Grading the Rebuilding Process

16 months into the rebuilding process, (and just a few hours into the New Congress's first "100 hours"), it's important to take stock of our progress in the Gulf.  Our friends over at the Center for Social Inclusion are keeping their eye on that ball, and have issued the first of what will be monthly "Report Cards"  (pdf) grading our progress in restoring opportunity - or even the most basic of services - to those communities that were devastated by the storm.

So how are we doing?  Unfortunately, the answer seems to be "shockingly bad." Overall, CSI gives the reconstruction of only two neighborhoods (Uptown and the Garden District) better than a C average, and almost 75% of the city gets a D or F.  Homeowners in all sections of the city seem to be fairing much better than renters and with the notable exception of Lakeview, communities primarily of color are faring much worse than mixed communities.  Health, education, and economic indicators are graded with an "F" in almost every neighborhood.

The report also indicates that in the last 6 months, overall scores for each district have changed little, with most progress coming in owner occupied households located in Central City/Garden District or Uptown/Carollton.  Particularly troubling is the report on the public school system.  Nearly half of all damaged or destroyed public schools will be left unsalvaged, and only two new public schools have opened since the storm.

In light of these findings, Rep. Barney Frank's words at the start of the new congress seem particularly relevant and poignant.  CSI will be updating these report cards every month, and we'll blog them as they are released.