NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council will hold a special meeting tomorrow, October 1, at 10 a.m. to receive the 2025 budget presentation and proposed budget ordinances from Mayor LaToya Cantrell's office.

NEW ORLEANS - The Sewerage and Water Board West Power complex needs $34 million
to fully automate the substation when it becomes operational in June 2025. The New
Orleans City Council, in collaboration with the New Orleans legislative delegation, has
worked to fund the City’s match of $17 million as the final portion of funds needed to
fully automate the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans’s West Power Complex.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s office is also working on a $17 million match. Mayor
Cantrell and her Administration have now agreed to the funding, realizing the
importance of this project notwithstanding other City concerns.

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council, after collaborating with Mayor
Cantrell and the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO), announces
the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to hire an independent accounting firm
to oversee and handle SWBNO’s billing process and billing complaints for the next 12
to 18 months.

NEW ORLEANS - City Council President Helena Moreno has released the following statement in response to the passing of NOPD officer Donovan Livaccari:

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno celebrated the arrival of Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, only the sixth HBCU medical school in the country, to the City of New Orleans. The new college of medicine at Xavier will advance the work of what is already the nation’s premier academic training center for medical professionals of color. Xavier already graduates more African-American students and students of color who achieve Medical Degrees and Ph.D’s in health sciences than any other educational institution in the nation. 

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember At-Large JP Morrell has issued the following statement about the potential displacement of Grow Dat Youth Program:

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans City Council Budget Chair Joseph I. Giarrusso III and Chief
Administrative Officer Gilbert Montaño have collaborated to introduce an amendment to
the 2024 Proposed Executive Budget after weeks of working with Mayor LaToya Cantrell's
administration, the City Council, New Orleans residents, and stakeholders.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmember Helena Moreno announced the allocation of $300,000 to prioritize a first-of-its-kind urban heat analysis in partnership with the City’s Resilience and Sustainability Office and the City Department of Health.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Eugene Green has issued the following statement asking both City and State officials to investigate and pursue charges, where possible, in response to Saturday night’s reckless-vehicle-operation takeover of a portion of Elysian Fields Avenue near Gentilly Boulevard:

NEW ORLEANS - In response to recent concerns regarding increases in property assessments, Councilman Green wants to make clear to the public that Orleans Parish property owners will not necessarily see an increase in their property taxes, although they may have seen an increase in their quadrennial tax assessments. 

This is a quadrennial reassessment year. As reported, the average property value has shot up by 23%. Residents are already burdened with skyrocketing insurance rates, higher utility costs, and increased costs for goods and services. They have been writing us to say they are tapped out. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Climate Chair Helena Moreno released the following statement on Entergy's resiliency suggestions and called for real ratepayer protections before committing to future investments.

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno, chair of the Economic Development Committee, welcomes the arrival of the national headquarters of United Utility to New Orleans. United Utility has quickly become one of the nation’s top power transmission and distribution companies, an especially critical sector during the rapid deployment of new renewable energy resources.

NEW ORLEANS - District “B” Councilmember Lesli Harris and the Loyola University of New Orleans are launching their Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA), with the first one-day workshop set for Monday, May 22. Young women ages 18 to 24 are encouraged to apply here before the April 30 deadline.

NEW ORLEANS - Several pieces of legislation easing restrictions on abortion will be considered during the 2023 Legislative Session. Council Vice President Helena Moreno and other advocates have raised many issues with the previous laws enacted and applaud legislators fighting for corrective action.

NEW ORLEANS - Service industry workers at New Orleans’ three largest venues have ratified union contracts with UNITE HERE Local 23. Newly-organized workers at the Superdome and Smoothie King Arena will receive their first union contracts, and workers at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will receive an updated agreement. The workers are employed by Sodexo, which is among the nation’s largest food service providers and one of the largest individual employers in the city of New Orleans.

NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President Helena Moreno unveiled the first part of her state legislative agenda, which focused on increasing affordable housing units and keeping tenants secure from unsafe conditions.

NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President Helena Moreno has filed the City’s first legislation to codify the rights of City workers to organize and form a union. While union contracts have existed within the City for decades, this legislation, first announced last month, would enshrine in law the affirmative rights of City workers to organize and the processes to collectively bargain. Nevertheless, over the past several years, the union has faced continuous impediments and delays from the Administration. This legislation intends to clearly and concisely guide the interactions between the Administration and the union to ensure that collective bargaining will occur in a timely and fair manner. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Lesli Harris has issued the following statement regarding restoring the full Mardi Gras parade routes for 2023:

"Last month, I met with Mardi Gras krewe leaders and CAO Gilbert Montaño to work toward restoring the full, pre-COVID Mardi Gras routes. We know the Carnival season provides immeasurable benefits to our residents and a sizable portion of our small businesses’ annual revenue -- especially those in District B. I’m so pleased that the administration now has a path forward to bring Mardi Gras back to the front doors of businesses and residents along Jefferson, Magazine, and Tchoupitoulas. We have the funding to support security in these areas, and I stand ready to partner with the administration, NOPD, other law enforcement agencies, and the krewes to restore the Mardi Gras we know and love."

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council has joined together to voice concerns on the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO)’s proposed rate hike. SWBNO officials discussed a possible rate increase with the City Council’s SWBNO Billing Advisory Committee on Wednesday. This proposal comes as the number of disputed bills has skyrocketed.

NEW ORLEANS -  Today, the New Orleans City Council is continuing its calls to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to actively engage in civilization of certain positions within the department and deputization of other City departments such as Public Works, Sanitation, and Safety and Permits. 

NEW ORLEANS - Thursday, September 15, District A Councilmember Joe Giarrusso will
convene more than a dozen mental health stakeholders to help identify and fill gaps in
mental health care access across the city.
 

Our Sheriff Susan Hutson has recently notified partners in the Criminal Justice System that Deputy Sheriffs will be pulled away from their assigned duties and responsibilities to support prevention of the recent tragedies that have happened at the Criminal Justice Center.

Today, the New Orleans City Council unanimously approved legislation finalizing an agreement between the City and Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) to construct the West Power Complex, a dedicated power source for SWBNO's drainage and water operations

In an effort to increase public engagement in the citywide Redistricting process, the New Orleans City Council has announced that it will extend the public comment period by implementing in-person meetings, as well as an Open House event for citizens.

The Redistricting Open House will take place on Monday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Following the Open House, there will be two listening sessions taking place at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

During today's regular meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution R-22-85, stressing the Council's continued support for a retrofit of the existing jail over the alternative plan to construct a new "Phase III" jail facility. 

Today, Council President Helena Moreno, Vice-President J.P. Morrell, and Councilmembers Lesli Harris and Joe Giarrusso announced the release of a compilation of action items to address surging violent crime in our communities. These Councilmembers will continue to receive feedback from the public and collaborate with the full Council on solutions, noting that public safety is the Council’s top priority.

With critical infrastructure funding being called into question, Councilmember At-Large JP Morrell, who took office earlier this month, responds to Entergy New Orleans backing out of its $30 million commitment to build a substation that would provide critical drainage and power to pumps during flooding emergencies.

Entergy's inability to finance the Sewerage & Water Board doesn't stop this project because the big difference is that the City now has American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars in hand. Using ARPA funds to pay for the SWBNO substation is now the most straightforward solution to funding this project, and it's also the cheapest for ratepayers. For Entergy to finance the substation means SWBNO ratepayers would be on the hook for almost $30 million in construction costs and another $7 million in Entergy profit.

NEW ORLEANS - The City of New Orleans and JOB1 NOLA are hosting a series of Neighborhood Job Fairs in December 2021 beginning Monday, December 6 through Thursday, December 16. Councilmember Jay H. Banks is encouraging all residents looking for new career opportunities to attend to get connected with employers.

See the flyer below for details and click here or follow JOB1 on Facebook for additional updates and announcements.

NEW ORLEANS - District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett introduced an ordinance at yesterday's City Council meeting to rename Robert E Lee Blvd. to Allen Toussaint Blvd.

The street currently honors a commanding officer of the Confederacy. Councilmember Brossett seeks to honor the accomplished musician and producer who was born and raised in New Orleans and left an indelible mark on the city’s culture.

NEW ORLEANS - District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett has been pushing for public WiFi access throughout his term, and today he was able to secure funding to make an initial investment of $1.5 million to that end. Councilmember Brossett was joined by Councilmembers Banks, Palmer, Nguyen, and Glapion in support of the measure during today's regular Council meeting. 

NEW ORLEANS - During the regular meeting this Thursday, November 18, Zoning Docket 71/21, which requests amendments to the conditional use ordinance for the Orleans Justice Center to permit the phase III expansion, appeared on the Council agenda for the first time.  

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular City Council meeting, the Council introduced an ordinance authored by Councilmember Jared Brossett to rename a portion of Louisa Street after lifelong New Orleanian, City Councilman, and State Representative Johnny Jackson Jr.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno announced the beginning of the process to ask voters to approve a permanent revenue stream for Early Childhood Education in New Orleans. The notice of intent filed this week would place a 5mill measure on the April 2022 ballot for consideration by the City's voters. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno praised the hiring of former mayor Mitch Landrieu as Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator for President Biden's bipartisan infrastructure bill. The nearly $1 trillion package is the largest federal investment in US infrastructure in history.

“Mayor Landrieu is exactly the leader this country needs to effectively and aggressively implement the landmark bipartisan infrastructure package,” said Council President Moreno. “New Orleans needs a significant investment in grid hardening and resiliency, as well as drainage, water management, and more. Mayor Landrieu knows intimately the needs of our city, and I’m confident he’ll be a powerful ally for New Orleans in D.C.” 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer announced her support for a major $375M bond package to fund priority infrastructure improvements and public safety projects throughout New Orleans. The sale comes at a critical time as the city continues to rebuild and strengthen public infrastructure following Hurricane Ida and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno received unanimous support for her plan to open a docket on grid hardening and resiliency at Wednesday’s Special Council Meeting. The docket would prepare New Orleans for the more than $500 billion of federal climate spending announced through the President’s Build Back Better and Infrastructure packages now advancing in Congress. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President and Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee Chair Helena Moreno announced a plan to lower rates that goes into effect November 2021 through the Formula Rate Plan (FRP).

The proposal involves pressing ahead with $18 million of customer bill credits, accepting 100% of the identified error reductions from Entergy's initial submission, and creating a $5 million fund to address gas customer bills. In total, the plan would negate any impacts on electric bills until next spring and create a pathway to assist gas customers.

NEW ORLEANS - On Monday, October 25, Council President Helena Moreno will hold a special Utilities Committee Meeting to consider instruments to end the threat of electricity bill increases while beginning the essential effort to harden our grid for the climate challenges to come. 

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the Council approved Ordinance 33,452 and Resolution R-21-388 by Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, which extend many of the nursing home emergency protocols to independent and residential living facilities, following the death of five tenants during Hurricane Ida.

NEW ORLEANS - This is overall a very sad situation. We hope that our friend and colleague takes the necessary steps to make himself well. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Council President Helena Moreno and co-authored by all seven Councilmembers that appealed to federal officials, including President Biden and Louisiana's Congressional Delegation, for funding to shoulder power restoration costs from Hurricane Ida, as well as future grid resiliency investments. 

NEW ORLEANS - During today's Regular Council meeting, the Council passed Ordinance 33,459, which waives certain fees relating to building permits and demolition permits necessary to repair or rebuild structures damaged by Hurricane Ida and occupied on August 29, 2021, except where renovation or new construction was in progress. This allows residents to start the rebuilding process as expeditiously as possible.

NEW ORLEANS - Yesterday, Council President Helena Moreno met with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss ways the Biden Administration can help New Orleans and Louisiana shoulder power restoration costs and build a more resilient power grid for the future.

The vice president has been a longtime leader on climate action and has fought for strong investments in climate resiliency dating back to her days as California attorney general and senator. 

NEW ORLEANS - During today's meeting, the Special Governmental Affairs Committee passed Ordinance 33,351 authored by Councilmembers Jared Brossett and Kristin Gisleson Palmer to create a fund to enforce short-term rental legislation. The ordinance will now go to the full Council for a vote during its regular meeting on Thursday, October 7.

