STATEMENT BY
ALPHONSO JACKSON, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
DECEMBER 20, 2007

I would like to personally thank the members of the City Council, Mayor Nagin, the public housing residents, and all those who support this common sense effort to build a better future for New Orleans. Today's vote is a victory for the residents of New Orleans who deserve to live in a socially and economically integrated environment where their children can play safely and families can thrive. We recognize there is a tremendous need for affordable housing throughout the Crescent City and are deeply committed to ensuring that everyone who resided in public housing prior to Hurricane Katrina has the opportunity to return to something better than they left.

We have heard the voices of those who live in this great City and we will continue to listen and work with them as we pursue this comprehensive redevelopment plan. We began this process for one reason and one reason only - to provide low-income families with quality housing and better neighborhoods that are no longer crime-ridden and drug-infested. This model has transformed entire communities in Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and many other cities, and we are optimistic it will do the same for New Orleans.

We sincerely believe that today is another step forward in creating neighborhoods of hope, not despair. Thank you for your vote of confidence. We will not let you down.

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