The Breakdown: Housing advocates split on Orleans Parish Proposition 1

By Devin Bartolotta

Source: WWL-TV

November 11, 2025

NEW ORLEANS — In your Ballot Box Breakdown: Orleans Parish voters will decide on three propositions this weekend intended to raise money for city projects.

They are three separate questions regarding three different categories; affordable housing, city infrastructure, and drainage. The bond amounts add up to $510 million.

Proposition 1 has some people divided. It asks if the city can sell bonds to raise $45 million for new and rehabbed affordable housing across the city.

Housing advocates are divided on this one. To understand why, you’ve got to remember the Housing Trust Fund that voters passed last year to create and preserve affordable housing. Under that ordinance, 2% of the city’s general fund is intended to be dedicated to the HTF.

The Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance has been outspoken against the measure, arguing that proceeds from the bond sale would be used instead of general fund money, and that bonds will be slow, uncertain, and not generate enough money.

The nonprofit Bureau of Governmental Research agrees with those points, saying the city shouldn’t use long-term debt to cover annual budgets.

But supporters of the proposition tell our partners at the Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate that the city is in such dire straits with the budget deficit, there may not be enough cash in the general fund to put toward the Housing Trust Fund, either. 

A “no” vote on Proposition 1 will not authorize the city to sell bonds to fund affordable housing projects. The Housing Trust Fund will be funded by the general fund. 

A “yes” vote allows the city to issue up to $45 million in bonds to fund the Housing Trust Fund.

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