“We owe it to our constituents to enforce the short-term rental laws that have been on the books for the last two years,” said District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett. “We passed targeted legislation in 2019 to strengthen the permitting, monitoring, and enforcement process for short-term rentals, but the longer we go without enforcement, the more we disrupt local neighborhoods and drive people out of their own homes. We are already experiencing an affordable housing crisis, and the rise of short-term rentals has only exacerbated that. It’s time we put the needs of our residents and our neighborhoods first.” 

NEW ORLEANS - Through a resolution, the New Orleans City Council is requesting federal assistance to help cover Hurricane Ida power restoration costs and the future hardening of the power grid. Led by Council President Helena Moreno, the resolution is co-authored by all members of the Council.

Federal funding for power restoration costs, now estimated at nearly $150 million for New Orleans alone, remains among Council President Moreno's top priorities in the wake of Hurricane Ida.

NEW ORLEANS - During Thursday's Governmental Affairs Committee meeting, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will present an ordinance that requires independent inspections during the construction of buildings taller than 75 feet (measured from grade level to the average height of the highest). 

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen wants residents to be aware of required transmission maintenance on the Sherwood Forest Substation taking place Monday, September 27 through Wednesday, December 1 to replace one of the transformers.

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen and partners will host a fresh food distribution on Saturday, September 25 from 10 AM to 1 PM at St. Maria Goretti Church. She will be joined by NOLA Ready, Greater New Orleans Foundation, Second Harvest and Top Box to help residents restock their refrigerators following Hurricane Ida.



Residents are encouraged to stay in their cars and drive up to the Crowder Boulevard entrance. No documentation is required.

NEW ORLEANS - District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett has released the following statement regarding the investigation into Entergy New Orleans' preparation and response to Hurricane Ida:

"Today as your regulator, the Council moved forward to investigate Entergy New Orleans' actions following Hurricane Ida. We also approved a management audit of ENO and explored utility ownership reform. After hearing from Entergy executives, I am looking forward to what the upcoming investigation reveals. 

NEW ORLEANS - District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett will seek to pass Ordinance 33,393, which mandates a one-time sanitation fee suspension, during tomorrow's regular Council meeting. This comes in the wake of Hurricane Ida, as many residents have gone an entire month without trash collection due to the storm.

NEW ORLEANS - District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer authored a resolution (R-21-351), that if approved by the Council, requests the City to declare Metro Service Group, Inc. in breach of its contract with the City of New Orleans following months of service failures.

NEW ORLEANS - The newly-launched Operation Mardi Gras Clean-Up maps, which show the sections where City workers and partners are actively working and where work has been completed, are now available on the NOLA Ready website. 

Residents can now see the status of debris removal and pick-up across New Orleans via the new Debris Mapping feature, which shows a current total of 38,653 cubic yards removed, and 1,002 total hazardous limbs/trees removed.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, District “C” Councilmember Kristin Palmer filed a resolution (R-21-337) requesting that the City Council, the regulatory body of Entergy New Orleans (ENO), stop rate increases for the recovery costs of Hurricane Ida. 

“We need to be very clear here—Entergy failed the people of New Orleans. It’s inexcusable that our entire City was left in the dark for weeks following Hurricane Ida. People died. Most of them were part of our City’s most vulnerable populations who suffered in the sweltering heat. Asking for the people of New Orleans to pay more for bad service caused by obvious negligence is not going to cut it,” said Councilmember Palmer.

As New Orleanians work to recover from the storm, they should not be burdened with SBA loan payments
NEW ORLEANS - District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett has written a letter to President Biden asking him to forgive the remaining SBA loans that were granted due to Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, the Councilmember will be moving forward with a resolution at the next Council meeting, calling on Biden to forgive the loans. 

During his time at the Legislature, Councilmember Brossett co-authored a bill that required all new gas stations to be capable of switching their power to a backup generator. He is now calling for it to be enforced and locally codified. 

NEW ORLEANS - In light of the major issues gas stations across the city had due to Hurricane Ida, District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett is calling for LA RS 30:2195.12, a bill he helped pass as a State Representative, to be enforced by the state and locally codified.

NEW ORLEANS - Due to Tropical Storm Nicholas, District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett, Ray's on the Avenue, and Restaurant Depot have postponed the food distribution scheduled to take place Wednesday, September 15 at Ray's on the Avenue. The distribution is rescheduled for this Saturday, September 18, from 1 PM to 3 PM.

In response to the catastrophic failure of the power grid in New Orleans, Councilmember Brossett is asking for federal funds to prevent another blackout in the face of stronger, more frequent hurricanes.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett sent a letter to President Biden urging him to make a critical investment in New Orleans' energy infrastructure.

The letter asks President Biden and Congress to send federal funding to allow New Orleans to create a more resilient power grid. Additionally, Councilmember Brossett asks President Biden to urge Congress to expand the Stafford Act or create a Community Development Block Grant to relieve ratepayers of billions of dollars in estimated recovery costs from the storms that hit in 2020, in addition to the damage caused by Hurricane Ida. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President and Utilities Committee Chair Helena Moreno announced new accountability and oversight measures that will be taken up at the Wednesday, September 22 Utilities Committee Meeting. Moreno will author a series of new steps focused on getting answers and accountability on behalf of the people of New Orleans, many tens of thousands of whom sat in the dark and heat for more than a week after Hurricane Ida's exit from our area. 

As New Orleans recovers from Hurricane Ida and power is restored around the city, Councilmember Brossett is continuing to ensure that the needs of our most vulnerable residents are met.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett will hold two food distributions this week for residents impacted by Hurricane Ida. Councilmember Brossett is partnering with Ray’s on the Avenue and Restaurant Depot for the first distribution, and it will take place on Wednesday, September 15, from 1 PM to 3 PM at Ray’s on the Avenue. He will join New Hope Baptist Church, Pastor Jamaal Weathersby and Second Harvest Food Bank for the second distribution scheduled for Friday, September 17, at 1:30 PM at New Hope Baptist Church.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank and Pastor Jamaal Weathersby to distribute prepared meals, grocery items, water and tarps to residents affected by Hurricane Ida at New Hope Baptist Church on Friday, September 10 at 2 PM.

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council has announced the cancellation of its regular meeting this Thursday, September 9, to accommodate local response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Ida. Regular meetings are expected to resume beginning Thursday, September 23.

Please text NOLAREADY to 77295 for updates from the City of New Orleans and continue to follow the City Council on Facebook and Twitter. For additional resources and events taking place across the city in the coming days and weeks, follow Councilmembers on their official social channels listed below:

NEW ORLEANS - District “A” Councilmember Joe Giarrusso is partnering with Culture Aid NOLA, City Park, and others to give away thousands of pounds of free food beginning at 2 PM on Wednesday, September 8, at Tad Gormley Stadium in City Park.

Those who purchased equipment during the specified timeframe may receive up to $800 for generators and up to $250 for chainsaws. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett is encouraging residents to examine their expenses following the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, as FEMA is reimbursing individuals for the cost of generators and chainsaws.

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmembers Moreno and Glapion have teamed up with several organizations to hold an emergency supplies distribution site today, Tuesday, September 7, at GW Carver High School from 5 PM - 7 PM, or until supplies run out.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank on Tuesday, September 7 at 1 PM to distribute prepared meals, sandwiches, other groceries, and water to residents impacted by Hurricane Ida at St. Mary of the Angels. No documentation required, and the distribution will take place until supplies run out.

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno and Council Vice President Donna M. Glapion will distribute meals, essential items and tarps to residents impacted by Hurricane Ida on Sunday September 5, at 2 PM at St. Mary of the Angels on Miro Street. No documentation is required, and the distribution will take place until supplies run out.

In today’s emergency meeting, the Council gathered to pass disaster relief funding to be reimbursed by FEMA to begin the recovery process. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett brought ordinances 33,331 and 33,332 for a vote at the Council’s emergency meeting to discuss Hurricane Ida recovery. The measures to fund disaster relief that will be reimbursed by FEMA were passed unanimously. 

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno, State Representative Matthew Willard (District 97), and former State Representative and attorney Juan LaFonta will distribute tarps to residents impacted by Hurricane Ida on Thursday, September 2, from 1 PM to 3 PM at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. No documentation is required.

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council is requesting proposals from qualified firms with experience in redistricting activities to aid with the redesign of its voting districts based on official 2020 Census data.

NEW ORLEANS - The Crisis Intervention Strategy Task Force (CISTF) will hold its first meeting on Monday, August 23, at 1 PM to begin building out a citywide effort to reimagine emergency response in New Orleans.

NEW ORLEANS - In her third year since taking office, District "E" Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen has released a special report highlighting some of her proudest accomplishments for the residents and families of District E.

NEW ORLEANS - During today's City Council meeting, District “B” Councilmember Jay H. Banks approved two land use motions that represent significant steps in the right direction toward green infrastructure and affordable homeownership. Zoning Docket 26/21 is the first to require electric vehicle charging stations for a gas station in Mid-City, and the development at 1721 St. Andrew Street in Central City (Zoning Docket 53/21) is a building block that will lead to future affordable homeownership opportunities.

The resolutions brought to the Council called on the Governor to reinstate Pandemic Enhanced Unemployment Benefits and on President Biden to take swift action to cancel student loan debt.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett received unanimous support from his colleagues and members of the public on resolutions that improve economic conditions amidst the pandemic, which have become direr due to the surge of the Delta variant.

During today's City Council meeting, the CAO presented a plan to ensure all City workers receive a livable wage, showing several funding options to make it happen. 

NEW ORLEANS - In July of this year, District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett introduced Ordinance 33,388, which directed the City to lay out a plan to raise the wages of City workers to at least $15 per hour as quickly as possible. Today, the CAO presented a variety of options to raise the hourly wage of all City employees, including members of the NOFD, some of whom are paid less than $12 per hour. 

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno hosted City of New Orleans Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Gilbert Montaño during today's regular meeting to present a final plan to raise the living wage for City workers to at least $15/hr. The presentation was prompted by Moreno's motion M-21-238, which required a pay analysis of increasing the living wage to $15 within 45 days. CAO Montaño's presentation confirmed that all City workers would receive at least $15, that the Administration was working closely with Civil Service to make the necessary pay plan adjustments, and CAO Montano confirmed to Moreno that the 2022 budget would contain funding for a $15 living wage for all city employees.

NEW ORLEANS - District “B” Councilmember Jay H. Banks, co-author of Ordinance 33,422 regarding the implementation of medical quiet zones, has announced he will be deferring action on the legislation to a future Council meeting.

NEW ORLEANS - This week, District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett will be introducing a resolution he authored that requests the reinstatement of federal enhanced unemployment benefits. With the rise of the Delta variant, Louisiana is faced with its highest case numbers and hospitalizations since January, and over 152,000 throughout the state are unemployed.

Councilmember Brossett has requested a presentation regarding the appropriation and employment of NHIF dollars in order to create more transparency regarding the usage of City resources.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Brossett, Chair of the Budget, Audit, and Board of Review Committee, is requesting the Administration make a presentation at the upcoming Budget Committee Hearing on Wednesday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. to thoroughly review the allocation and application of NHIF dollars.

Included in the request he made in June, the Councilmember asked specifically about how the funds will be used to increase access to affordable housing. Additionally, he brought up concerns about access to rental assistance funds due to the increasingly long waitlist to receive relief. 

NEW ORLEANS - Join District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett for coffee, light bites, and candid conversations about the quality of life in New Orleans on Saturday, August 7, from 12 PM - 1 PM at PJ's Coffee on Read Boulevard.

