NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the Community Development Committee convened to discuss and vote on Motion M-26-241, which would approve an amended 2026 Housing Trust Fund budget and implementation plan, including funding for a fortified roof gap-funding program and homeownership construction subsidies.

Committee Votes on Amended Housing Trust Fund 2026 Budget

The committee voted to recommend approval of Motion M-26-241, involving the Fortify NOLA program. This $635,375 Fortified Roof Gap Funding Grant Program will help income-qualified homeowners cover the remaining costs of installing fortified roofs, building on the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP).

This motion would approve an amendment to the Housing Trust Fund's 2026 budget and implementation plan following the adoption of the 2026 General Fund budget. The 2026 General Fund budget increased by approximately $74,183,436, generating an additional $1,495,000 for the Housing Trust Fund, in accordance with the Charter's requirement that at least 2% of the General Fund be allocated to affordable housing.

After accounting for allowable reserves and administrative costs, $1,270,000 in new program funding will be split evenly between the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority's owner-occupied roof rehabilitation program and its homeownership construction subsidy program.

The motion also directs that the additional roof rehabilitation funds be used as supplemental grants for Louisiana Fortify Homes Program recipients with incomes below 120% of the area median income who need assistance covering the gap between their state grant award and the full cost of a fortified roof.

The committee also heard from Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple regarding the fortified roof gap funding program. To view Mr. Temple's comments from the meeting, click here.

Following comments from Mr. Temple, the committee heard from Jefferson Parish Council At-Large member Jennifer Van Vrancken, who provided a presentation on the Roof Enhancement Lottery Incentive Fund (RELIF) Program. The RELIF program aims to maximize the LFHP, increasing the success rate and number of fortified roofs RELIF provides LDI-certified lottery grantees up to $5,000 in gap funds in addition to the up to $10,000 from LFHP.

To view the full presentation, click here.

To view the meeting agenda, click here.

To view the full meeting, click here.

To view a recap of the meeting from the Community Development Committee Chair, click here.