NEW ORLEANS, LA — The New Orleans City Council yesterday approved a slate of major affordable housing developments that will bring about 600 new affordable units online in Districts B and C. This funding comes from capital outlay bonds that are dedicated to construction projects, not from the general fund. Together, the Rivana, BW Cooper, NSA, and Esplanade DeLille projects represent a significant step toward addressing the city’s housing needs and expanding access for working families, seniors, and residents across income levels.

Three of the developments - Rivana, BW Cooper, and NSA - were approved for Prime 3 State CDBG gap funding, while Esplanade DeLille will receive $1.5 million in HOME funds this year.

• Rivana (River District) - This first phase of affordable housing in the River District neighborhood will deliver 220 units, at least 165 of which will be affordable. These units are only part of the overall Convention Center/River District housing commitment to create 900 units, at least half of which must be affordable/workforce.
• BW Cooper - This project in the heart of District B will provide 103 affordable units for seniors, and will be 100% affordable.
• NSA Development - Located on the former Naval Support Activity site in the Bywater, this development will reactivate the long vacant site with 294 units, all of which will be affordable, ensuring long-term affordability for New Orleans residents.
• Esplanade DeLille – This new mixed-income development in Tremé will include 37 affordable units and 15 market-rate units, contributing to neighborhood diversity and the revitalization of a City-owned property.

“These developments are the direct result of strong collaboration between the city, state and our development partners,” said Councilmember Lesli Harris. “Together, they demonstrate our continued commitment to creating equitable housing opportunities and ensuring New Orleans families can afford to live and thrive in the communities they love.”

The projects align with the city’s broader housing strategy, which leverages multiple funding streams, including local bonds, state and federal grants, and, for smaller projects, the Housing Trust Fund, to support developments of all scales — from large multifamily projects to small neighborhood initiatives.

“These are exactly the kinds of projects that Proposition 1 will make possible in the future,” Councilmember Harris continued. “By approving the $45 million affordable housing bond on the Nov. 15 ballot, voters can ensure we continue to fund developments like Rivana, NSA, BW Cooper and Esplanade DeLille — projects that create real, lasting affordability for New Orleans families.”

With these approvals, the City reaffirms its commitment to expanding the affordable housing supply, promoting economic stability, and building a more inclusive New Orleans.