NEW ORLEANS - The City Council has passed several major agenda items authored by Council President Helena Moreno to end penalties for small amounts of cannabis possession and pardon roughly ten thousand convictions and pending cases. This will help gain community trust with police and allow New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers to focus their efforts on reducing recent spikes in violent crime. While the Council does not have the authority to legalize recreational marijuana (only the State Legislature can accomplish that), it does have the power to fully decriminalize as it has done today. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council passed a resolution (R-21-309) requesting the Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which governs the safety of the nation’s railroad system, to establish a process for quiet zones in an effort to provide relief from the routine sounding of horns to nearby local communities. This process only allows public authorities to create quiet zones, meaning surrounding neighborhoods and residents desiring them are dependent upon local leaders to complete all the necessary steps, which include financing, installing necessary warning signs and required signage, and adequately notifying all involved stakeholders. 

NEW ORLEANS - District “B” Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement in response to the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases across the state of Louisiana:

"The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and I urge everyone to do all that they can to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. This virus is real and incredibly personal to me. Like so many New Orleanians, I have lost friends and acquaintances tragically to COVID-19. I strongly support the indoor mask mandates from both Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Governor John Bel Edwards as New Orleans works diligently to stop the spread and flatten the curve.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno announced her local cannabis decriminalization legislation is moving forward for final approval this Thursday, August 5. The package of legislation pardons thousands of summonses issued by NOPD and creates an innovative “automatic pardon” for any future summonses, functionally removing penalties for small possession of cannabis in New Orleans.

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Jared C. Brossett joined Rochelle Wilcox and Wilcox Academy staff, partnering agencies, and other community leaders today to commemorate 15 years of service and break ground on its new location in Central City.

To celebrate this impressive milestone, Wilcox Academy gave away dozens of backpacks full of school supplies to students for the upcoming school year and awarded a pair of $1,000 scholarships to two young men who attended the school when it first opened its doors in 2006.

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement in response to today’s proceedings at the Louisiana State Capitol:

"During today’s veto session at the Louisiana State Capitol, the House failed to overturn Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of the discriminatory legislation, proposing to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement in response to today’s proceedings at the Louisiana State Capitol:

"During today’s veto session at the Louisiana State Capitol, the House failed to overturn Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of the discriminatory legislation, proposing to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

NEW ORLEANS - City Council Budget Committee Chair Jared C. Brossett has released the following statement announcing that the Council will still hold its scheduled Mid-Year Budget Hearings:

"It is of the utmost importance that we remain transparent in all of our fiscal management decisions during this public health emergency and recovery. In order to assess the fiscal needs and possible limitations that are currently facing city agencies, the City Council is preparing to hold its first installment of Mid-Year Budget Hearings for the year 2021. To continue moving New Orleans forward, the Council needs the Mayor’s Administration to provide a clear understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the City's recovery efforts as well as the budget.

"New Orleans will continue to love and accept ALL"
NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno has responded to efforts to remove peaceful protestors from the Louisiana House Chamber during the veto override session of Senate Bill 156, which bans transgender athletes from competing on school sports teams with their identified gender and allows people 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit or safety training.

“As a former legislator, I have seen many protesters in the House Chamber and never seen any removed like this. I view this as a physical manifestation of what some legislators are doing to the transgender community. It’s horrific and sad.” Moreno stated.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett has released the following statement in response to the Council's decision to defer Ordinance 33,393 mandating a one-time suspension of monthly sanitation charges:

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council officially placed the full renewal of the library millage on the November ballot. This 4 mill tax renewal continues the expiring ad valorem tax that supports the operations of the New Orleans Public Library, which was authorized by voters on November 4, 1986, through December 31, 2021. 

If approved by voters, this would authorize the City to levy a special tax of up to 4 mills on all taxable property for a period of twenty years (beginning on January 1, 2022, and expiring on December 31, 2041) with an estimated collection totaling $17,498,020 to support the critical services of New Orleans’ public libraries. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett has released the following statement in response to recent comments by the Cantrell Administration in regards to citywide trash collection issues:  

"My office receives several calls daily with complaints regarding trash pick-up, and I know we are not the only ones. Usually collected twice weekly; many of my constituents haven’t had their trash picked up in over a week, with some reporting almost two weeks since their last trash pick-up. This is entirely unacceptable, and as the problem grows, it is getting harder and harder to get back on schedule.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett is holding a special joint Budget and Public Works, Sanitation and Environment Committee Meeting on Thursday, July 8, at 1 PM to consider a one-time suspension of residential sanitation charges and institute a $15 minimum wage for all City employees.

Ordinance 33,393 mandates a one-time suspension of monthly sanitation charges for August 2021 to provide residents with a measure of financial relief from inconsistent sanitation pickups citywide. Councilmember Brossett has requested representatives from the Chief Administrative Office, the City’s Law Department, the Department of Sanitation, and other interested parties to participate in the meeting.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the New Orleans City Council unanimously supported legislation requiring public engagement and Council approval for the relocation of City Hall. Despite decades of discussion over relocating City Hall, there has never been an official process developed to do so. This is now a permanent solution ensuring accountability and that all voices are heard.

NEW ORLEANS - At today's regular meeting, the City Council unanimously passed an amendment to the Living Wage Ordinance, bringing the minimum wage for City Contract workers to $15 per hour by 2023. The increase will be phased in over two years, requiring $13.25 on January 1, 2022, and the full $15 starting January 1, 2023. 

Councilmember Jared C. Brossett passed the first-ever Living Wage ordinance in 2015 to ensure that taxpayer dollars extended by the City to private contractors are used in a manner that creates jobs and keeps contracted and subcontracted workers and their families out of poverty.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, District “C" Councilmember Kristin Palmer and Treme residents, community, and business leaders celebrate the approval of the ‘Protect Treme Interim Zoning District’ motion. The motion temporarily stops the Cantrell Administration from moving City Hall into the Municipal Auditorium located inside Louis Armstrong Park. 

The Council approved the legislation by Councilmember Palmer today, prohibiting the Department of Safety and Permits from allowing developers to construct government offices, parking lots, or parking garages within Louis Armstrong Park for one year or until the Council votes to remove the measure.

Recommendations follow those proposed in final report of the Street Renaming Commission 

NEW ORLEANS - At Thursday’s Council meeting, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer and District “A” Councilmember Joe Giarrusso will introduce several ordinances that, if passed, will rename three parks that were named after confederate or white supremacist leaders. The proposed parks include Washington Artillery Park in the French Quarter, Behrman Park in Algiers, and Palmer Park in Carrollton. 
 
The parks were recommended for renaming after a process carried out by the City Council Street Renaming Commission (CCSRC), which was created by a City ordinance authored by Councilmembers Palmer and Jay H. Banks in June 2020.

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Moreno’s cannabis decriminalization legislation passed through the Council’s Criminal Justice Committee unanimously today, June 29. The legislation automatically pardons all future municipal minor possession summonses, pardons more than 10,000 previously charged summonses or convictions, and prohibits public smoking of cannabis to maintain public health standards.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno and Vice President Donna Glapion announced they have pre-filed legislation announcing their intention to require any relocation of City Hall to go through a "conditional use" process with mandatory Council approval.

The At-Large Members would require such a process through a text amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO), making any relocation of City Hall subject to the same inclusive, community-centric approach required of other land-use decisions. A motion spelling out these changes was pre-filed for the June 15, 2021, Council Meeting.

NEW ORLEANS - The approval process to end the criminalization of simple possession of marijuana will begin in the Council’s Criminal Justice Committee today, June 29 at 2 p.m.

Council President Helena Moreno introduced ordinances to fully decriminalize municipal simple possession of marijuana last month after a recent analysis showed an alarming number of summons written for the charge; 2400 in 2019 with 86% issued to Black people. The NOPD manpower hours associated with these summonses are also problematic. Police are currently required to write reports, have a supervisor review the report and log evidence associated with the summons, which averages about an hour per summons issued. Council President Moreno believes that police manpower can be better utilized focusing on more serious matters than writing pot tickets. 

NEW ORLEANS - The approval process to end the criminalization of simple possession of marijuana will begin in the Council’s Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday, June 29 at 2 p.m.

Council President Helena Moreno introduced ordinances to fully decriminalize municipal simple possession of marijuana last month after a recent analysis showed an alarming number of summons written for the charge; 2400 in 2019 with 86% issued to Black people. The NOPD manpower hours associated with these summonses are also problematic. Police are currently required to write reports, have a supervisor review the report and log evidence associated with the summons, which averages about an hour per summons issued. Council President Moreno believes that police manpower can be better utilized focusing on more serious matters than writing pot tickets. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Public Works Chair Joe Giarrusso and Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced the advancement of a plan to build a permanent new power supply for the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) by constructing a $75 million linkage with Entergy New Orleans. The plan, funded directly by the SWBNO, State Capital Outlay dollars, and bond funding, presents a fundamental shift in the way SWBNO powers its drainage and water systems while fixing the generational problem of power reliability from SWBNO aging turbines.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council unanimously passed several items authored by District “A” Councilmember Joe Giarrusso approving a plan that will allow the development of 43 affordable housing units in Hollygrove.

The City Council enacted legislation in 2019 that loosened zoning restrictions for developers who build affordable units. The Grove Place development, located at the corner of Earhart Boulevard and Monroe Street, contains a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, all of which will be rented between 20% to 80% AMI.

NEW ORLEANS - Alongside advocates, community stakeholders, and administration officials, Council President Moreno is proud to announce the filing of a formal Council Advisory Task Force focused on creating a model for crisis response in New Orleans.

The 13-member Task Force will be made up of community appointees with relevant expertise and experiences, as well as public safety officials. Members will be selected by August 1, 2021, and Council Advisory Task Force meetings will be open to the public.

NEW ORLEANS - In a letter sent on Friday, June 11, District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks requested the participation of Chief Judge Herman, Judge Harris & Judicial Administrator Kazik at Wednesday’s upcoming Criminal Justice Committee Meeting to have a discussion clarifying the procedures that determine eligibility for electronic monitoring. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council began the process of establishing a non-police Crisis Response and Intervention Team to respond to and help people in mental health crises. Currently, it’s NOPD that handles thousands of mental health calls annually while other cities are now transitioning to more effectively utilizing mental health professionals to respond to these cases instead of police. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno introduced ordinances to fully decriminalize municipal simple possession of marijuana. She is also releasing the full report on marijuana summons and equity by City Council analyst Jeff Asher that led to her proposal.

The report shows various samples of data, including that 2400 municipal summons were issued in 2019 with 86% issued to Black people. The manpower hours for writing police reports, supervisor review, and logging of evidence associated with the summons averages about an hour per summons issued. Council President Moreno believes that police manpower can be better utilized focusing on more serious matters than writing pot tickets. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President and Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced the final committee vote on the Council's Renewable and Clean Portfolio Standard (RCPS), which would end emissions from Entergy New Orleans power generation by 2050, reaching net-zero emissions in 2040. Entergy New Orleans would be required to serve New Orleans customers with 100% clean power thereafter.

"This new policy will begin a rapid transition towards clean and renewable energy and away from fossil fuels. We simply can't wait - we must take strong climate action today. I believe that this climate action plan is bold, obtainable, and most importantly swift," said Council President Moreno. "With these rules, New Orleans will be the first territory in the gulf south and among the national leaders in confronting the generational challenge of climate change and helping secure a 100% clean and more resilient power future for us all.”

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the Council welcomed Health and Equity Strategists for the New Orleans Health Department Dr. Torrie T. Harris and Dr. Maurice G. Sholas of emPOWER NOLA to discuss the link between historical policy and current health inequities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have deemed both structural and interpersonal racism as fundamental causes of health disease disparities, finding a direct correlation between communities with greater risk of poor health outcomes and access to quality care and treatment options. Citing the national data, today’s presentations provided a historical analysis of predominantly black communities across New Orleans, highlighting centuries-long health and social inequities that have put many racial and ethnic minorities at increased risk of disease. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Community Development Committee heard a central staff presentation requested by Council President Helena Moreno to reopen the Council's Chamber for in-person public meetings. The plan, approved by the City's Chief Health Officer, Dr. Jennifer Avegno, allows for a maximum capacity of 30-40 members of the public and requires face coverings for all attendees. Council Chambers has also been modified and outfitted with plexiglass safety barriers and social distancing mitigations to help protect attendees.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno advanced her legislation to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips, a widely supported harm reduction measure to save lives in New Orleans. Fentanyl-laced drugs are one of the leading causes of overdoses in New Orleans and throughout the country. Testing strips to determine the presence of fentanyl are currently banned by the City Code.

