NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting today, the City Council adopted several Cooperative Endeavor Agreements (CEAs) between the City and various organizations in the Greater New Orleans area. Additionally, the Council adopted a resolution in support of House Bill 573 by Representative Stephanie Hilferty, as well as a motion to rename an intersection in honor of Dr. S.C. Davenport.

As part of the Special Orders of Business, the Council acknowledged the Xavier University of Louisiana Cheer Team for winning the 2026 NAIA National Championship on March 27. Their victory marked the team's second NAIA national title in the past four years, an achievement the Council recognized as outstanding and impressive. The Council commended both students and coaches for their hard work and dedication to the sport and expressed excitement about future accolades for the Xavier University of Louisiana Cheer Team.

 

Members of the City Council with the Xavier Universtiy of Louisiana Cheer Team.

The Council also received a presentation from the City of New Orleans Health Department in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Representatives from the Health Department spoke about Crescent City Courage, a citywide, unified initiative in collaboration with many partners to raise awareness and show support for those affected by sexual violence. The Council thanked the presenters for their in-depth and informative presentation and commended them for their work and advocacy on the issue of sexual assault.

 

Members of the City Council with representatives from the City of New Orleans Health Department.

Council Expands CEA with Arts Council of New Orleans

 

The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,401, which authorizes the Mayor to amend an existing CEA between the City and the Arts Council of New Orleans to expand funding for public art initiatives.

The amendment increases the total contract amount from $7.5 million to approximately $7.78 million, including an additional $276,929 for services, and allows up to 17% of funds to be used for administrative costs related to managing the Percent for Art program. It also ensures the Arts Council tracks and reports expenses and affirms compliance with legal and ethical requirements.

St. Augustine High School Partners with City and NORDC on Perry Roehm Stadium

The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,403, which authorizes the Mayor to enter into a CEA among the City, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC), and St. Augustine High School to support recreational facilities and programs. The agreement allows St. Augustine High School to use the Perry Roehm Stadium for baseball games and practices, with priority scheduling, in exchange for providing year-round maintenance, contributing at least $250,000 toward renovations, and assisting with facility upkeep.

NORDC will oversee scheduling, coordinate maintenance and repairs, and manage broader facility operations, while the City provides administrative oversight. The agreement involves no direct payment from the City or NORDC to St. Augustine and is intended to improve and maintain the stadium for public use. The contract will last for three years from the effective date.

City and SWBNO Partner on Dwyer Canal Project

The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,404, which authorizes the Mayor to enter into a 20-year CEA between the City and the Sewerage and Water Board (SWBNO) to construct the Dwyer Canal Project and allow public access to the area afterward. The project will add trails, a pedestrian bridge, lighting, and other amenities to improve connectivity, walkability, and recreation in the Pontchartrain Park and Gentilly Woods areas.

Under the agreement, SWBNO will provide access to its property and maintain existing drainage infrastructure. At the same time, the City will fund, design, construct, and maintain the new improvements using federal grant funds.

Council Approves CEA for Stormwater Retention Project

The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,414, which authorizes the Mayor to enter into a CEA between the City and Mercy Partners, LLC to construct a major stormwater retention project at the former Lindy Boggs Medical Center site. The project will include demolition of existing structures and development of an underground system capable of holding up to 4 million gallons of water to improve drainage and public safety.

The City will provide up to $11.5 million in bond funding for the project, while Mercy Partners will design, build, operate, and maintain the system. After construction, Mercy will lease parts of the facility to the City and donate certain infrastructure in the public right-of-way. The agreement aims to strengthen the City’s drainage system and reduce flooding risks.

Council Supports Bill Expanding Oversight of SWBNO

 

The Council adopted Resolution R-26-146, which supports House Bill 573. This Bill proposes major reforms to the governance and oversight of the SWBNO and would expand City Council authority over the Board. These expanded authorities include approval of rates, budgets, contracts, policies, and key leadership appointments, while maintaining the Board’s existing legal and financial obligations.

The Council endorses the legislation as a way to improve transparency, accountability, and responsiveness of the SWBNO. The resolution urges the Louisiana Legislature to pass the Bill and transmits support to state legislators and relevant officials.

Gentilly Intersection Renamed in Honor of Dillard University Choir Director Dr. S. C. Davenport

The Council adopted Motion M-26-167, which designates the intersection of Gentilly Boulevard and Allen Street as the “Dr. S. C. Davenport Honorary Intersection” to honor Dr. S. Carver Davenport for his 50 years of service as Director of the Dillard University Concert Choir. A nationally recognized choral leader and professor, Davenport has significantly influenced music education, mentored generations of students, and elevated the visibility of HBCU choral traditions.

The designation recognizes his cultural and educational contributions to New Orleans and places the honor near Dillard University, where Dr. Davenport carried out much of his work. The motion directs the Department of Public Works to install signage marking the honorary intersection within 120 days.

To view the meeting agenda, click here.

To view the meeting, click here: Part 1 & Part 2