rather than simply pushing unhoused residents out of sight.

Bob Murrell

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes, I will support sponsoring such an ordinance, with regular check-ins between the 5 year increment.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes, absolutely. Housing Justice is my first campaign priority, and I have taken the Homes Guarantee Pledge HomesGuarantee.com
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes. We are living in a housing crisis, and despite passing Healthy Homes and the Housing Trust Fund, we are continuing to have issues with compliance and releasing funds to renters. I would sponsor a Source of Income protection, and would pursue a ballot measure to amend the HRC to include source of income as a protected status, similar to the amendment on the Oct 11 ballot. This would allow renters to sue landlords for discrimination, and I would support funding a legal support program for renters to get representation. Landlords continue to not abide because we do not hurt their bottom line, whether that’s a doubles to dorms developer, an STR whole home owner, or a slumlord. The primary stakeholders are renters, and I would work with them to get this ballot measure passed and continue to push for enforcement of Healthy Homes.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? I’m disappointed that more people aren’t aware of the mistake from Cm Giarrusso and his budget director. First, the entire budgetary process should be happening year-round, ensuring that funds released are matching pace with projects scheduled, staffing, etc. Next, by introducing a participatory budget project, this will include public education and transparency on the budget, how it’s constructed, and how it’s being spent. I will work with all City departments to ensure that funding comes with compliance, and that includes reporting relevant data on a regular basis (at the very least monthly). As a private citizen, I’ve struggled to get the necessary budgetary information from departments outside of budget season, in spite of the work done by Cm Giarrusso’s office for working back several years to get budgetary information. On City Council, I will be empowered to make the budget and how funding is being spent as transparent as it is to my office, and I want our people to know their tax dollars are actually being spent and where it’s supposed to go.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? I would rollback the ordinances passed by this current City Council to cater to the Superbowl in early 2025 and aided the disgusting efforts to treat human beings less than human. I will create a CEA (or amend any currently existing) to ensure City departments, including NOPD and RTCC, are not assisting or operating with LSP and federal agencies with a number of laws, including attempts to target those with immigration status or are unhoused. Finally, I will continue efforts to actually house people. Sweeps don’t house people, it makes it even harder to get housed. Working with wraparound service providers for formerly incarcerated people will be critical as OJC is currently over-populated and will have an outflux in order to be in compliance with legal caps, so we need to also ensure FIP have barriers removed for them to receive housing.

Bridget Neal

No response given at this time

District B

Lesli Harris

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes, I support and will work with LaFHAC on an ordinance mandating that the Office of Community Development (OCD) update the city’s Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) at least every five years. Consistent re-evaluation is essential to reflect demographic changes, patterns of segregation or displacement, impacts of disasters (e.g. hurricanes, flooding), rising costs of housing, and evolving economic pressures. This will also take collaboration not just from fair housing advocates but with the City to set clear metrics, timelines, and public engagement processes.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? I will absolutely continue to strongly oppose any policies or funding decisions that risk perpetuating discrimination, including things like exclusionary zoning, barriers to developments in certain neighborhoods, and discriminatory permitting. During my time on the Council, I have proactively sponsored and publicly supported local policies to strengthen fair housing protections, such as anti-discrimination in housing, landlord accountability through Healthy Homes, and steps to reduce barriers to homeownership or rental access. The biggest example I recently championed was the campaign to pass the Housing Trust Fund charter amendment, which will dedicate two percent of the city’s annual budget to affordable and workforce housing starting in 2026.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? I will sponsor and support Source of Income protections. I have seen firsthand, through my work with Home for Good, how too many residents with vouchers are turned away despite having the resources to pay rent. That practice undermines the goals of housing choice and perpetuates discrimination against families, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents. As a Councilmember, I have and will continue to work with fair housing advocates, tenant leaders, and landlord groups to craft legislation that is both strong and enforceable. This will include clear penalties for violations, outreach and education for landlords, and city resources to help voucher holders navigate the rental process. Enacting Source of Income protections is a critical step toward ensuring equal access to housing for all New Orleanians.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? As the Councilmember who championed the charter amendment dedicating 2% of the city’s annual budget to the Housing Trust Fund starting in 2026, one of my top priorities in my second term will be ensuring that this fund is used effectively, transparently, and with accountability. This measure represents the largest long-term investment in affordable housing in our city’s history and voters overwhelmingly endorsed it. Most importantly, I will insist that the Fund prioritizes projects that meet the needs of the most vulnerable, including families, seniors, and culture bearers, and that it supports both rental and homeownership opportunities across neighborhoods.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? By establishing Home for Good, a public-private partnership focused on addressing street homelessness, I have helped house more than 1,200 residents experiencing homelessness and supported the closure of encampments with dignity and services. I strongly believe in a Housing First approach, which means connecting people to stable housing without preconditions, and then providing wraparound services like healthcare, workforce support, and counseling to help them stay housed. I have and will oppose any state or federal attempts to criminalize homelessness or to force institutionalization without due process or humane alternatives. Instead, I will continue to advocate for expanding permanent supportive housing, investing in mental health and substance use treatment, and strengthening partnerships with nonprofits who provide direct outreach and case management. Protecting the rights and dignity of unhoused residents is not only the compassionate choice, it is also the most effective and cost-efficient way to reduce homelessness in the long term.