NEW ORLEANS -  The Small Business Administration announced the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), on Tuesday, April 27, and District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks is showing his support. The fund was created as part of the American Rescue Plan Act so that restaurants and other eligible businesses could get funding to keep their doors open. The RRF also includes specific requirements to ensure equitable distribution to small business concerns owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged applicants.

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council has sent a letter to Representative Raymond E. Garofalo, Jr. on behalf of all seven members responding to recent comments referencing the “good” of slavery. As stated in the letter, the Council refers to Representative Garofalo's statement, saying, "suggesting there was some 'good' within the immoral evil of slavery as practiced in this country is reprehensible. There is no equivocation or relativism possible within the dark history of this institution. Any attempts to excuse these realities is not only wrong but unforgivable."

NEW ORLEANS - During the Council’s Criminal Justice Committee meeting tomorrow morning, members will hear historical and analytical perspectives on cannabis enforcement in New Orleans brought forth at the request of Council President Helena Moreno. The presentation by the Vera Institute’s Will Snowden and Council Criminal Justice Analyst Jeff Asher will highlight the persistent racial inequities in cannabis enforcement and the harm those inequities pose to communities of color.

NEW ORLEANS - Yesterday evening, Councilwoman Nguyen hosted a Six Flags RFQ Respondents Community Listening Session, where the three shortlisted respondents provided a video introduction and PowerPoint presentation then accepted public comment regarding the presentations. The public comment received will be summarized in a document submitted to the Selection Review Committee for the RFQ, and some of the questions will be included in a questionnaire the respondents will complete as part of the final selection process. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President and Utilities Chair Helena Moreno signaled her intention to bring forward a prudence investigation of Entergy New Orleans’ (ENO) actions around the 2021 Mardi Gras Blackout, or load shedding event. Moreno did so after formally receiving a preliminary report from the Council’s expert utility team outlining initial findings of critical technical and operational issues within the ENO’s real-time response to the event.

NEW ORLEANS - District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) and Crescent Towing announced today that "Algiers Clean Sweep" is canceled tomorrow,  Saturday, April 17, due to inclement weather. Councilmember Palmer is working with organizers to come up with another date to host the clean-up event in Algiers. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer announced today that the drive-thru food pantry in Algiers will be held every other Friday beginning this week. Due to the growing number of residents receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations and more people returning to work, Councilmember Palmer and Second Harvest Food Bank will reduce the number of weekly food pantries in District C. For the remainder of April, they will host only one food pantry in Algiers on Friday, April 23 at the Arthur Monday Center. This Friday, April 16, they will not host a food pantry in Algiers. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host two drive-thru food pantries this week for residents impacted by COVID-19 thanks to a continued partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and Culture Aid NOLA.The food distributions will take place on Friday, April 9, in Algiers and Saturday, April 10, in Treme.

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno filed a resolution with five coauthors in support of efforts in the state legislature to decriminalize the possession and use of marijuana in Louisiana. Moreno supported such efforts as a legislator and has continued advocacy around decriminalization since becoming a New Orleans City Councilmember. 

According to the Tax Foundation 16 states and Washington, DC have legalized recreational marijuana. Twelve states impose taxes. Legislation in Louisiana has been filed by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers showing the growing support for

NEW ORLEANS - District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF), and Crescent Towing are partnering to host "Algiers Clean Sweep" on Saturday, April 17.

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular City Council meeting, Councilmembers unanimously adopted resolution R-21-114 urging the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to designate clearly marked “Safe Exchange Zones” at district stations to provide residents with a reasonably safe and public area to conduct legal, private transactions from online marketplaces or internet purchases. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank and St. Mary of the Angels Church to host a food pantry for residents and families experiencing food insecurity or hardships due to COVID-19 on Friday, March 26, at 9:30 AM at St. Mary of the Angels Church.

NEW ORLEANS - Last week, Council President Helena Moreno released a letter of support strongly backing the effort by State Representative Matthew Willard to ask voters to constitutionally cap residential property valuation increases to 10% a year. The proposed constitutional amendment, if passed by the legislature and subsequently approved by voters, would cap property value increases to help prevent the erosion of affordable housing in New Orleans. 

NEW ORLEANS - During the Selection Review Committee meeting for the Six Flags, RFQ held on Tuesday, March 16, broad overviews of the respondents' submittals were provided and discussed orally during the meeting, but the full scope of each proposal was not fully outlined or discussed in depth. 

More details on the shortlist submitted proposals are given below for additional transparency and information surrounding the RFQ selection process. Residents should be reminded that due to the nature of this RFQ and resulting shortlist, the proposals submitted during the first round of the RFQ may not be the final proposals submitted by each respondent, and are subject to change as the second stage of the RFQ process progresses. 

NEW ORLEANS - City Council President Helena Moreno has released the following statement in regards to federal stimulus aid and the establishment of a new Stimulus Command Task Force:

NEW ORLEANS - The City Council’s Budget Committee will review sales tax receipts from various industries to display the pandemic's major impact on local businesses on Wednesday, March 17, at 10:30 AM. The report to be presented at Tuesday’s meeting was requested by Budget Chair Jared Brossett and Council President Helena Moreno. This meeting is part of the ongoing efforts of the full Council and Mayor’s team working toward recovery.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced a Utilities Committee hearing on Tuesday, March 16, to discuss yesterday’s revelation by Entergy New Orleans that blackouts on Mardi Gras night unnecessarily affected, not 81MW of load as previously reported, but in fact a total of 105MW.

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council has joined the Louisiana Public Service Commission and the Arkansas Public Service Commission (together the “Retail Regulators”) to file a complaint at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) against Entergy Corporation, Entergy Services, Inc., Entergy Operations, Inc. and System Energy Resources, Inc. (together “Entergy”). 

The Retail Regulators are seeking refunds and rate reform related to over $1 billion in costs imposed on Entergy customers across New Orleans, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi due to Entergy’s poor management of the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station.

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Jared C. Brossett and colleagues will receive a comprehensive update on the COVID-19 pandemic during the next City Council Emergency Preparedness and Cybersecurity Special Committee meeting on March 2 at 1 PM.

Col. Terry Ebbert, USMC Ret., Director of Public Safety and Homeland Security, and the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security will share information about how the City addresses special events during COVID-19. Additionally, he will discuss plans for a citywide mass vaccination program and provide any other relevant information related to the City’s COVID-19 response.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, during a hearing of the Joint Utilities and Public Works Committees, Entergy New Orleans revealed that more than 25,000 customers were shut off during the MISO ordered blackout last Tuesday night, totaling nearly 81MW of load, when only 26MW was required.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced the launch of a Council inquiry into the level of weatherization in Entergy power production infrastructure to protect ratepayers from winter weather disruptions similar to those in Texas. 

In Texas, preliminary reports show that lack of weatherization caused the failure of natural gas, coal, wind and nuclear power generation. To prevent this type of catastrophe in our area, Chair Moreno has ordered the Council utility advisors to assess plants owned or partly owned by Entergy that serve New Orleans then issue a report on the status of weatherization. Based on that report, additional action by the Council may be taken. A letter informing Entergy New Orleans CEO David Ellis of this weatherization assessment was sent last Friday.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council approved a request to the City Planning Commission (CPC) to consider revoking the Conditional Use ordinance for the Hard Rock development located in downtown New Orleans.

District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer authored the motion (M-21-69), which directs the CPC to conduct a public hearing to consider revoking the conditional use for 1031 Canal Street, where the Hard Rock construction site collapsed in 2019, killing Anthony Magrette, Jose Ponce Arreola, and Quinnyon Wimberly.

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement in response to recent incidents and allegations in the local media:

"I've been clear in my support of the process. This summons is standard procedure, and I vigorously defend every citizen's right to approach such matters in the manner defined by society and by law. I will continue to pray for Belden. I have known him for years and believed him to be in crisis. That belief has been confirmed by a sadly distorted recounting of events that included profanity and threats from him. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno and Councilmember Joe Giarrusso announced the filing of a full renewal of the expiring 3.14 millage that supports the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL). The notice provides for a vote in the election held on October 9, 2021. The millage renewal, which extends the current millage for nineteen additional years, was first authorized in 1986. It is one of two millages that directly support the operations of the NOPL.

NEW ORLEANS - The Council's Budget Committee recommended approval today of $11.6M in federal funding for the City’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

The rental assistance funding is part of the recently passed federal Coronavirus relief bill. Congress approved the Coronavirus Relief Fund in late 2020. The fund, administered by the US Treasury, provides $25B in Emergency Rental Assistance funding to local governments. Cities with populations of at least 200,000 can apply directly to the US Treasury for rental assistance funding. The City applied and received an $11.6M allocation.

NEW ORLEANS - The City Council is currently accepting applications for a highly qualified, responsible and professional individual to fill the unclassified position of Council Fiscal Officer. This individual will assist the Council in its role as the budgeting authority of municipal government in Orleans Parish, and will work closely with the central staff, Council Budget Chair and Budget Committee members and staff, as well as Executive Branch budget and financial officials.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council held a private swearing-in ceremony to officially welcome Councilmember-At-Large Division 2 appointee Donna Glapion following her confirmation during Thursday's regular meeting. Councilmember Glapion will assume her duties immediately and will serve through the remainder of former Councilmember and newly-elected District Attorney Jason Williams' term.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council voted to appoint Donna Glapion, New Orleans civic and community leader, to serve as interim Councilmember At-Large for the remainder of former Councilmember Jason Williams’ term. 

NEW ORLEANS - Councilwoman Nguyen encourages residents to participate in the joint Community Development and Criminal Justice Committee meeting of the New Orleans City Council. This will be a virtual meeting on Monday, January 25, 2021, starting at 10:00 AM.

NEW ORLEANS - The deadline for members of the public to apply for the vacant interim City Council seat is today, January 20, by 5 PM. The selected candidate will serve for the remainder of the term of former Councilmember At-Large Jason Williams, who is now officially sworn in as the City’s new District Attorney.

Qualified New Orleanians interested in taking on this role may visit council.nola.gov/interim to apply and submit a resume. As a reminder, anyone who serves as interim Councilmember At-Large may not run for that position in the Fall 2021 elections.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council completed votes to deny the final four remaining tax exemptions requested by Folgers. Last month, the Council voted to deny two others, meaning all six requested are now rejected. The Orleans Parish School Board also voted against all six applications last month. 

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno has now received official notice of vacancy from Council Vice President Jason Williams effective today, January 11, 2021, at 11 AM.

Requests special Council Meeting to address crime

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer has released the following statement congratulating her former colleague Jason Williams on his inauguration to the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office and requests special Council meeting to address recent crime incidents:

NEW ORLEANS - COVID-19 vaccinations are now available in limited supply at certain pharmacies in the City of New Orleans this week. 

Eligible individuals are limited to:

• People 70 and older;
• Individuals in end-stage renal disease facility personnel and patients; 
• Ambulatory and outpatient health care workers;
• Home agency patients and workers; and 
• Schools of allied health students, residents and staff.

NEW ORLEANS - To honor first responders who will protect and serve our City on Christmas Day, Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen is joining the New Orleans Nightmare women’s football team, New Orleans Crescent City VooDoux Women’s Basketball Team will deliver holiday gift baskets to the New Orleans Police Department district stations, New Orleans Fire Department stations, and the New Orleans EMS Headquarters on Christmas morning.  

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno has issued the following statement in reaction to the Council's vote to deny two of Folgers’ ITEP applications and defer four to the January meeting. Moreno authored resolutions to deny all six applications to prioritize money going to public safety instead of a tax break to an $8B corporation.  

