NEW ORLEANS - Today, Transportation Committee Chair Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Mayor LaToya Cantrell's Administration announced the City will not move forward with implementing an electric scooter program. Since May, they have been working to establish a pilot program to permit and regulate dockless electric scooters and the companies operating them. After research, community feedback, and weekly meetings to discuss potential regulations, both the City Council and the Cantrell administration have determined that a pilot program is not feasible at this time.

NEW ORLEANS  - Today, the City Planning Commission (CPC) announced a special public hearing on its Short Term Rental (STR) Study. The CPC's decision comes after its first meeting earlier this week on the issue was met with complaints from citizens who waited hours to speak and did not receive the opportunity to do so. Councilmembers Palmer and Banks praised the CPC's immediate actions to address those complaints and are requesting citizens be allowed enough speaking time to make their views known.

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Palmer is introducing a "Ban the Box" ordinance at the Governmental Affairs committee meeting on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. If approved, the ordinance would prohibit the City and City contractors from asking potential employees' criminal history on initial job applications. Removing this barrier to employment creates opportunities for people with records, ultimately improving public safety and saving costs.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Planning Commission (CPC) released its Short Term Rental (STR) report. In May, the Council approved a motion directing the CPC to study the impact of STRs under the City's existing regulations and utilize policies and practices from other cities to determine which new or current laws are appropriate.