District C

Eliot Barron

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? When elected to city council I will definitely support an ordinance for the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing. Every five years feels ambitious, and ambition is a positive, however it’s been almost ten years now since we wrote our own rule. If we break our own rules because they aren’t obligatory then it begs the question would another rule help? Let’s revise our assessment immediately and go from there.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? When elected to New Orleans City Council District C, my votes and proposals will uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and safeguard options for all protected classes including gender and marital status. In a fluid environment and turbulent times, every body deserves safety and shelter, let alone life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? When elected to City Council District C I would be happy to support or even sponsor legislation to protect alternative choice in the Source of Income space. Stakeholders like this organization and community members of all stripes will enjoy an open door policy and benefit from engaged communication.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? Holding city agencies and civil servants accountable through transparency is a worthy goal for all candidates seeking elected office. People talk about reporting requirements and all that jazz but it does not help in the case of missing millions. Miscalculations are costly indeed, and I will strive publicly and privately, to make funding for affordable housing available above and beyond what is required at a minimum. Allocation and distribution shall be just. Let it be.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? When elected to City Council District C, my job will be to connect constituents with humane and effective resources. The same dollars shall be used to serve and protect New Orleans’ vulnerable people and unhoused residents and aliens. The Governor has demonstrated willingness to pay and to act and it will be on me and my colleagues to channel that energy for good rather than to push undesirables out of sight or stand helplessly by as others clean up our mess. Let’s be honest. We are a hot mess.

