New Orleans just launched an Adjudicated Property Task Force to move more than 6,500 long‑stalled, tax‑delinquent properties back into commerce for housing and neighborhood revitalization. That’s an important step toward reducing blight and expanding affordable housing, especially in historically underserved communities. But we also need a parallel track that protects generational wealth for families whose properties became adjudicated after Katrina because of displacement, succession issues, or heirs’ property barriers. Instead of only clearing titles so third‑party investors can acquire these homes, the City could create a pilot program that waives or caps older delinquent charges, limits recoverable taxes to recent years, and provides legal support so heirs can get clear title in their own names. A policy like this would still return properties to the tax rolls, but it would prioritize current and displaced New Orleanians as first beneficiaries, not just outside investors. If we ...