NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Council adopted several pieces of legislation, including an ordinance to establish a temporary “Special Event Clean Zone” from June 29 to July 6, 2026, within a designated area of New Orleans during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Additionally, the Council adopted an ordinance to amend the 2026 Capital Budget to reallocate $750,000 in bond funding to the Department of Parks and Parkways for the Louis Armstrong Park Master Plan, along with several other pieces of legislation.
Council Establishes “Temporary Special Event Clean Zone” for Essence Fest 2026
The Council adopted Ordinance 35,333, establishing a temporary “Special Event Clean Zone” from June 29 to July 6, 2026, during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® in New Orleans. The zone is active from 6:00 a.m. on June 29 until 6:00 p.m. on July 6. Unauthorized commercial activities, such as street vending, outdoor alcohol sales, amplified sound, and the sale of counterfeit merchandise, are prohibited unless approved by the City or specifically included in a permit. Some business operations are exempt. Violations may result in fines up to $500, up to six months in jail, and confiscation of illegal items.
Council Reallocates Funds for Louis Armstrong Park Master Plan
The Council adopted Ordinance 35,337, which amends the City’s 2026 Capital Budget to reallocate $750,000 in bond funding. It de-appropriates $450,000 from the Department of Property Management and $300,000 from the Department of Sanitation, and appropriates the full $750,000 to the Department of Parks and Parkways for the Louis Armstrong Park Master Plan.
This plan aims to revitalize Armstrong Park and the Municipal Auditorium, laying the foundation for a roadmap to transform the park into a world-class cultural space that celebrates our City’s history and culture. The plan will guide the revitalization of Armstrong Park, covering architecture and engineering, urban design, cultural programming, blue and green infrastructure, financing, governance, and community engagement.
New Orleans Intersection to be Renamed after Jean Knight
The Council adopted Motion M-26-77, which designates the intersection of Frenchmen Street and North Claiborne Avenue as the “Jean Knight Honorary Intersection” in recognition of the late New Orleans R&B and soul singer, Jean Knight, and her lasting cultural impact.
Knight was a Tremé native best known for her 1971 hit “Mr. Big Stuff.” She was also a Grammy-nominated artist and an inductee of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame whose music became a staple of New Orleans culture. The Department of Public Works is directed to install honorary signage within 120 days.
New Orleans Intersection to be Renamed after Big Chief Donald Harrison, Sr.
The Council approved Motion M-26-85, which designates the intersection of North Johnson Street and Independence Street as the "Big Chief Donald Harrison, Sr. Honorary Intersection" to commemorate the late Mardi Gras Indian Chief's lifelong efforts in preserving and promoting New Orleans' cultural traditions.
A founder of the Guardians of the Flame tribe and recipient of the Mayor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement, Harrison also supported youth education through his family's museum and book program. The Department of Public Works is directed to install honorary signage within 120 days.
During the meeting, members of Big Chief Donald Harrison, Sr.'s family spoke before the Council about his legacy, impact, and significance to the city of New Orleans.
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
To view the meeting, click here.