NEW ORLEANS, LA — The New Orleans City Council yesterday approved a slate of major affordable housing developments that will bring about 600 new affordable units online in Districts B and C. This funding comes from capital outlay bonds that are dedicated to construction projects, not from the general fund. Together, the Rivana, BW Cooper, NSA, and Esplanade DeLille projects represent a significant step toward addressing the city’s housing needs and expanding access for working families, seniors, and residents across income levels.

NEW ORLEANS, Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | Today, the New Orleans City Council held a special meeting to introduce legislation to place guardrails on the proposed $125 million of revenue bonds that will be used to pay for City employees and to ensure the budget passed by the Council is followed. In addition, the Council will grant the Louisiana Legislative Auditor access to review the City’s finances from 2022 and beyond, and to review the City’s financial position regularly. Understating the urgency and gravity of the City’s finances, the City Council is proactively legislating solutions to show fiscal transparency and accountability.

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Following yesterday’s emergency budget hearing, Councilmember Lesli Harris expressed deep concern over the City’s worsening fiscal crisis and called for stronger long-term financial planning and safeguards to prevent future shortfalls.

The New Orleans City Council was informed that these latest budget gaps stem in part from delayed federal reimbursements and advancement of JIRR funds due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has stalled critical payments to local governments across the country. The shortfall is coupled with the already expected budget issues related to the extraordinary overtime costs related to the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack and heightened security demands during this year’s Super Bowl.

NEW ORLEANS, LA — District B Councilmember Lesli Harris joined city officials, community partners, and the family of the late Barbara Lacen-Keller on Friday, October 10, to celebrate the grand opening of Barbara Lacen-Keller Park, a new green space honoring one of Central City’s most beloved community leaders.

Once a vacant, unused concrete lot near the Keller Community Center, the space has been transformed through funding secured by Councilmember Harris in the City’s capital budget. The new park features lush landscaping, benches, shade trees, and gathering areas designed to bring joy, connection, and recreation to Central City residents.

On Thursday, September 18th at 1:00PM, the New Orleans City Council’s Quality of Life Committee will consider a motion to create a new Healthy Workplace Program. The program would allow employers to be designated as Healthy Workplaces, with one of its goals being to educate and support small local businesses. By promoting locally owned employers and providing resources to help them create healthier workplace environments, the program aims to improve the lives of workers and their families across the city.