📰 What Happened: In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed over 134,000 homes, New Orleans city leaders pledged to rebuild inclusively. Yet the median home price has jumped nearly 10% YoY to $335,000—placing New Orleans among the top 10 fastest-growing metros.

🔍 A Closer Look: While New Orleans is seeing some progress—such as the approved Housing Trust Fund that will dedicate 2% of the annual budget ($17 million) to affordable housing—efforts may be insufficient. In fact, the share of rent-burdened residents climbed from 24% pre-Katrina to 34% today.

🧠 Why It Matters: As New Orleans continues to gentrify, the city’s failure to replace lost housing will have consequences. The legacy of post-Katrina redevelopment will be determined by whether the city prioritizes equitable housing strategies or leaves those in need stranded again.