Kelsey Foster

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes. I strongly support requiring an updated Assessment of Fair Housing every five years. We cannot meaningfully address housing discrimination, segregation, or barriers to opportunity without reliable, current data and proactive, long-term planning. The City’s 2016 Assessment was groundbreaking, but since then, COVID, inflation, and rising construction costs have shifted our housing landscape dramatically. As a Councilmember, I will push for legislation requiring regular updates, ensure that those assessments are transparent and community-driven, based on solid qualitative and quantitative data, and work with HANO and the Office of Community Development to hold ourselves accountable to measurable goals.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Absolutely. The Fair Housing Act is a bedrock civil rights protection, and with federal enforcement under attack, local government must be the last line of defense. As Councilmember, I will ensure that all legislation I introduce or support is grounded in equity, that city programs explicitly prohibit discrimination—including against LGBTQIA+ residents—and that New Orleans remains a place where families of all backgrounds can access safe and affordable housing.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes. No family should be denied housing because they use a Housing Choice Voucher or another lawful source of income. Discrimination against voucher holders disproportionately harms Black families, people with disabilities, and single mothers, and it perpetuates segregation. I would sponsor and support Source of Income protection legislation, while working closely with landlords, tenants, HANO, and housing advocates to ensure the policy is clear, enforceable, and paired with landlord education and incentives for participation.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? The Housing Trust Fund is a mandate voted for by the people, and Council must ensure those funds are protected and fully appropriated every year. I will push for timely allocations, strict reporting requirements, and a public dashboard showing how much money has been collected, how it is spent, and how many units are created or preserved. I will also advocate for multi-year planning and early coordination with the administration so that projects aren’t delayed by avoidable shortfalls or bureaucratic hurdles. This is a symptom of a larger fiscal dysfunction within City Hall, created by a lack of centralized, transparent, and equally available financial information. It’s crucial that all branches of our government and the public have accurate access to information about our city’s finances; there have been too many headlines pointing to discrepancies in our shared understanding of our financial situation– of our assets and our liabilities. We must create a shared financial reporting platform that prevents these disputes
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? I will oppose any policy that criminalizes or forcibly institutionalizes people experiencing homelessness. These approaches waste resources, violate human rights, and do nothing to address the root causes of housing instability. Instead, I will work to expand Housing First strategies—permanent supportive housing, rental assistance, and partnerships for mental health and addiction treatment—because those are proven to reduce homelessness. I will also resist state overreach by ensuring that local ordinances and practices prioritize dignity, choice, and long-term housing solutions, not punishment or displacement.

Jackson Kimbrell

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes, I support and would introduce an ordinance requiring revision of the assessment every five years. I use data and analysis in my job on a daily basis and understand a clear picture makes informed decisions. Regarding housing, the vast changes in the last five years is immense. The city needs to be updating the assessment even more frequently as the rate of change is moving quickly. I support getting the most accurate assessment of housing in our city to help achieve the desperate need of affordable housing throughout the city.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes, the Fair Housing Act is one of the landmark social policies passed in the last 100 years. Our city must remain a place where everyone can get a fair chance in life. Housing is fundamental to this as it is a human right that shouldn’t be deprived from anyone. I will empower HANO and our city agencies to uphold the standards created in that landmark legislation.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? I would sponsor and support legislation to protect our minority renters in the city. We have too many bad landlords that are only out for profit. I want to establish a task force and hotline for renters to report landlords that are discriminating against them for utilizing vouchers for housing payment. The stigma against our neighbors that need housing assistance is shameful. I support fines that go after landlords that discriminate. Everyone has the right to a solid roof over their heads.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? I work in construction and have a project currently underway for affordable senior housing. This issue is one of my top campaign priorities. The issue with the shortfall stems from using temporary COVID funding to fill required allocations to the trust fund. I will ensure that the required money is allocated from the general fund yearly. I want the trust fund to publish quarterly report on that projects and initiatives are being funded. This issue is too important to fund it with possibly expiring funds.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? I will continue to be an advocate for our unhoused neighbors when in office. I will continue to champion funding services to get them medical and mental heal services. I want to focus on getting them stable permanent housing and entrust funding to nonprofits that are proven to get results. I will press the city departments to move faster in getting help to our neighbors. The state government uses our inaction to sweep in and create chaos. I will ensure this doesn’t happen to our most vulnerable neighbors.

Freddie King III

No response provided at this time.

