Equitable Development

Although billions of post-Katrina redevelopment dollars and recent economic growth have strengthened the GNO region, low-income and marginalized populations are not reaping the benefits in equal measure to more privileged groups. Unequal investments in community-serving public infrastructure; rising rents and stagnant wages; growing displacement pressures and the suburbanization of poverty are perpetuating inequitable development. Regional public transit is woefully inadequate and 52% of working-age, African American males are unemployed. This action table explores cross-sector strategies designed to advance inclusive physical development and economic opportunity in the region. Potential work might support comprehensive housing, land use and public transit policies that improve regional housing choices, prevent displacement and increase low-income communities’ access to regional opportunities or leverage public spending, policies and shifting market dynamics to advance a quality work agenda that maximizes low income peoples’ employment potential in the region’s emerging sectors.