About the Office of Community Development

 The Office of Community Development (OCD) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all residents in Orleans Parish. Our mission is to create vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods by providing access to affordable housing, fostering economic development, and delivering vital services to meet the unique needs of our diverse communities.

At OCD, we understand that strong neighborhoods are the foundation of a thriving city. That's why we work tirelessly to channel resources and information into programs that make a real difference in people's lives. Our team of experts is committed to finding innovative solutions to complex challenges, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to live, work, and prosper in New Orleans.

Our office is composed of six specialized units that work collaboratively to achieve our goals:

  • Planning & Resource Development Unit: This unit is responsible for developing strategic plans and securing funding to support our initiatives. They identify community needs, create action plans, and pursue grants and other resources to bring our vision to life.
  • Neighborhood Services & Facilities Unit: This unit focuses on enhancing the physical and social infrastructure of our neighborhoods. They work to improve parks, community centers, and other public spaces, as well as develop programs that promote community engagement and empowerment.
  • Affordable Housing Unit: This unit is dedicated to ensuring that all residents have access to safe, affordable housing. They administer programs that provide financial assistance, housing counseling, and other support services to help individuals and families find and maintain stable housing.
  • Environmental Compliance Unit: This unit ensures that all of our projects and initiatives are in compliance with environmental regulations. They work to promote sustainable development practices and protect the health and well-being of our communities.
  • Intake Bureau Unit: This unit serves as the first point of contact for individuals and families seeking assistance from OCD. They provide information and referrals to appropriate programs and services, and help guide clients through the application process.
  • Construction Unit: This unit oversees the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing units and other community facilities. They work with developers, contractors, and other partners to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.

At the Office of Community Development, we are passionate about building stronger, more equitable neighborhoods in Orleans Parish. Through our commitment to affordable housing, economic development, and community services, we strive to create a city where every resident can thrive.

 

The Planning & Resource Development Unit develops the City’s five year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, which detail the use of funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide the City of New Orleans' housing, community  development, and special needs population programs and services.

The Planning & Resource Development Unit takes the lead in the completion of the (CAPER), which reports on outcomes of deliverable services for housing and community service programs provided for low to moderate income families in Orleans Parish.

  • For additional information call: (504) 658-4200

The Neighborhood Services & Facilities Unit administers the Continuum of Care Grants, providing services to persons who are low/moderate income, homeless, homeless prevention, transitional housing/permanent housing and individuals infected with HIV/AIDS. NS&F contracts and monitors agencies funded for programmatic compliance. NS&F provides technical assistance to agencies who receive funding to deliver community service programs. 

In addition, NS&F is charged with implementation of the Mayor’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness. 

  • For additional information call: (504) 658-4299.

The Affordable Housing unit prepares contracts and budgets for agencies receiving funding to administer affordable programs, monitors compliance requirements, from HUD, and certifies the eligibility of all housing beneficiaries.

The Affordable Housing unit also administers the Soft Second Mortgage Program through participating lenders, as well as the Disabled Elderly Owner Occupied Rehabilitation program.

For additional information call: (504) 658-4263

The Environmental Compliance Unit (ECU) ensures all projects receiving HUD funds are in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
  • For additional information call: (504) 658-4356.

The Intake Unit certifies the eligibility of all housing program beneficiaries, reviews and approves all rent schedules and performs annual monitoring of all HOME-assisted rental projects. It also processes payments for completed work. 
  • For additional information call: (504) 658-4263.

The Construction Unit performs Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections on Soft Second Mortgages, No Lead, and all HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME) projects from agencies receiving funding from the Office of Community Development.
  • For additional information call: (504) 658-4350.