District D

Belden “Noonie Man” Batiste

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes. I will sponsor an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to update the City’s Assessment of Fair Housing every five years and after any major market shock. The ordinance will: Set a fixed 5 year cycle with a public timeline and milestones. Require meaningful community participation included renters, voucher holders, disability advocates, and neighborhood groups before adoption. Tie CDBG/HOME and local incentives to measurable AFH goals (e.g., reducing voucher denial rates, increasing affordable units in high opportunity areas). Create a public dashboard tracking segregation indices, displacement risk, rent burden, eviction filings, and progress on commitments.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes. I will uphold and locally strengthen protections embodied in the Fair Housing Act of 1968 through: Local ordinances that codify protections—including sexual orientation, gender identity, veterans status, and familial status—so residents are covered even when federal enforcement ebbs. Dedicated funding for paired-testing and legal/mediation support with partners like LaFHAC. Strong city enforcement: clear penalties, a rapid complaint process, and annual public reporting. Using land use, incentives, and city contracts to reward compliant actors and sanction repeat violators.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes. I will sponsor SOI protections that prohibit discrimination against renters using Housing Choice Vouchers, SSI/SSDI, child support, or other lawful income. My plan pairs enforcement with landlord partnership: Enforcement: Civil penalties, a private right of action, required fair-housing notices on listings/leases, and data sharing with HANO. Landlord engagement: Streamlined inspections and unit onboarding with HANO; a risk-mitigation fund for damage/holdover claims; small-landlord signing bonuses for first-time participation; and predictable payment standards. Stakeholders: Convene HANO, LaFHAC, tenant unions, landlord associations, disability and family advocates to co-design rules and a 12-month rollout with quarterly progress check-ins.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? I will ensure the HTF receives at least 2% of the General Fund annually and close the reported $8M shortfall through a mid-year budget amendment and a dedicated revenue plan (short-term rental fees, inclusionary/impact fees, and delinquent lien collections dedicated to HTF). Accountability measures: Quarterly public reports: dollars obligated, units started/finished, cost per unit, AMI levels, neighborhoods served. Clawbacks & reallocation for stalled projects beyond set timelines. Independent pipeline review before each budget to prioritize preservation, deeply affordable units (<50% AMI), and projects near transit, jobs, and schools. Open data portal so residents can track every HTF dollar from allocation to lease up.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? I oppose criminalizing poverty and blanket involuntary commitment. As Councilmember I will: Codify Housing First as city policy; expand permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and low barrier shelter with storage, hygiene, and pet/family accommodations. Create a citywide Care Response: 24/7 civilian mobile crisis teams integrated with 988, EMS, and street medicine diverting people from jail and ERs. Due process protections: Prohibit encampment sweeps without offers of appropriate housing or shelter and services; require notice, outreach, and placement plans. Leverage Medicaid & hospital partnerships for behavioral health beds, step down programs, and on-site case management. Accountability: Publish quarterly outcomes (exits to housing, returns to homelessness, crisis response times) and tie city/state contracts to results, not head counts. Stand up to state overreach: Oppose unfunded mandates and any policy that expands the criminal legal system to “hide” unhoused residents, while coordinating on evidence based, voluntary treatment and housing solutions.

Eugene Green

No response provided at this time.

Leilani Heno

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes, I would support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every five years. The last assessment was in 2016, and since then, COVID, rising costs, and stagnant wages have changed the housing landscape. Without updated data, the city cannot address patterns of segregation or ensure fair access to housing. A regular, updated assessment would guide equitable funding, support proactive planning, and make sure every neighborhood and every resident has a real chance at safe, affordable housing.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes, I will uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968 at the local level. With federal protections weakened, the city must step in to protect residents from discrimination. I will support legislation, programs, and policies that expand housing equity, defend LGBTQIA+ rights, and ensure that every resident has access to safe and affordable housing. The council must be a stronghold for fairness, and I will use my vote and my voice to make sure New Orleans leads on civil rights in housing.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes, I would support Source of Income protection legislation. I would work with tenant groups, landlords, and organizations like LaFHAC to ensure the legislation is fair, enforceable, and practical. Education and outreach would have to be a part of the plan so everyone understands their rights and responsibilities. This is about making sure people are evaluated based on their ability to pay, not the type of income they receive.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? I will ensure that the Housing Trust Fund receives the full appropriation required by ordinance and that the funds are distributed efficiently and equitably. That means tracking allocations and expenditures closely, publishing regular public updates, and holding both the Office of Community Development and the administration accountable for timely spending. I will work collaboratively with the new mayor and her team to build transparent systems for planning and reporting, so residents can see where funding is going, which projects are moving forward, and that resources are prioritized based on need, not politics. Accountability, transparency, and data-driven decision-making will guide every step to ensure we actually create and preserve affordable housing for the people who need it most.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? On the City Council, I will work with local agencies and nonprofits to strengthen programs that are effective, transparent, and equitable, making sure resources go to sustainable solutions, not just pushing people out of sight. Protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of our unhoused neighbors will always be a priority.

