NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting today, the City Council adopted several servitudes that will annually generate revenue for the City of New Orleans. The Council also adopted ordinances to appropriate $750,000 for the City's Right to Counsel program and more.
Before the meeting began, the Council presented the Hip Hop Caucus with a proclamation recognizing the group's hard work and dedication to memorializing the Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and its impact on New Orleans. The Hip Hop Caucus is also responsible for organizing the Annual Hurricane Katrina March and Second Line. This community-led event brings New Orleans residents together to remember and heal from the tragedy that occurred 21 years ago.
Before adjourning, the Council celebrated three special orders of business. First, the Council recognized James Mayes and the EMLINE Foundation's Inaugural Designer Kids 2 LA Fellowship Cohort. The Council celebrated Mayes' leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for young creatives through fashion, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
Next, the Council recognized Tanga B. Wilson for her 38 years of dedicated service to the City of New Orleans' Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue. Finally, the Council celebrated the Young Leadership Council's (YLC) 40th Anniversary. YLC has played a vital role in developing young civic leaders throughout the Greater New Orleans area, creating meaningful impact through volunteerism, public engagement, and leadership development.
City Council Adopts Several Revenue-Generating Servitudes
During today's meeting, the City Council voted on several servitudes. A servitude is a legal right that permits a governmental body to use a portion of private property for a specific public or infrastructure-related purpose.
Each of these servitudes allows property owners to legally retain or use encroachments, such as a portion of a building, a balcony, or other structure, that extends into the public right-of-way. The Council voted on the following servitudes:
Additionally, each of these servitudes will generate annual revenue for the City.
$750,000 Appropriated for Tenant Right to Counsel Program
The Council adopted Ordinance Nos. 35,528 and 35,529, which appropriate $750,000 for the City’s Right to Counsel program. This program provides legal representation to residential tenants facing eviction and housing-related advocacy. The funds would be transferred from Fund 6699, which covers grants, contributions, and fund transfers, to the General Fund.
$210,000 in Council Funds Returned to General Fund
The Council adopted Ordinance Nos. 35,534 and 35,535, which return $210,000 from each City Council office’s operating budget to the General Fund’s grants, contributions, and fund transfers account. The transfer reallocates unused Council office funds for other citywide needs.
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
To view the meeting, click here.