Louisiana Office of Community Development – Disaster Recovery (LOCD-DR)

Background

The Louisiana Office of Community Development – Disaster Recovery (LOCD-DR), a division within the Louisiana Division of Administration, is dedicated to leading the state's disaster recovery and long-term community resilience planning efforts. Established in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, LOCD-DR administers federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to assist residents, businesses, and communities in rebuilding and implementing resilient practices to mitigate future disaster impacts.

Mission Statement: "The Louisiana Office of Community Development creates a safer and stronger Louisiana by leading the state's disaster recovery and long-term community resilience planning efforts through innovation, partnerships, and best practices."

Core Values:

• Adaptability

• Teamwork

• Knowledge Sharing

• Urgency & Efficiency

• Community-Driven Recovery

Key Strategic Focus

LOCD-DR's strategic focus encompasses:

• Core Objectives: Administering federal disaster recovery funds, leading community resilience planning, and implementing mitigation strategies to reduce future disaster impacts.

• Areas of Specialization: Housing assistance, infrastructure rebuilding, economic development, and disaster mitigation.

• Key Technologies Utilized: Geospatial information systems (GIS) for damage assessment, data analytics for program management, and digital platforms for public engagement.

• Primary Markets Targeted: Residents, businesses, and local governments in Louisiana affected by natural disasters.

Financials and Funding

LOCD-DR manages substantial federal funding allocations for disaster recovery:

• Total Funds Raised: Over $3.1 billion in CDBG-DR funds allocated for recovery from the 2020-2021 storms.

• Recent Funding Rounds: In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated $117.9 million in CDBG-DR funds for recovery from Hurricane Francine.

• Notable Investors: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

• Intended Utilization of Capital: Rebuilding housing, restoring infrastructure, supporting economic development, and implementing mitigation measures in disaster-affected areas.

Pipeline Development

LOCD-DR's pipeline includes several key programs:

• Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program: Addresses repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes, focusing on vulnerable populations.

• Resilient Communities Infrastructure Program: Supports infrastructure projects that enhance community resilience against future disasters.

• Small Business Loan and Grant Program: Provides financial assistance to local businesses for rebuilding and recovery.

Technological Platform and Innovation

LOCD-DR employs several technological platforms and innovative approaches:

• Proprietary Technologies: Utilizes GIS for damage assessment and recovery planning.

• Significant Scientific Methods: Applies data analytics for program management and decision-making.

• AI-Driven Capabilities: Incorporates machine learning algorithms to predict disaster impacts and optimize resource allocation.

Leadership Team

The leadership team of LOCD-DR includes:

• Gina Campo, Executive Director: Leads the agency's disaster recovery and resilience initiatives.

• Heather Paul, Director of Local Government Assistance: Oversees programs that assist local governments in community development.

Competitor and Collaborative Organizations

LOCD-DR operates in a unique governmental capacity with limited direct competitors, but several organizations play complementary roles in disaster recovery and community development:

• SBP (formerly St. Bernard Project): A nonprofit organization focused on rebuilding homes and communities affected by disasters.

• United Saints Recovery Project: A nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding and revitalizing communities in New Orleans.

• Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC): Administers federal and state funds to advance affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families.

LOCD-DR collaborates with various state agencies and organizations to enhance its disaster recovery and resilience efforts:

• Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC): Partners in administering housing assistance programs.

• Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA): Collaborates on coastal restoration and protection projects.

• Louisiana Watershed Initiative: Works with multiple state agencies to reduce flood risk through watershed-based solutions.

Operational Insights

LOCD-DR's strategic considerations include:

• Major Competitors: Nonprofit organizations like SBP and United Saints Recovery Project.

• Market Position: As a state agency, LOCD-DR holds a unique position in coordinating large-scale disaster recovery efforts.

• Competitive Advantages: Access to substantial federal funding, established partnerships, and a comprehensive approach to community resilience.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

LOCD-DR's strategic roadmap includes:

• Future Business Directions: Expanding housing assistance programs and infrastructure rebuilding efforts.

• Opportunities for Expansion: Enhancing mitigation and resilience initiatives to reduce future disaster impacts.

• Achieving Future Objectives: Leveraging partnerships and federal funding to implement comprehensive recovery and resilience strategies.

Contact Information

• Official Website: locddr.la.gov

• Social Media Profiles:

• Facebook: RestoreLouisiana

• Twitter: RestoreLA

• Instagram: restorelouisiana

• Headquarters Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana