Matthew Willard is a first-term member of the New Orleans City Council, serving as Councilmember At-large, Division 1. He brings a results-driven approach to restoring trust in local government and delivering basic services that work for everyone across New Orleans. He previously served as the Louisiana State Representative for District 97 and as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, where he built a reputation for bipartisan collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and pushing meaningful legislation across the finish line.
A proud graduate of the University of New Orleans, Matthew’s public service has focused on strengthening communities, improving affordability, and modernizing government to better serve residents. During his six years in the Legislature, he successfully passed dozens of bills ranging from housing stability to workforce development and public accountability.
Known for tackling the big challenges, Matthew championed improving birth outcomes for Louisiana families, lowering homeowners' insurance rates, and creating better job opportunities for Louisiana families. His legislation made the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program permanent, ended estimated water utility bills, and capped out-of-pocket copayments for insulin. Matthew also founded the bipartisan STEM Innovation Caucus to expand K-12 STEM education, grow high-wage jobs, and diversify Louisiana’s economy.
In the private sector, Matthew serves as Director of Marketing and Communications at Yokogawa Fluence Analytics, a global leader in advanced analytics for the polymer and biopharmaceutical industries. His professional background allows him to bring a data-driven, outcomes-oriented mindset to public service and to bridge the gap between innovation, economic growth, and effective governance.
His leadership has earned him recognition as the Legislator of the Year by the Alliance for Good Government, a Gambit 40 Under 40 honoree, and multiple awards for his social advocacy and economic development initiatives.
As Councilmember At-Large, Matthew is focused on improving infrastructure, making New Orleans more affordable, ensuring City Hall functions effectively and efficiently, and on delivering exceptional city services to everyone in New Orleans.
A proven collaborator, visionary, and advocate for opportunity, Matthew Willard continues to shape our future—one bold idea at a time.
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Latest News
February 3, 2026
NEW ORLEANS, LA — The New Orleans City Council and Mayor Moreno announced a $2.8M investment to urgently repair lighting around the city. Prioritized projects include the High Rise bridge in New Orleans East, Interstate 10 and other major routes. Repairs for lighting will also include converting some lighting to solar and aluminum to eliminate the threat of copper theft which has plagued the lighting infrastructure in New Orleans.
January 28, 2026
NEW ORLEANS, LA — At a special meeting held today, the City Council approved two motions addressing the proposed data center in New Orleans East and the regulation of future data center developments citywide. The motions now place a moratorium on these uses while the City Planning Commission (CPC) conducts public hearings to evaluate zoning definitions, standards, and other land use controls related to data center uses, at the Council's direction.
January 16, 2026
NEW ORLEANS, LA - The City Council and Mayor Helena Moreno received a legal win for the City that could secure more than $6 million a year to support New Orleans annually. On Thursday, January 15, Civil District Court Judge Kern Reese recognized Mayor Helena Moreno as the lawful trustee of the former Wisner Trust.
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