New Orleans Deserves Thriving Communities

New Orleans has received a total of $388 million in Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds (SLFRL); money intended to “foster a strong, inclusive, and equitable recovery, especially uses with long-term benefits for health and economic outcomes.” Yet the city has largely spent funds on the police department and plugging holes in the budget.  

The lack of investment in the people of New Orleans and what we need to thrive is the root cause of interpersonal violence.

To build thriving communities and prevent violence, the City of New Orleans must invest a significant portion of American Recuse Plan Act (ARPA) funds in affordable housing, violence prevention and intervention, youth development, and community equity.  

The Big Easy Deal priorities are aimed at addressing the root causes of violence: systemic disinvestment, poverty, lack of economic opportunity, marginalization, and isolation. The city received a total of $388 million in ARPA funding; our plan would cost $147.2 million.