The decision to close and never reopen four public housing projects in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina was a highly contentious issue for people throughout the city and even the nation. This thesis investigates the tensions between those who supported and opposed public housing demolition by highlighting the work and history of two people on either side of the debate, Richard Baron and Bill Quigley. This study of contemporary housing policy draws on the history of public housing in America, and refers to Stacy Seicshnaydre.s assertion that public housing policy has been a consistent struggle between "Taking the Housing Now" and "Redevelopment as Blight Removal." This research posits that while this tension has been present, the current debate in New Orleans is more nuanced. In the end, the public housing redevelopment in New Orleans reflects a lack of commitment at the federal level to adequately house low-income people.