NEW ORLEANS - Thanks to the ongoing support of Councilmember Jared C. Brossett and Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Vaucresson Sausage broke ground on their new redevelopment project at 1800 St. Bernard Avenue on Friday, December 11. This exciting project will return the property to commerce as a kitchen and restaurant and provide for two permanently affordable rental properties in the process. 

NEW ORLEANS – Today, Council Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced new results from an ongoing, multi-year effort to build local capacity for utility regulation and reduced reliance on outside advisors.

For years, the public and advocacy groups have pushed to reduce the amount of ratepayer money paid to outside advisors to regulate Entergy New Orleans, but no cost-cutting measures were implemented until Councilmember Moreno authored sweeping changes for oversight and payment.

NEW ORLEANS – Councilmember Helena Moreno has introduced legislation to prohibit discrimination in the workplace, in housing and public accommodations based on the way Black women choose to wear their hair. According to recent national studies, Black women are 50% more likely to be discriminated against or lose their jobs due to simply the style of their hair, whether it be natural, braids or other choices.

NEW ORLEANS - Tomorrow, December 5, from 8 AM - 11:30 AM, the NOLA Tree Project and the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways will host "The Big TREEsy Giveaway" to provide 700 free trees to Orleans Parish residents. During the event, each individual will receive one free tree with 35 types of trees available to choose from (please note: these are not Christmas trees). Residents will be required to show a picture ID and will have the option to purchase an extra tree for just $15.

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and Culture Aid NOLA, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host two drive-up food pantries for residents impacted by Hurricane Zeta and COVID-19. The food distributions will take place on Friday, December 4, in Algiers, and Saturday, December 5, in Treme. 

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Jason Williams was proud to join allies from the Orleans Public Defenders’ Office (OPD) today for a press conference to discuss approval of a historic City Budget amendment relative to funding parity for OPD and the District Attorney (DA) in the coming year.

NEW ORLEANS - With the passage of Cal No 33,128, the complete framework for New Orleans' Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning policy is in place. Implementing the Smart Housing Mix has been a years-long process, one that the City will actively continue to work on – up to and even after this policy takes effect on July 1, 2021. With the structure complete, the policy can be reviewed and updated in full context. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember and Budget Committee Chair Jared Brossett has released the following statement regarding the approval of the 2021 City Budget:

"Today, the New Orleans City Council adopted a 2021 budget that Mayor LaToya Cantrell believes best positions the City of New Orleans for the upcoming new year. 

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Jason Williams has rescheduled today's press conference to discuss the Council's approval of a historic 2021 City Budget amendment relative to parity for the Public Defender's Office and District Attorney (DA) for tomorrow, Nov. 20, at 10:30 AM.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmember Moreno applauded the inclusion of a number of critical advancements in the 2021 City Budget. Despite facing significant headwinds due to revenue losses from the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Council approved critical equity and economic justice priorities in the budget. These include an initial investment of $3m in the build-out of public internet access, funding a public-facing NOPD officer accountability dashboard, and a resolution protecting city workers making under $35k from wage loss due to furloughs. 

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and Culture Aid NOLA, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host two drive-up food pantries for residents impacted by Hurricane Zeta and COVID-19. The food distributions will take place on Friday, November 20, in Algiers and Saturday, November 21, in Treme. 

NEW ORLEANS- Three years after approving its development, I take immense pride in the reality of the Capdau Home for the Aged at the original Pierre A. Capdau School site at 3821 Franklin Ave. 

The Capdau school site has a tremendous past, but now it has an even brighter future as a home for one of New Orleans' most valued resources.  

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno has issued the following statement congratulating Congressman Cedric Richmond on his transition to the White House:

"I’d like to thank Congressman Cedric Richmond for his exceptional and ongoing service to our state and our country. While he will be missed as our representative to the US Congress, I know his new position will afford an even greater opportunity to serve our communities and help build a stronger nation for us all. 

NEW ORLEANS - NOLA Tree Project will host their annual Big TREEsy Giveaway in District "E" on Saturday, November 21, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. This event, sponsored by Councilwoman Nguyen and Entergy, will giveaway 500 free trees to Orleans Parish residents. Limit one tree per household, with additional trees available for purchase at $15 each. Residents must present a picture ID to claim their tree, and there will be more than 20 types of trees available. 

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with Walmart, Councilmember Jared C. Brossett will host his annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Friday, November 20, beginning at 9 AM at St. Mary of the Angels Church at 3501 N. Miro St.

Councilmember Brossett will giveaway 250 free turkeys and thousands of pounds of food items to community members in need during this holiday season.

This year's turkey giveaway will be drive-thru only to ensure the safety of our volunteers, staff, and event participants. Attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles and open their trunk to allow volunteers to easily place items inside. Please note that only one turkey and bag of groceries will be given away per vehicle. Turkeys will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. We appreciate your understanding in advance. 

NEW ORLEANS - On Saturday, November 14, the 60th Anniversary of Desegregation, the City of New Orleans will honor civil rights pioneers, The New Orleans Four - Leona Tate, Ruby Bridges, Tessie Prevost, and Gail Etienne in recognition of their courageous and selfless dedication to equal educational opportunity for children of color. All four of the Civil Rights Pioneers have been invited to receive the city's highest honor. The ceremony will celebrate the Pioneers in song, citations, and proclamations, with Mayor LaToya Cantrell presenting them with the key to the city. The event will begin at 10:30 am in front of Gallier Hall, located at 545 St. Charles Ave.

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with the City’s Department of Code Enforcement and Algiers Economic Development Foundation, District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will clear seven blighted and vacant lots as part of the Algiers Clean Sweep initiative, a new community-led effort to clean-up Algiers.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the New Orleans City Council extended the “City Council Cares” (CCC) program until the end of the year. The CCC program, authorized by the Council this past summer, provides $400 of direct utility assistance payments for Entergy New Orleans (ENO) customers who faced wage losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 7,700 customers have taken advantage of the program, with more than $3m already authorized for payment. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Algiers Economic Development Foundation, and JUGS Krewe of NOMTOC will host Algiers Clean Sweep, a community-led effort to clean-up every neighborhood in Algiers and reduce the number of blighted properties. Algiers Clean Sweep will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Several organizations, neighborhood groups, and volunteers have partnered with Councilmember Palmer to provide volunteers, food, and cleaning supplies to make Algiers Clean Sweep a success.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the New Orleans City Council, represented by their Executive Counsel Adams Swensek, dropped a temporary injunction against the Secretary of State after his court filings admitted he misinterpreted the law regarding allowable locations to drop off absentee ballots. The Council will continue to pursue a request for a declaratory judgment against the Secretary to make perfectly clear moving forward what is allowable under the election code.

"What we thought was going to be an impactful and common sense move to have locations to drop off absentee ballots around the city has turned into a bizarre and head-scratching episode with the Secretary of State. Fortunately, on behalf of voters we've achieved a win today with an admission that absentee ballots can be delivered to locations other than just the Registrar's Office. The Council will not be deterred when it comes to fighting for voter accessibility, and we won't back down when policies that restrict ballot access for our people are being enacted," said Council Vice President Helena Moreno.

NEW ORLEANS- District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer has partnered with Ride New Orleans and Roll to the Polls to giveaway 750 Regional Transit Authority (RTA) day passes during early voting. The RTA transit passes will give voters the ability to access all public transportation modes to ensure they can get to the polls to early vote.

In June 2020, the RTA adopted a policy to waive all transit fares on an election day, but it does not include early voting. RIDE New Orleans and Roll to the Polls are working to ensure early voters who rely on public transportation can get to the polls. During early voting, October 16 thru October 27, volunteers will provide free day passes at transit hubs. Councilmember Palmer and partners will kick off their initiative on the first day of early voting, today, October 16, at 4 PM by handing out bus passes at Duncan Plaza Historical Monument Park, the RTA downtown transit hub.

NEW ORLEANS -  Today, Thursday, October 15, the New Orleans City Council passed an ordinance reducing conditional use application fees for established multi-family homes.

This ordinance, led by Councilmembers Joseph I. Giarrusso III and Jay H. Banks, creates an easier pathway for families seeking to bring their generational homes back into commerce.

"There are three ways government can kill development: study it, delay it or make it too expensive. We should be making things easier and better for everyone, and this new fee structure does just that," said Councilmember Giarrusso. "These reduced fees allow the city to provide services that help families re-establish multi-family homes without spending thousands of dollars in application fees."

Originally, fees for established multi-family conditional uses were based on square footage. Those fees ranged from $1,160 to $4,640, based on the size of the structure. Now, applications for established double- and multi-family residences cost $500. Any increase in floor area is an additional $200, totaling a $700 application fee for these expanded established structures.

NEW ORLEANS- Resolution (R-20-356) by District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer notifies Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards that New Orleans is opting into on-site alcohol and food consumption at local bars. The resolution formally authorizes the reopening of bars under the New Orleans Health Department Phase 3 guidelines and Governor Edwards's September 11 proclamation. 

NEW ORLEANS - This year, Christmas will look a little different in District "E" and across the entire City of New Orleans. Our annual holiday traditions, along with many aspects of our daily life, will need to change due to COVID-19. For the last two years, Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen and partners have put on the Jingle on the Boulevard Parade in District E, with the inaugural Jingle Ball in 2019. According to Councilwoman Nguyen, while her office fully intends to host that event again in the future, right now they are pivoting to keep families and friends safe this holiday season.  

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and Culture Aid NOLA, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host two food pantries for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19 on October Friday,16, and Saturday 17. No documentation is required to receive a food pantry box, and walk-ups are welcome. Volunteers are also needed to continue food distribution sites. If you would like to assist, call (504) 658-1030 between Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Judge Rachael Johnson of the Orleans Parish Civil District Court granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Louisiana Secretary of State's directive prohibiting the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters from accepting ballots at remote drop-off locations. Earlier this afternoon, the City Council approved the filing of a lawsuit against the Secretary of State on behalf of voters in New Orleans. The order will remain in effect until the preliminary injunction hearing next Wednesday, October 21, 2020. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen will host her next Coffee & Conversation event this Saturday, Oct. 17, from 12 - 1:30 PM. Residents are encouraged to tune in virtually via the Zoom information provided below:

NEW ORLEANS- Today, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer announced a partnership with Ride New Orleans and Roll to the Polls to giveaway 750 Regional Transit Authority (RTA) day passes during early voting. The RTA transit passes will give voters the ability to access all public transportation modes to ensure they can get to the polls to early vote.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Vice President Helena Moreno announced the New Orleans City Council would hold a special meeting to consider filing a lawsuit challenging the Secretary of State's decision to limit access to absentee ballot curbside drop off locations. The Secretary has declared that absentee ballots may only be returned to the registrar of voters' office in New Orleans and that no further ballot drop off locations may be allowed.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Utilities Committee Chair Helena Moreno announced the committee approval of an agreement to end Entergy New Orleans' pursuit of litigation over last year's rate order.

"Last year, this Council lowered customers' Entergy rates for the first time in a decade," said Councilmember Moreno. "As a result of our rate order, Entergy New Orleans sued the Council in an attempt to stop implementation. Today's agreement ends that lawsuit and leaves the Council's rate order completely intact, preserving the hard-won gains for ratepayers that included lower rates, green power options, freezing the minimum charge, and setting a more reasonable profit margin for the company."

NEW ORLEANS- In anticipation of the threat of Hurricane Delta to Southeast Louisiana, Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will not host this week's food pantries in District C. The two food pantries canceled this week were scheduled for Friday, October 9, at the Arthur Monday Center and Saturday, October 10, at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. Councilmember Palmer, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, World Central Kitchen, and Culture Aid NOLA have provided the drive-up food pantries for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19 since March. 

NEW ORLEANS - This year, Christmas will look a little different in District "E" and across the entire City of New Orleans. Our annual holiday traditions, along with many aspects of our daily life, will need to change due to COVID-19. For the last two years, Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen and partners have put on the Jingle on the Boulevard Parade in District E, with the inaugural Jingle Ball in 2019. According to Councilwoman Nguyen, while her office fully intends to host that event again in the future, right now they are pivoting to keep families and friends safe this holiday season.  

