NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Monday, April 27, 2026, the Criminal Justice Committee convened to receive presentations and updates on projects encompassing employment, education, blight demolition, and more.
Status of DeGaulle Manor and Brechtel Golf Course
Director of Parks & Parkways (DPP), Michael Karam, spoke before the committee to provide an update on the Brechtel Golf Course in Algiers. The golf course has not reopened since 2005 and has been dormant for the past 20 years. Over the past five years, the DPP has demolished the on-site clubhouse and cleared $40,000 worth of land across the 100-acre site, with plans to use it as passive green space in the absence of larger funding. The DPP currently maintains a third of the 100-acre property, but public safety issues have prevented public access. With additional funding, the DPP would focus on repairing sections of perimeter fencing and extending maintenance across the site. However, securing adequate funding remains an ongoing issue.
Regarding updates on DeGaulle Manor, a representative provided an update after the suspension of the demolition project. The administration has reached a settlement agreement with Robert Wolfe Construction. However, a portion of the project remains incomplete. The administration seeks legal counsel before proceeding with the current contract.
Living Wage Presentation
Representatives from the Civil Service Department gave a presentation regarding the Living Wage Proposal, which introduces a proposed living wage policy for New Orleans. A living wage would cover basic needs such as housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and childcare without public assistance. Based on MIT's Living Wage Calculator, current data show a significant gap between the City's minimum wage and the actual living wage, highlighting affordability challenges in the region.
The proposal recommends increasing the City’s minimum wage to approximately $19.36 per hour, along with introducing a housing allowance for eligible employees. Combined, these measures would bring total compensation closer to a true living wage for a single adult. The plan could be implemented gradually and would require structural pay adjustments to prevent issues such as wage compression.
The presentation also noted that New Orleans lost approximately 39,000 residents between 2020 and 2024, emphasizing the need for improved compensation policies amid rising costs for housing, childcare, and healthcare. Higher wages and housing support are expected to help retain current employees, attract new workers, and potentially encourage those who have moved out of Orleans Parish to return. Increased earnings could also stimulate local economic activity through greater consumer spending.
Overall, the proposal frames a living wage policy as both a workforce investment and a strategy for long-term economic stability, while stressing the importance of careful financial planning and ongoing evaluation.
To view the full presentation, click here.
The Office of Workforce Development and Job1 Program Updates
Representatives from the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) presented to the committee about the department's roles and the Job1 program. The OWD's goal is to strengthen the local workforce, improve economic mobility, and build a talent pipeline for employers. The OWD connects residents to careers in high-demand sectors like healthcare, technology, infrastructure, manufacturing, and hospitality. It manages workforce programs, the Job1 Business and Career Solutions Center, and initiatives such as the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. The OWD supports adults, youth, and dislocated workers through training and career services.
Job1, the City's American Job Center, is a central hub for employment and training services, providing job seekers and employers access to workforce resources. Programs include NOLA Connects, which serves underserved neighborhoods; Walk-in Wednesdays, connecting job seekers with employers; and Commitment to Change, a work-readiness program. Additional support includes workshops, wellness sessions, stipends during training, and career fairs.
The presentation also highlighted the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP), which provides paid work opportunities for youth ages 16–24 and aims to serve 1,000 participants in 2026. The program includes a traditional track focused on basic workplace skills and an "Intern NOLA" track that offers career-aligned internships for college students.
To view the full presentation, click here.
NOLA Public Schools & New Orleans Career Center
Representatives from NOLA Public Schools and the New Orleans Career Center (NOCC) presented to the committee on how their work creates pathways to success for youth entering the workforce.
The NOCC serves as the City's main hub for technical training, preparing students and young adults for high-demand, high-wage careers. The NOCC offers a range of training pathways for high school students, recent graduates, and young adults, including carpentry, electrical, HVAC, welding, healthcare, and culinary arts. By the end of 2026, NOCC is projected to serve about 800 trainees across its various programs.
Additionally, the presentation describes the New Orleans EMS (NOEMS) Recruit Academy, a partnership designed to address staffing shortages in emergency medical services by training residents to become EMTs through a 5-month paid program. While initial cohorts saw high completion and certification rates, the program is currently paused due to funding constraints.
To view the full presentation, click here.
Delgado Community College Highlights Certificate Training Program
Ernest Frazier from Delgado Community College spoke about the college's ongoing training program for individuals who have been previously incarcerated. This training is a 4-day program offered Wednesday through Saturday, and covers CPR, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10, and forklift certification. The first portion of the program is offered at the City Park campus (OSHA 10 and CPR portion), followed by the River City campus (forklift training). Each class is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This program is at no cost to these individuals who have been previously incarcerated.
Pillars of a Thriving Community
Dr. Ashraf Esmail, Associate & Endowed Professor of Criminal Justice at Dillard University, spoke before the committee regarding certification programs being developed at the university as part of its Pillars of a Thriving Community. These programs focus on areas such as art and design, business, computer science, health and fitness, and much more. Esmail expressed eagerness to work with resources like Job1 to get the word out on these helpful programs.
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To view the meeting agenda, click here.
To view the full meeting, click here.
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