NORA: New Orleans Redevelopment Authority Official Site
Quick Summary
- Eliminating blight in New Orleans
- Promoting affordable housing solutions
- Revitalizing commercial corridors
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) serves as a vital catalyst for urban revitalization across New Orleans. Established in 1968, NORA partners in strategic developments that celebrate the city’s distinct neighborhoods and uphold its rich traditions. The agency focuses on addressing blight, fostering economic growth, and enhancing neighborhood vitality. NORA’s work encompasses several key areas, including affordable housing development, commercial corridor revitalization, and responsible land stewardship. Through various programs and initiatives, NORA actively transforms vacant and blighted properties into productive assets, aiming to create a more equitable and vibrant city for all residents.
- 📋 Eligibility for NORA's Community Revitalization Initiatives
- 📍 Accessing Your NORA Property Interest Account
- ⭐ NORA's Strategic Programs for Urban Renewal
- ⚠️ Navigating Common Questions for Property Engagement
- 🔒 Maintaining Secure Interactions with NORA Services
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Your Top Questions Answered by NORA
Eligibility for NORA's Community Revitalization Initiatives
- To participate in the Lot Next Door (LND) program, applicants must own a residentially zoned property that shares a common boundary with a NORA-owned property. Owners must also ensure their properties are not encumbered with outstanding taxes or municipal lien violations, and comply with city building codes and health and safety ordinances. The owned property must be occupied and in good standing with the Office of Safety and Permits and Code Enforcement. Income-eligible participants (at or below 80% of Area Median Income) with a homestead exemption may receive up to $10,000 in credit.
- For the Façade Renew Plus Program, eligible applicants include commercial property owners and business tenants with property owner consent. The program covers 85% of total project costs for qualified exterior improvements, up to a maximum award of $50,000 per 50 linear feet of eligible frontage.
- Eligibility for other programs like the New Orleans Housing Investment Program (NOHIP) or developer solicitations is outlined in specific Requests for Applications (RFAs) or Requests for Proposals (RFPs) released by NORA.
Accessing Your NORA Property Interest Account
- To access NORA's Property Search Tool and submit Expressions of Interest, navigate to the specific portal dedicated to property information.
- You will need to create an account if you are a new user. This typically involves providing an email address and setting up a password.
- Once registered, log in using your credentials to browse available properties, check their status, and submit your interest.
- For specific programs like the Lot Next Door 3.0 Program, an Expression of Interest Form must be completed online at noraproperty.nola.gov.
NORA's Strategic Programs for Urban Renewal
- Affordable Housing Development: NORA invests significantly in creating and preserving affordable housing options across residential neighborhoods. This includes providing financing and land to partners for building energy-efficient and resilient homes.
- Commercial Corridor Revitalization: The authority supports small business development and enhances commercial areas through blight reduction, historic preservation, and grant funding for exterior improvements like the Façade Renew Plus Program.
- Land Stewardship: NORA manages approximately 2,100 properties, transforming vacant lots for various redevelopment goals such as reducing flooding, beautification, and community greening projects.
- Property Disposition Programs: NORA conducts annual online auctions of properties and facilitates programs like Lot Next Door (LND), allowing adjacent homeowners to purchase NORA-owned lots. They also issue RFPs/RFQs/ITBs for larger development projects.
- Early Childhood Education Facilities: NORA collaborates on initiatives to increase and improve early childhood education facilities in Orleans Parish, supporting their construction and renovation.
- Resilience Planning: NORA leads efforts in implementing the city's resilience strategy to adapt to environmental changes and prepare for future challenges.
Navigating Common Questions for Property Engagement
⚠️ Forgot Password for Property Interest Account
Cause: User cannot log into their NORA property interest or expression of interest account.
Solution: Look for a 'Forgot Password?' link on the login page of the Property Search Tool or Expression of Interest Portal. Follow the prompts to reset your password, which typically involves email verification.
⚠️ Inquiring about NORA-owned Property Maintenance
Cause: A NORA-owned property appears to be improperly maintained.
Solution: You can contact NORA directly by calling 504.658.4400 to report concerns about the maintenance of their properties.
⚠️ Determining Ownership of a Property (NORA vs. Tax Lien)
Cause: A property's mailing address lists NORA, but the Assessor's website states private ownership.
Solution: If NORA's address is listed as the mailing address, it means NORA owns a tax lien interest on the property, not the property itself. To identify true ownership, use the Property Search tool on the NORA website or check the Orleans Parish Assessor's Office website.
⚠️ Non-Eligibility for Lot Next Door Program
Cause: You are interested in a NORA-owned property but do not qualify for the Lot Next Door program (e.g., property not adjacent).
Solution: If you don't qualify for LND, you may explore other NORA programs like the annual auction or Requests for Applications (RFAs) for property purchase. The Property Search Tool can help you find available inventory and other disposition options.
Maintaining Secure Interactions with NORA Services
- 🔒 Always use a strong, unique password for your NORA Property Interest Account. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- 🔒 Be cautious of phishing attempts. Always ensure you are on the official NORA website (noraworks.org) before entering any personal or account information. Look for 'https://' in the website address.
- 🔒 Do not share your account login details with anyone. NORA staff will never ask for your password.
- 🔒 Regularly review your account activity if the portal provides such a feature, and report any suspicious actions immediately.
- 🔒 Keep your contact information updated in your account to ensure you receive important security notifications.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
Phone: 504-658-4400
Your Top Questions Answered by NORA
Q: What is the mission of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA)?
NORA's mission is to be a catalyst for the revitalization of New Orleans, partnering in affordable and equitable strategic developments that celebrate the city's neighborhoods and honor its traditions.
Q: How can I find a new home for sale or lease by NORA or its partners?
You can search for currently available homes directly on NORA's website, often under a 'Property Search' section, or through their development partners.
Q: How can I purchase a NORA-owned property?
NORA properties are made available for sale through various avenues, including an annual auction, programs like the Lot Next Door (LND), and specific Requests for Applications (RFAs). You can express interest through their Expression of Interest Portal.
Q: Who is responsible for the care and upkeep of NORA owned properties?
Maintenance and upkeep of NORA-owned properties are the responsibility of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority until the sale and transfer to a new owner is complete.
Q: How are the sales prices determined for Lot Next Door properties?
All Lot Next Door properties are sold for at least Fair Market Value, which is determined by an individual appraisal performed by a Louisiana licensed appraiser. Through the Growing Home Program, eligible buyers may receive up to $10,000 in credit toward the purchase price.
Wrap Up
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) is dedicated to transforming and improving the urban landscape of New Orleans. Through its comprehensive programs focused on housing, commercial revitalization, and strategic land management, NORA actively works to eliminate blight, create affordable living spaces, and stimulate local economies. By engaging with NORA's official digital portal and understanding its various initiatives, residents and developers can contribute to and benefit from the ongoing efforts to build a more resilient and vibrant city.