NEW ORLEANS - The City Council Street Renaming Commission (CCSRC) has unveiled a comprehensive website with its preliminary list of streets, parks and public places honoring Confederate soldiers and white supremacists to be considered for renaming, as well as informational resources and public comment forms encouraging members of the community to provide feedback and further engage in the process. 

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno has released the following statement in response to the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the Council adopted Resolution R-20-308 requesting that the City Attorney and Mayor's Administration make all reasonable and appropriate efforts to identify other alternatives to the new $51 million Phase III jail facility. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the finances of the City and thousands of its residents, forcing large event cancellations that continue to this day. Recent reports estimate these disruptions will have a $1.2 billion impact on the City, requiring local officials to make exceedingly difficult decisions about the services it can provide to its residents in the foreseeable future.

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host two food pantries for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19 on Friday, September 18 and Saturday 19. No documentation is required to receive a food pantry box, and walk-ups are welcome. Volunteers are also needed to continue the emergency food distribution sites. If you would like to assist, call (504) 658-1030 between Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno, in partnership with the Cantrell Administration and the Hispanic Outreach Task Force, will recognize Hispanic Heritage and Health Month 2020 from September 15 to October 15. Typically known as Hispanic Heritage Month, the observance will look a bit different this year and highlight key health resources, first-person accounts, and essential resources to address the disparate impact COVID-19 has had on the Hispanic community.  

NEW ORLEANS- District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer issues the following statement regarding Mayor LaToya Cantrell's plans to make the French Quarter more pedestrian centric:

"As a long-time advocate for safer, more equitable streets and public spaces, I have welcomed the Mayor's efforts to reimagine a French Quarter with reduced motor vehicle traffic and increased access for pedestrians and bicyclists. 

NEW ORLEANS - The Council's Criminal Justice Committee met today to discuss and move closer to implementing several significant legislative priorities aimed at improving the City's criminal legal system.

As it's first major agenda item, the Committee engaged court officials, respected experts and local advocates as part of the one-year review of the Aged Debt and Warrant Clearance Legislation (Ordinance 32,776 & Resolution R-19-370). The Committee, and all parties present today, formally affirmed their commitment to continue to work together to address the outdated policies around Aged Debt and Warrant Clearance, which have inequitably prevented New Orleanians from passing background checks, being hired for quality jobs, obtaining their driver licenses, and more. 

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the Council adopted Resolution R-20-284 by Councilmembers-At-Large Jason Williams and Helena Moreno requesting that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field offices protect public safety and prioritize recovery and rebuilding over immigration enforcement in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. 

NEW ORLEANS- Despite a reduction in emergency federal funding, Second Harvest Food Bank will continue to provide food for the weekly food pantries hosted by District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer until further notice. However, beginning this week, families and individuals will be required to share income and household size to ensure families meet the income threshold. 

NEW ORLEANS - Tomorrow, Councilmember Helena Moreno will introduce a resolution petitioning the Secretary of State and other officials to support the Smoothie King Center or Superdome as a voting and/or early voting location for the November 3rd election. 

"The right to vote is sacred, and we must do all we can to ensure everyone can safely and easily vote this November," said Councilmember Moreno. "Opening large spaces like the arena for voting helps preserve social distancing and other public health measures. That grows confidence in the process and helps put voter concerns at ease. It's the right thing to do and can help demonstrate our commitment to prioritizing the preservation of voting rights."

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement regarding the suspension of his weekly COVID-19 food pantries:

"After serving many thousands of community members over the last five months, the District B Drive-Up Food Pantry has been suspended, hopefully only temporarily. When the circumstances change, and we are able to secure additional resources, we will resume the distributions. In the meantime, we remain committed to getting vital resources to our neighbors, and we're looking forward to supporting other community efforts.

NEW ORLEANS - This weekend, with the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, many are looking back over the past 15 years and gauging redevelopment and progress. Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen would like to share information on progress in District E, the Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans East, Fort Pike, and Venetian Isles since she took office as a City Councilmember on May 8, 2018:

NEW ORLEANS - Due to the overwhelming response over the past few days of donations of toiletry and other essential items to United Way of SELA, the non-profit has hit capacity to collect items. Anyone who would like to donate these items for Hurricane Laura victims can still do so at Second Harvest Food Bank.

NEW ORLEANS - Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen has issued the following statement in response to an article published yesterday on Nola.com, which quoted a conversation out of context regarding the permeation of unhealthy foods such as fried chicken in the Lower Ninth Ward: 

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno's Office and the Mayor's Office are partnering with United Way of Southeast Louisiana to collect toiletry and essential items to assist thousands of Laura victims who are sheltered in numerous New Orleans hotels. Volunteers completed close to 2000 bags with toiletries for evacuees at the Sheraton and Marriott today, but more supplies are needed.

NEW ORLEANS- District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer would like to remind residents that she will host two food pantries for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19 on Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29. On Friday, the food pantry will be held at the Arthur Monday Center in Algiers and on Saturday, at the Mahalia Jackson. 

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Jason Williams is encouraging residents to take final preparedness measures as Hurricane Laura approaches landfall. 

"As a city that has been through uncertain times before, we know that the best thing we can do now is being prepared. Though recent reports show that New Orleans is not in the storm's direct path, we cannot let our guards down until Laura fully passes. We pray for our neighbors to the west," said Councilmember Williams. "Be sure to follow @nolaready for updates, and I'll continue to share information and resources on my pages as well. Stay safe everyone!"

NEW ORLEANS - Following favorable support from the Criminal Justice Committee, the full Council approved two measures during today's regular meeting, delivering on a commitment to thoughtfully examine the City's criminal legal system for opportunities to reduce inequity. 

NEW ORLEANS - During tomorrow's regular meeting, the New Orleans City Council will consider a final ordinance to rename Jefferson Davis Parkway to Norman C. Francis Parkway. Ordinance 33,004 is scheduled to be discussed at approximately 12 noon. 

"Removing the vestiges of Jim Crow from our public spaces is essential work. It does not solve our problems, but it is a small part of healing our society's wounds. This change, driven by a community-led petition, supported by five current or former New Orleans Mayors, US Senator and Vice-Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Congressmen, State Senators and even national figures like Stevie Wonder, is just the beginning of our work to defeat and dismantle systems and symbols of white supremacy and racism," said Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno.

NEW ORLEANS - Today's City Council Criminal Justice Committee meeting opened with consideration of a resolution addressing the collection of fines and fees in Criminal District Court. This "user pay" system has existed as a means to fund the system for generations. During the past several decades, significant amounts of money have been extracted from the poorest New Orleanians serving no real public safety benefit but rather increasing the wage gap.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno, in partnership with the Cantrell Administration, filed a millage resolution lowering the overall ad valorem, or property, tax rates for New Orleanians. This is the second tax relief bill aimed at reducing burdens and increasing equity for New Orleanians during the economic crisis, as Councilmember Moreno is also moving legislation to exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from local City sales tax.

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno has filed an ordinance to exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from local sales taxes, lowering the costs for these essential items during the pandemic-induced economic downturn. Unlike many other essential health products that are available tax-free, feminine health products like tampons and diapers are not exempt from taxation, enacting an unnecessary premium on products mostly bought by women as a part of daily life. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host a virtual meeting to discuss pedestrianization plans for the French Quarter. The public meeting will give residents an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns about the City's process of exploring the idea of making the French Quarter more pedestrian-centric. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the New Orleans City Council unanimously advanced a measure authored by Council Utilities Chair Helena Moreno directing the Council Utility Regulatory Office (CURO) study and report back on a plan to implement a citywide WiFi network.

NEW ORLEANS- District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, World Central Kitchen and Culture Aid Nola will host two food pantries  this week for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19. There are two locations, the Arthur Monday Center on the Westbank in Algiers (Friday, August 7) and the Mahalia Jackson Theatre (Saturday, August 8) on Basin Street. Since March, the food pantries have provided more than 348,780 pounds of food and 76,000 individual meals to residents across the city. 

NEW ORLEANS - Utility Committee Chair and Council Vice President Helena Moreno has sponsored a motion designed to expand internet access across the City and find the best approach to creating public WiFi for New Orleans. The motion will be considered at Thursday's Council meeting.

NEW ORLEANS - Yesterday, the Criminal Justice Committee held its July regular meeting. The meeting centered on a progressive agenda to reduce exposure to COVID-19 through the justice system and lessen opportunities for racial and ethnic disparities in justice system interactions. Council Public Safety Analyst, Jeff Asher, opened the meeting presenting newly created Community Safety and Racial Disparity public information dashboards.

NEW ORLEANS - In continued partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, World Central Kitchen and Culture Aid Nola, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host food pantries for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19 every Friday and Saturday through the month of July. There will be two locations, the Arthur Monday Center on the Westbank in Algiers on Fridays and a new location on the Eastbank at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre on Saturdays.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council Street Renaming Commission, an advisory committee created to initiate a public engagement process to consider renaming certain streets, parks, and public places in New Orleans that honor white supremacists, held their first meeting. The Council approved the motion authored by Councilmembers Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Jay H. Banks to establish the Commission during a regular meeting on June 18.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council Street Renaming Commission, an advisory committee created to initiate a public engagement process to consider renaming certain streets, parks, and public places in New Orleans that honor white supremacists, held their first meeting. The Council approved the motion authored by Councilmembers Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Jay H. Banks to establish the Commission during a regular meeting on June 18.

NEW ORLEANS - Councilman Jay H. Banks is urging eligible workers to apply for the Frontline Workers COVID-19 Hazard Pay Rebate Program. Applications for the program open today, July 15, and will remain open through October 31, 2020. The program is administered by the Louisiana Department of Revenue, and the application can be found at frontlineworkers.la.gov .

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council Utilities Committee advanced a measure authored by Councilmember Helena Moreno to finally clean up blighted and abandoned payphones in our neighborhoods. A major payphone franchise holder allowed their franchise - or "right" to place their equipment on City property - to expire last September. Now, the Council is moving to direct the City to clean up this blight. 

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno has released the following statement in response to the upcoming removal of the bodies of Jose Ponce Arreola and Quinnyon Wimberly from the Hard Rock Hotel wreckage: 

"Today, as demolition at 1031 Canal continues, we learned that the bodies of 63-year-old Jose Ponce Arreola and 36-year-old Quinnyon Wimberly will soon be removed from the wreckage of 1301 Canal.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Brossett is proud to announce several significant updates for his district and the entire City of New Orleans, including the following legislative and land use accomplishments: 

NEW ORLEANS  - At this week's New Orleans City Council Community Development Committee meeting, the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce (NORBCC) provided an overview of longstanding disparities, further exacerbated by COVID-19, that impact New Orleans citizens and small businesses.

NEW ORLEANS - During the last regular meeting the New Orleans City Council unanimously voted to create the Jerome "Big Duck" Smith Justice System Advisory Committee. The Committee will examine the allocation of City resources across the entirety of our local justice system to make recommendations on investments and associated policy priorities. Seven of the eleven committee members must have experience assisting historically marginalized groups navigate the justice system or advocating for reforms to help eliminate institutional racism. The other four members are City representatives involved in budgeting and public safety decision-making, thus ensuring day-to-day decision-makers receive continuous community input. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today's free food pantry in partnership with Pastor Tyrone G. Jefferson and Abundant Life Tabernacle Church has been canceled due to inclement weather. Councilmember Jared Brossett to announce a rescheduled date. 

NEW ORLEANS - At yesterday's regular meeting, the City Council approved four land use items that will bolster New Orleans's housing availability, each in different but significant ways. Councilmember Jay H. Banks has been consistently committed to this steady approach of reactivating existing housing stock and creating new opportunities close to jobs. These positive steps were made with the support of the full Council, including Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso's tactful approval of four units of established multi-family housing in District A and Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer's recognition of the importance of historic and affordable tax credits.

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution R-20-220, voicing its support of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Board of Commissioners who recently declared free transportation days for all future citywide election days in Orleans Parish. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced the formal launch of the "City Council Cares" bill assistance program, which provides up to $100 a month of Entergy bill assistance for New Orleanians that have faced job or wage losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill credits last for four months and not only come at no cost to other ratepayers, serve to offset future costs that would have been passed on to all due to the economic downturn. Those offset costs, therefore, save all ratepayers money over time.

