BR Choice works to transform neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by implementing a strategy of resiliency, placemaking, and innovation in implementing grants from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods program. BR Choice is putting its strategy for transformation into action by aligning partnerships and resources in the community. The BR Cho
ice team is authoring a compelling story of transformation and change for the Ardenwood Village public housing site, East Fairfield, Smiley Heights, and Melrose East neighborhoods in Baton Rouge. Our journey of community transformation began on September 17, 2018. On that date, we submitted a Choice Neighborhoods application to HUD to request a $30 million grant to ensure a strategic implementation process in collaboration with Baton Rouge community stakeholders. In early February 2019, HUD notified the BR Choice team that our community is one of four finalists nationwide for the $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the HUD. On October 2, 2019, HUD officially announced a $29.5 million grant award to implement the "BR Choice" initiative to revitalize East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority's Ardenwood Village and the surrounding Baton Rouge neighborhoods. The $29.5 million investment is for Housing ($19.8 million), Neighborhood ($4 million), Supportive Service ($4 million), and Demolition ($1.7 million).
