(AVONDALE, La) — The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) is proud to announce the release of a comprehensive plan developed to tackle important housing stock challenges within the community. The Housing Stock Enhancement Strategic Plan is a joint effort between JEDCO and Jefferson Parish. Funded by the Jefferson Parish Council, the plan outlines a multi-faceted approach to meet the housing needs of existing and future residents in Jefferson Parish.

Through the development of The Jefferson EDGE 2020, the parish’s long-term economic development strategy, community and business leaders identified a need to address weaknesses in the Parish’s current housing options. Developed under the guidance of a Blue Ribbon Committee of professionals with diverse backgrounds, the plan confronts the Parish’s challenges and establishes a strategy to revitalize its existing housing stock, foster development of needed housing choices, and improve the quality of life in Jefferson Parish neighborhoods.

Recommendations outlined in the plan will be initiated over a three-year period and are designed to assist the Parish in identifying areas to target revitalization efforts; yield improved coordination between housing programs and related initiatives, and capital improvements in targeted areas; and guide the parish in identifying both public and private funding sources for housing revitalization. The plan also recommends facilitating the development of needed housing types within the context of more walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods; and offers actions items that aim to better facilitate the use of existing housing programs by homeowners.

“The release of the Housing Stock Enhancement Strategic Plan marks a crucial step to ensure Jefferson Parish’s housing stock and neighborhoods remain desirable and competitive,” said JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna. “We recognize the need to attract the next generation of families into our community.  This plan addresses their needs, as well as the needs of our current residents, and affirms Jefferson Parish as a community of choice which places a premium on safety, services, and affordability.”

“The Jefferson Parish Council wanted to be proactive in our response to the aging housing stock and changing needs of our residents,” says Councilwoman-at-Large Cynthia Lee-Sheng. “We are very pleased with the innovative actions laid out within the plan and proud to have provided the funding necessary to bring the strategy to fruition. We look forward to working with JEDCO and other partner organizations on the implementation of this important strategy.”