In early 2007 the city is awaiting the results of the Unified New Orleans Planning process (UNOP). Supported by Rockefeller Foundation, New Orleans Foundation and the Bush/Clinton Katrina Fund grants, this is a substantial community backed effort.

Each of thirteen planning districts in the city selected their team of planners. A citywide team was also selected to coordinate efforts and identify unifying themes. District efforts have been focused and a citywide plan is expected in early 2007. The effort is serious.

Unfortunately the plan is limited to Orleans Parish. The plan also seems tied to the city's unfortunate and impractical "Rebuild Everywhere First" policy that assures little will actually be done.

The Plan

• Flood protection system – Top priority. Want effective Cat 5 levees and wetlands protection. Recognition of five basins in Orleans
  
• Elevate and Cluster –  Incentives to encourage voluntary relocations from low lying areas with redensification around small urban parks. More house raising. Desire for low cost rental housing.
  
• Infrastructure investment should be planned strategically. Strong support to concentrate available funds in areas with the greatest need (how is need defined?) and to not increase taxes/spending for major system improvements
• Education and Health -Strong support for major improvements (service and facilities), demand-based recovery plan for schools (locate where people live), combine facilities to reduce costs (24/7 schools as community centers), and providing satellite/mobile health services in less populated areas.
  

Comminity Congress III was held in January 2007. Afterward the plan was presented to the city. The final price tag estimate for the plan is expected to be $14 billion of which 20% will come from private investors.