District E

Richard Bell Sr.

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes. We had to come to the roundtable.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? No district left behind.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? Yes. I will fight for equal right to all.

Danyelle Christmas

No response provided at this time.

Jason Hughes

No response provided at this time.

Nathaniel Jones

No response provided at this time.

Willie Miller Jr.

No response provided at this time.

Willie Morgan

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes, if elected, I would support and advocate for an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every five years. Regularly updating this assessment is essential to track patterns of segregation and discrimination and to ensure that all New Orleanians have equal access to safe, affordable housing. By proactively addressing barriers and inequities in our housing system, the City can make meaningful progress toward fair and inclusive communities for everyone.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes, if elected, I will uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and ensure that local policies, programming, and legislation protect all residents from housing discrimination. I am committed to promoting equity and inclusion in housing, supporting vulnerable communities—including LGBTQIA+ residents—and using my voice and vote on City Council to safeguard civil rights protections when federal enforcement falls short. Local action is critical, and I will work to make New Orleans a city where everyone has fair access to safe and affordable housing.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes, if elected, I would sponsor and support Source of Income protection legislation to ensure that housing choice voucher holders, as well as other vulnerable residents, have fair access to housing. I would work closely with community organizations, advocacy groups, landlords, and the Office of Community Development to build consensus, address concerns, and create clear, enforceable policies that reduce discrimination and promote equitable access to safe and affordable housing for all New Orleanians.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? If elected, I will ensure that the Housing Trust Fund receives the funding required by city ordinance and that those resources are allocated efficiently and transparently. I will work closely with the Office of Community Development and the new administration to establish clear reporting mechanisms, track project progress, and make information publicly available so residents can see how funds are being used. By prioritizing accountability, collaboration, and timely disbursement, we can ensure that affordable housing projects move forward without unnecessary delays and that New Orleanians in need can access safe, affordable homes.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? If elected to City Council, I will prioritize Housing First solutions and fight any efforts to criminalize homelessness or forcibly institutionalize unhoused residents. I will work with community organizations, service providers, and city agencies to expand supportive housing, mental health services, and substance use treatment that meet people’s needs without punishing them for poverty. Additionally, I will advocate at the state and federal levels to resist policies that undermine these humane, evidence-based approaches and ensure New Orleans remains a city that protects the dignity and rights of all its residents.

Cyndi Nguyen

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes, I would support and advocate for an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every five years. Regular updates are essential to ensure that our housing policies respond to changing economic conditions, population shifts, and the real challenges residents face with affordability and access. Without consistent assessments, we risk reinforcing patterns of segregation and missing opportunities to expand housing choice. I believe this proactive step is critical to making New Orleans a more equitable and inclusive city for all residents.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes, I will absolutely uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and work to ensure its protections are fully realized here in New Orleans. As councilmember, I will support legislation, programs, and funding that combat housing discrimination, protect LGBTQIA+ residents, and expand access to safe, affordable housing for all. When federal protections are weakened, it is our responsibility at the local level to step up and make sure every resident is treated with fairness, dignity, and equity.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes, I would sponsor and support Source of Income protection legislation to ensure that families using Housing Choice Vouchers are not unfairly denied access to housing. Discrimination against voucher holders is not just an economic issue; it is also a racial and social justice issue that reinforces segregation and inequality in our city. As councilmember, I will work closely with stakeholders—including LaFHAC, tenant advocates, landlords, and housing providers—to craft fair, enforceable policies, provide education about the benefits of voucher programs, and strengthen accountability measures so that families can access safe, stable housing without barriers.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? I will ensure that the Housing Trust Fund is fully funded each year, as required by the Charter Amendment overwhelmingly supported by voters. This means holding the administration accountable during the budget process and making sure that appropriated dollars are deposited into the Fund on schedule so projects do not stall. To strengthen transparency and accountability, I will push for regular public reporting on allocations, timelines, and project status updates, as well as establish clear metrics to track progress. I will also work in partnership with the administration, housing advocates, and developers to prioritize projects that create and preserve affordable units, especially for families most at risk of displacement.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? If elected, I will stand firmly against policies that criminalize poverty and punish people simply for not having a home. Instead, I will work to strengthen and expand Housing First approaches in New Orleans, which we know are effective in providing stability and dignity for unhoused residents. I will push back on state overreach by ensuring our city invests in supportive housing, mental health services, and community-based care rather than funneling people into under-resourced psychiatric centers or the criminal legal system. I will also work with local advocates, service providers, and impacted residents to make sure our policies center compassion, evidence-based solutions, and the human right to housing.