NEW ORLEANS - Due to the closure of Second Harvest Food Bank in observance of the Fourth of July holiday, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will not host food pantries this week. Food pantries scheduled in District C for Friday, July 3, at Arthur Monday Center and Saturday, July 4 at Holy Angels, are cancelled this week. Both food pantries will resume the following week. 

NEW ORLEANS - On the second Saturday each month broadcast over Facebook Live, Courtney Mpagi, resident of District E and host of "Do you kNO-LA?" will lead contestants through three rounds of questions with a chance to win different prizes each round. The final round will be a cash grand prize round. It will be fun and interactive, with the viewing audience having a chance to win prizes as well. 

NEW ORLEANS - Join Councilwoman Nguyen and her staff as they host a virtual summer camp experience for children in the city. This camp will take place via Zoom at bit.ly/DistrictEVirtualSummerCamp. 

See graphic below for additional details. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer has released her annual report (May 2019 - May 2020), which provides a review of legislative achievements, new initiatives, and significant milestones throughout her district. The report highlights legislative accomplishments that have improved the lives of New Orleanians, such as overhauling the City's Short Term Rental program, updating laws to improve the safe operation of businesses selling alcohol, and clearing a 15-year blighted building in Algiers.

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NEW ORLEANS - At the conclusion of tomorrow's regular City Council meeting, Council Vice President Helena Moreno will introduce an ordinance co-authored by all seven Councilmembers that would legally rename Jefferson Davis Parkway to Doctor Norman Francis Parkway. The instrument, entered for "first read" tomorrow, will then be ready for passage within the next 60 days when the City Planning Commission (CPC) returns its report on the street name change request sent by Councilmembers Moreno and Williams last week. 

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Jason Williams has issued the following statement in response to the recent arrest of fellow Councilmember Jared Brossett:

NEW ORLEANS - City Council Vice President Helena Moreno has released the following statement in response to the recent arrest of District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett this past weekend:

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno issued the following statement reacting to the Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County:

NEW ORLEANS - City Councilmembers Jay H. Banks, Jared C. Brossett, Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Cyndi Nguyen have released the following statement in response to the removal of the John McDonough Statue in Duncan Plaza: 

NEW ORLEANS - Districts "A" through "E" New Orleans City Councilmembers will introduce a motion (M-20-170) during the next regular meeting on Thursday, June 18, establishing the City Council Street Renaming Commission, an advisory committee to run a public process for making recommendations to rename streets, parks, and places in New Orleans that honor white supremacists. 

NEW ORLEANS - The original petition, begun by Mark Raymond of the A.P. Tureaud Sr. Legacy Committee, requesting that Jefferson Davis Parkway to be renamed Norman C. Francis Parkway has surpassed 10,000 community signatures in just four days. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, five New Orleans Mayors - LaToya Cantrell, Mitch Landrieu, Marc Morial, Sidney Barthelemy and Moon Landrieu - published a powerful op-ed supporting the initiative by Councilmembers Helena Moreno and Jason Williams to rename the current Jefferson Davis Parkway for Dr. Norman C. Francis. 

BESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswy

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmembers Moreno and Williams announced they would jointly author a motion to begin the process of renaming Jefferson Davis Parkway at the June 18th City Council Meeting. Jefferson Davis Parkway, a main artery that travels across several core New Orleans neighborhoods, is named after the former President of the Confederate States of America.

BESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswy

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council is poised to approve the creation of a $22M direct bill assistance program for unemployed Entergy customers. The fund represents the largest single local source of direct assistance available to New Orleanians. 

BESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswy

NEW ORLEANS - Since the start of COVID-19, keeping the community informed has been a top priority of District "E" Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen's. She has routinely hosted her special Facebook Live every Sunday through Monday at 7 PM to provide COVID-19 updates and connect with residents to better understand community needs.

NEW ORLEANS - The JOB1 Summer Work Experience Program is a partnership between JOB1 and other organizations that allow young adults ages 14-24 to do career exploration. The seven-week summer program, shorter than the traditional Work Experience program that runs year-round, exposes participants to both soft and hard skills needed in the workplace with on-the-job experience. 

BESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswy

NEW ORLEANS - City Council Vice President Helena Moreno and a team of 100 volunteers handed out 10,000 masks at locations all around the city. The demand was so high that in several locations, people began lining up two hours early. Unfortunately, due to the large number of people seeking masks, some locations ran out within the first hour.

BESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswy

PJ's on Read Blvd. to hold special ceremony for Class of 2020 

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen is applauding all the families who have set up drive-thru graduation celebrations or car parades, and schools who have found ways to ensure students still get their diplomas and the recognition they deserve during COVID-19. Even local churches have honored seniors in their congregation, and now several businesses are also stepping up to congratulate this year's graduates.

BESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswyBESbswy

NEW ORLEANS - On June 2, the District E office will join Sharp Men NOLA, Motivation Team, Level Water, Dario Construction, Verizon, and Reaching for the Stars to provide a complimentary lunch of tacos and water to employees at the City's Sanitation Department, Parks and Parkways, Fire Department, and New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Department, to show appreciation for their countless efforts as it relates to COVID-19 and continuing a positive quality of life for residents.
 

NEW ORLEANS - The Council approved Ordinance 32,954 authorizing the City of New Orleans to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority West (SLFPA-W), on behalf of the Algiers Levee District to provide the design and construction of a bicycle path on the crown of the Mississippi River Levee in Algiers. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council unanimously passed Resolution R-20-136 authored by Councilmember Williams calling for the provision of hazard pay for frontline workers in the next federal coronavirus stimulus package. New Orleans relies heavily on essential workers, such as first responders, health care professionals, transit operators, grocery store clerks, sanitation workers, childcare providers, and more, to keep the city functioning. 

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NEW ORLEANS - At today's regular meeting, the Council approved Ordinance 32,933 authored by Councilmember Brossett and co-sponsored by all remaining six members to promote the use of permeable paving and green infrastructure. There has been a noticeable increase in the frequency and severity of heavy rainfall events and flooding throughout the City and everyone, including residents, business owners, and government have a part to play in combating flooding. While previous legislation has looked at what business owners can do, little has been done in terms of City restrictions. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced she and her colleagues will be directing Entergy New Orleans to provide $22M of direct bill assistance to residential customers. The City Council Cares (CCC) program would provide New Orleanians rendered unemployed by the COVID-19 pandemic eligible to receive a total of $400 of direct Entergy bill credits, at a maximum of $100 per month for four months. Even more, all current late fees would be waived in concert with the application of the bill credits.

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will introduce a resolution (R-20-134) at the regular meeting on Thursday, May 21, encouraging Mayor LaToya Cantrell to design and implement a parklet program for restaurants and businesses located along commercial streets. Parklets are defined as a small seating area or green space created in front of a business alongside a sidewalk or within a parking space(s). 

NEW ORLEANS - Tomorrow, the New Orleans City Council will consider a resolution to suspend utility electric and gas shut-offs through July 1. The resolution comes after Entergy New Orleans had previously agreed to voluntary service shut-off moratoriums since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEW ORLEANS - A group of sanitation workers went on strike May 5th, forming picket lines outside the New Orleans East headquarters of waste disposal company Metro Service Group. The workers are requesting increased pay, equipment, and other protections amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Councilmembers expressed concern at the May 7th Council meeting and offered assistance in ensuring workers had daily access to PPE, or personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves. 

NEW ORLEANS - Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen is taking her monthly Coffee and Conversation virtual. Coffee and Conversation was established in September of 2018 for constituents to meet with Councilwoman Nguyen and discuss quality of life issues in District E. 

NEW ORLEANS - The City Council has extended the deadline for the Harrah's Community Grant application to July 1, 2020. At its next regular meeting on May 21, the Council will consider legislation to allow applicants to submit Cox Communications and Harrah's Casino Community Grant applications electronically via the Council's website.

NEW ORLEANS - At last week's regular Council meeting, Council President Jason Williams introduced a resolution urging Congressional support for universal, comprehensive health care coverage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Unanimously adopted Resolution R-20-125 has since been widely praised by organizations and advocates nationwide, including presidential candidate and Senator Bernie Sanders.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett has partnered with The Cheek Law Firm and St. Augustine High School to create "The Cheek Law Firm Scholarship and Emergency Assistance Fund" to provide much-needed support during this pandemic. The fund will function as a dollar for dollar donation to St. Augustine High School, specifically in two areas of support: Scholarship Awards driven by academic achievement and Emergency Assistance funding for families experiencing unforeseen challenges caused by COVID-19. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank to host two free food pantries to meet the urgent, unprecedented needs of individuals and families due to the COVID-19.

NEW ORLEANS - At today's regular Council meeting, Council President Jason Williams introduced a resolution urging Congressional support for universal, comprehensive health care coverage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

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NEW ORLEANS - The Council adopted Resolution R-20-110 by District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett urging New Orleans First and Second City Court officials to suspend residential evictions until August 24, 2020, the deadline established in the federal CARES Act. The many changes in deadlines and suspensions for the possible reopening of courts to residential evictions have created incredible uncertainty for renters and landlords.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmembers Helena Moreno and Jason Williams strongly encouraged residents of New Orleans to sign up at TestNOLA.org to participate in a COVID-19 prevalence study led by Ochsner Health. This free study will be essential for guiding our community through the pandemic by helping officials identify hot spots; giving public health authorities insight into allocating resources and giving our friends and families more information about how to keep our neighborhoods healthy and safe.

NEW ORLEANS - As the City Council Presidency rotates today over to Councilmember-At-Large Williams, Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno has released her annual report highlighting many of the significant accomplishments during her Council Presidency that has run from May 2019 to May 2020. To demonstrate continued transparency, this report serves as the third installment of updates covering her time in office. 

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer and District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks will introduce a resolution at the next regular meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2020, supporting the Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority's decision to pause development of its proposed hotel, entertainment district and capital improvement plan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution urges the Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority, which serves as the governing board of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, to consider utilizing its surplus taxpayer reserve fund to support the City's hospitality and tourism industry.

NEW ORLEANS - Alex Nguyen,  a local small business owner that runs Creamistry Metairie and Creamistry Baton Rouge, has purchased 28,800 masks to assist the community in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and reached out to Councilwoman Nguyen to coordinate distribution to those who need it most. 

NEW ORLEANS - Taco Bell located at 6009 Bullard Ave in New Orleans is providing "At Home Taco Bars" on Cinco De Mayo to honor frontline workers and first responders. Each of the taco bars will include all ingredients needed to create a taco feast! 

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer applauds the Algiers Blight Committee and the City's Department of Code Enforcement for the clean up of two blighted properties in Algiers. The Algiers Blight Committee, which is made up of neighborhood volunteers and members of Code Enforcement, was created by Councilmember Palmer shortly after taking office in 2018. 

NEW ORLEANS - At this Thursday's regular meeting, Councilmember Jared Brossett will introduce a resolution urging New Orleans First and Second City Court officials to suspend residential evictions until August 24, 2020, the deadline established in the federal CARES Act. The many changes in deadlines and suspensions for the possible reopening of courts to residential evictions have created incredible uncertainty for renters and landlords. 

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmembers Helena Moreno, Jason Williams and Jay H. Banks are proud to announce the launch of mobile COVID-19 testing in Central City. In partnership with the City of New Orleans, NOLA Ready and the New Orleans Health Department and Ochsner, the drive-thru or walk-up testing will take place on Tuesday, May 5, and Wednesday, May 6, from 9 AM - 4 PM at the New Hope Baptist Church. 

NEW ORLEANS - Since launching SewDat on April 9, the City Council and partners, including the Mayor's Office and New Orleans Health Department, have already coordinated and supplied over 7,000 cloth face coverings to non-medical, essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. 