Gavin Richard

No response provided at this time.

Jonathan Anthony Roberts

It is impossible for the City of New Orleans to effectively address patterns of segregation and discrimination without tracking patterns and creating proactive plans to expand equal access to housing opportunities. If elected to city council, will you introduce and/or support an ordinance requiring the Office of Community Development to revise its Assessment of Fair Housing every 5 years? Yes, I will support and introduce legislation requiring the Office of Community Development to revise the Assessment of Fair Housing every five years. We can’t tackle segregation or discrimination if we don’t measure it honestly and regularly. Updating this assessment will keep us accountable, align resources with actual housing needs, and ensure families across District E and all of New Orleans can access safe, affordable, and integrated housing.
If elected to the New Orleans City Council, will you uphold the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a cornerstone of our Civil Rights law, with your proposed legislation, programming and vote as councilmember? Yes. I will uphold and defend the Fair Housing Act with every vote I take. Housing discrimination is not only illegal; it is a moral wrong that undermines dignity and destabilizes communities. As councilmember, I will introduce and support legislation that strengthens local enforcement, expands renter protections, and ensures equal access to housing regardless of race, income source, family status, LGBTQIA+ identity, or disability.
If elected to City Council, would you sponsor or support Source of Income protection legislation? If so, how will you work with stakeholders? Yes. I will sponsor Source of Income protection legislation. Voucher discrimination is too often a stand-in for racial and disability discrimination. I will work with LaFHAC, landlords, tenants, and housing advocates to expand landlord participation through education, mobility counseling, and accountability measures. Families who use vouchers deserve the same chance to live in safe, thriving neighborhoods as anyone else.
How will you ensure that funding is not only made available for affordable housing, as required by city ordinance? How will you work with the new administration to ensure transparency and accountability in allocating and distributing the funding? I will fight to make sure the Housing Trust Fund is fully funded and that allocations are distributed transparently and on time. That means requiring quarterly public reporting, public dashboards that show where every Housing Trust Fund dollar is going, and clear consequences if funds are delayed or diverted. The voters made their will clear; housing must be a permanent priority and I will work with the new administration to guarantee that no affordable housing project falls through the cracks because of mismanagement or neglect.
If elected to New Orleans City Council, what will you do to protect New Orleans and its unhoused residents from inhumane and ineffective state overreach, such as Governor Landry’s multi-million dollar and under-resourced attempt to push unhoused residents out of sight? I will strongly oppose any effort to criminalize homelessness or warehouse our neighbors in psychiatric facilities against their will. New Orleans must adopt a Housing First approach; expanding permanent supportive housing, mental health care, and wraparound services. I will advocate for city ordinances that prevent our resources from being used to carry out harmful state mandates and push instead for investments in community-based housing solutions. People deserve dignity, not punishment, and our response to homelessness must be rooted in compassion, evidence, and equity.

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estrahan 09/26/2025 Blog, Press Releases, Uncategorized