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno, as Chair of the Utilities Committee, has been working closely with Entergy New Orleans on ensuring that people struggling financially during this pandemic receive significant assistance with bill payments. The company has agreed to provide a range option for residential and commercial customers, including potential bill reductions and providing an extended period of time to catch up with bills.

NEW ORLEANS - Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen, Chair of the Economic Development and Special Projects Committee of the New Orleans City Council, has called a meeting this Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 10 AM to share resources about loan programs available to support small businesses. 

NEW ORLEANS - In the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act passed by Congress last night, there are some key improvements and reforms to expand access and assistance to the Paycheck Protection Program. It's important that these funds get to actual small businesses whether they have relationships with large financial institutions or not. The key improvements include:

NEW ORLEANS - Healthcare workers are on the front line of this COVID-19 pandemic. They are selflessly caring for patients in need and putting themselves in harm's way to save lives. The healthcare workers at the New Orleans East Hospital are front line heroes that received the much needed personal protective equipment (PPE). Entergy New Orleans and Burns & McDonnell partnered to donate 1,500 N95 protective face masks to the hospital's healthcare workers.

NEW ORLEANS - After a successful fundraising campaign, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) is reopening emergency grant applications for hospitality workers. Council President Helena Moreno partnered with UWSELA to raise dollars to provide for more grants after the initial application process on March 21 had to temporarily shut down due to the high demand. The first round of grants provided $500 individual grants to more than 1300 people. Since then, the fund has now grown to $1.5 million with the help of many major donors, including Peyton Manning, Saints linebacker Demario Davis, Entergy New Orleans, Zatarain's and many others.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett is partnering with Culture Aid NOLA, Second Harvest Food Bank, Beacon Light Baptist Church, New Orleans Musicians Clinic, MaCCNO, 504HealthNet and Trinity Loaves and Fishes to host a free food pantry for residents and families impacted by COVID-19 on Tuesday, April 21, from 6 to 9 PM at Beacon Light Baptist Church.

NEW ORLEANS - "I've read public letters and many emails regarding Mayor LaToya Cantrell's extension of the stay at home order to mid-May. My response every time is that her decision was based on health data on what could lead to saving the most lives of people in New Orleans and as President of the New Orleans City Council, I support her putting life, health and safety of New Orleanians above all else. Some ask why is New Orleans taking mitigation steps so seriously? The answer is simple...in New Orleans, the virus is clearly very prevalent. We've seen the most cases and deaths in the state. At one point, New Orleans had the most deaths per capita in the Nation. We've lost 329 people. I'll also add that data shows that if we open too early or make mistakes in reopening, it will not only lead to a great loss of life but even further exacerbate economic impact. 

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NEW ORLEANS - The City Council was unable to hold the March meeting of the Emergency Preparedness and Cybersecurity Special Committee, which was established due to the multiple, tragic safety events that occurred throughout New Orleans this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

NEW ORLEANS - While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed all of our daily lives and much of our daily work, the City Council is getting back to regular meetings and ensuring that development and construction projects continue to move forward. 

NEW ORLEANS - Councilwoman Nguyen would like to make residents aware of the food pantries and meal distribution sites this week in District E. 

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Moreno announced that the next scheduled regular Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 15, through video teleconference. The New Orleans City Council had suspended all meetings scheduled to occur since March 13, 2020.

NEW ORLEANS - This weekend is a large holiday weekend and typically a time for families to gather and celebrate Good Friday and Easter Sunday. However, as we continue our efforts to flatten the curve, District "B" Councilman Jay H. Banks is urging citizens to continue to social distance. 

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NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President Jason Williams announced today that two billboard companies operating in New Orleans have stepped up to provide messaging on behalf of the City Council during the Coronavirus crisis. Pelican Outdoor Advertising and Lamar Advertising of New Orleans will both feature messaging pertaining to the containment of the Coronavirus threat and the importance of the census to New Orleans' long-term recovery from this debilitating pandemic.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno released a letter addressed to Federal leaders, including Speaker Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, advocating for a significant increase in Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) funds to help New Orleanians pay their utility bills through the difficult coming months.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno released a fact sheet for renters and homeowners regarding the current state of evictions and Foreclosure Suspensions in New Orleans. 

NEW ORLEANS - During the ongoing public health crisis due to COVID-19, the City Council continues to prioritize the health and safety of the public and its employees. Councilmembers are taking the precautions conveyed by health professionals very seriously and, in light of those facts, will suspend this week's' full Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 2.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, District "E" Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen and the New Orleans City Council sent a letter to the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue asking for approval of the Louisiana Disaster Household Distribution Program for 30 days. If approved, this would allow local food banks to access critical reserves that cannot be used without this declaration. 

NEW ORLEANS - With assistance from Second Harvest Food Bank, Evacuteer and Culture Aid NOLA, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will continue providing a drive-up food pantry for hospitality and gig economy workers affected by COVID-19 next week. 

NEW ORLEANS - City Council President Helena Moreno is proud to help support the United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) as they work to provide emergency grants to laid-off hospitality workers. The nonprofit is providing grants up to $500 so that people can purchase food and basic necessities. The intent is to provide some much-needed dollars to these individuals and their families until additional benefits from the state and federal government take effect.

NEW ORLEANS - Yesterday, the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission and the (JOB1) NOLA Youth Works Program are partnering to deliver the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program; and together, they are announcing an online process to preregister for its youth camps and employment programs. This is part of a robust package of summer opportunities available annually to New Orleans' youth, teens, and young adults.

NEW ORLEANS - In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will be providing a free drive-up food pantry for hospitality and gig economy workers affected by COVID-19.

NEW ORLEANS - City Council Vice President Jason Williams has released the following statement in response to recent news of District Attorney's (DA's) Office practices amidst the COVID-19 crisis:

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement for New Orleans residents in response to today's first COVID-19 fatality:

NEW ORLEANS - In response to the ongoing public health challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Orleans Council President Helena Moreno announced the suspension of all public Council meetings through at least the end of March, including the Council's regular meeting next week on March 19th. President Moreno also closed City Council chambers for the same period and advised all boards and commissions to suspend their in-chamber meetings during the month of March.

NEW ORLEANS - Tomorrow, March 12, the Council's Utilities Committee will take up a resolution establishing the Renewable and Clean Portfolio Standard, mandating a net-zero carbon emissions profile for Entergy New Orleans by the year 2040. Council President Helena Moreno has issued the following statement in advance of the meeting.

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Giving Hope Day will take place on Thursday, March 12, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Nazareth Inn to help provide hot meals for local seniors who may live alone or are unable to cook for themselves.

NEW ORLEANS - During today's Smart & Sustainable Cities Committee meeting, Councilmembers will receive a presentation from representatives of the following organizations regarding preparation for anticipated impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

NEW ORLEANS - At the regular City Council meeting on March 5, 2020, District "E" Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen put forth a resolution (R-20-76) urging the City of New Orleans to amend Chapters 1 - 170 of the City Code and replace all male-centric verbiage with gender-neutral terminology.

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen invites constituents to join her at two upcoming workshops for adults and seniors to learn more about managing their finances. 

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council will receive an update on the coronavirus from the City's Director of Health Dr. Jennifer Avegno and her team at Thursday's meeting. While there are no reported cases at this time, state and local health leaders expect to eventually have cases in Louisiana. Council members will be briefed on preparations underway.

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Jared Brossett has released his office's 2019 Annual Impact Report report detailing major accomplishments within District "D" and the entire City of New Orleans. 

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen will be participating in Read Across America Day on Monday, March 2, at multiple schools in District "E." The councilmember will be visiting St. Mary's Academy, St. David Head Start, James M. Singelton Head Start, and KIPP East Community Primary to read Dr. Seuss books to the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. 

Recommendations to be Sent to Council Special Committee

NEW ORLEANS - As Mayor LaToya Cantrell brings Mardi Gras leaders together with state and local officials, three New Orleans City Council members have been included in the working group: Jay H. Banks, Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Jared Brossett.

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the New Orleans City Council released a report recommending a list of action items to generate additional dollars for City services without raising taxes. This report is based on months of work by the Ad Valorem and Dedicated Special Committee made up of all seven councilmembers in collaboration with the City's Chief Administrative Officer, the Cantrell Administration, stakeholders and public input.

NEW ORLEANS - Recently, the New Orleans City Council passed new Mardi Gras regulations that prohibit ladders and personal items on the public right-of-way four hours or more before a parade. In response to these new regulations, aside from closures related to streetcar track maintenance previously scheduled for Thursday, 2/20 and Friday 2/21, the New Orleans RTA will maintain transit service up to four hours before parades or until deemed unsafe and subject to City enforcement of new regulations. The RTA will also provide a parallel bus service along the parade route streetcar lines.

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen will be this year's Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale Grand Marshall. The parade, which starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, will begin at the intersection of Napoleon Ave and Magazine Street and end at the intersection of Tchoupitoulas and Poydras Street. Councilmember Nguyen will be riding on float #3. Make sure to catch one of Councilmember Nguyen's personalized signature throws during the parade!

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen and local development partners has released the following statement reflecting on the tornado that devastated New Orleans East three years ago and the significant progress that's been made in the area since:

NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President Jason Williams has released the following statement in response to a recently-posted Advocate article quoting him on the subject of car burglaries:  

"I read the recent article by Dan Fagan and, respectfully, found the headline to be intentionally misleading. It is certainly not my position that vehicle burglaries are a mere inconvenience or nuisance. The article correctly included my long-standing position on car burglaries: "New Orleans councilman Jason Williams this week described the vehicle break-in spree to WDSU television as 'the No. 1 thing burdening our citizens right now."

 NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the Council passed two ordinances updating sections of the Municipal Code that address Mardi Gras regulations, clarifying parade terms and codifying reforms. 

 NEW ORLEANS - Following a recent string of cybersecurity attacks and the partial collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel, the New Orleans City Council voted to create a new Special Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Cybersecurity. In addition to raising public awareness, the committee will advise the Council on all issues relating to cybersecurity, emergency preparedness and disaster response in the City of New Orleans. 

 NEW ORLEANS - In a recent interview, District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro blamed high staff turnover and lowered 2019 conviction rates on the City, arguing they were the result of lower budget allocations in the years 2017 and 2018. Councilmember Jason Williams, who chairs the Council's Criminal Justice Committee, has issued the following response:

"It's unfortunate that our DA has chosen to continue this pattern of deflection. The funding he references was restored in his 2019 budget, yet his conviction rates continued to plummet, and more attorneys left in 2019 than 2017 and 2018 combined. If the DA wishes to cast blame, he should look elsewhere. 

"I am proposing the creation of a temporary special committee of the Council's Criminal Justice Committee to thoroughly investigate and begin gathering important information as we await submission of OSHA's findings."

"As President of the City Council, I believe it is the role of this legislative body to ensure and demand a proper investigation and seek the truth behind this tragedy. While we have been patient as the official investigation is still ongoing, ultimately, those responsible must be held to account - both for the victims and for the city as well so that we see to it that this never happens again. I also believe we must work to craft proper laws, guidelines and oversight measures to prevent future harm to our people and this city. That work is underway now and meetings continue with stakeholders and union members to develop safeguards."

"It is imperative that we count each and every resident living in District 'E' to ensure that we get our fair share of federal, state, and local funding."

Today, City Council President Helena Moreno announced that the Council will delay its regularly scheduled Jan. 9 and Jan. 23 meetings by one week each due to the ongoing recovery from the cyber attack in December. The new dates for January's regular Council meetings will be Thursday, Jan. 16, and Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020.

City Council President Helena Moreno has issued the following statement with updates on the scheduled meeting this week: 

"It is the Council's aim for the final regular City Council meeting of the year, scheduled for Thursday, December 19, to proceed as planned. 

Due to limited access to technology, the Council will only take up matters of extreme sensitivity. This second meeting of the month allows the Council to meet its City Charter legal obligation of two meetings per month. 

Public notice and the agenda will be forthcoming and in compliance with the open meetings law. "

City Council President Helena Moreno has issued the following statement with updates on the recent cyber attack at City Hall: 

" Friday's cyber attack against New Orleans has affected over 4,000 computers and devices, which include those of the City Council.