NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Council unanimously overruled the Mayor’s veto of Ordinance No. 35,324, which temporarily prohibits the expenditure of funds from certain revenue sources, including any new sources. The Council also voted to direct the City Planning Commission to hold a public hearing to consider renaming certain land to Zephyr Court. Additionally, the Council adopted Resolution R-26-18, which urges the Council to formally recognize certain service and community leaders, and more.
Before the meeting began, the Council issued two proclamations. The first went to George “Geordie” Huguley for his achievements as a Special Olympics gold-medal swimmer. In 2025, Huguley won three Gold medals and one silver medal, bringing his total to nearly 50 medals over his swimming career.
Councilmembers Giarrusso and Thomas posing with George "Geordie" Huguley after recieving his proclamation.
The second proclamation was received on behalf of Dr. Doris Hicks, the principal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School for Science and Technology in New Orleans. The Council recognized Dr. Hicks’ history of service to public education throughout the city.
Councilmembers King and Thomas with the representative who recieved the proclamation on behalf of Dr. Doris Hicks.
As part of the Special Orders of Business, the Council honored Pastor Ander “Andy Rebirth” Pellerano. Pastor Pellerano is an influencer, community activist, and recording artist. The Council also commended him for his leadership at One Accord Ministries.
Councilmembers King, Green, Thomas, and Morrell with Pastor Pellerano.
The Council also recognized the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, in celebration of its 118th Founder’s Day and the local AKA Chapter’s impact on the Greater New Orleans area and its work advocating for local communities throughout the city.
Representatives of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority with Councilmembers Thomas, Giarrusso, Green, Moreno, Harris, King, and Morrell.
City Council Unanimously Overrules Mayor's Veto
The Council unanimously overruled the Mayor’s veto of Ordinance No. 35,324, which enforces a temporary spending freeze on specific funds. Starting from the ordinance’s effective date until January 12, 2026, no city department or division can spend existing city funds or new revenues from designated sources, such as the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO), American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, proceeds from the Wisner litigation, or interest earned on these funds. This restriction also applies to any additional revenue sources recognized by the City Council as of December 1, 2025. The goal is to protect these funds during the budget shortfall, preventing their use until the restriction ends or further Council action is taken.
Council Approves Lease Amendments with Airlines
Members of the council adopted Ordinance No. 35,320, which authorizes the Mayor, via the New Orleans Aviation Board, to approve and sign lease amendments to existing Airline-Airport Use and Lease Agreements at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport without a new solicitation process. It seeks to modify specific terms with airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, FedEx, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and UPS, covering leased areas inside and outside the terminal. The amendments, attached to the ordinance, extend the agreement until either a new lease signed by the Aviation Board and major airlines or December 31, 2027.
Council Directs CPC to Rename Area to Zephyr Court
The Council adopted Motion M-26-6, which directs the City Planning Commission (CPC) to hold a public hearing on renaming a 0.3-mile stretch of West Robert E. Lee Boulevard—between Hammond Highway, Regent Street, and Pontchartrain Boulevard—to “Zephyr Court.” The proposal builds on previous City Council efforts to remove street names that honor white supremacists. According to the motion, “Zephyr” carries cultural significance in New Orleans, linked to its entertainment history, including the Zephyr Roller Coaster and the former New Orleans Zephyrs baseball team.
Council Adopts Resolution to Recognize Civic Leaders in 2026
The Council approved Resolution R-26-18, urging the next City Council to officially and permanently honor Dorothy Mae Taylor and Dyan “Mama D” French Cole through street name changes or other lasting civic memorials. The resolution emphasizes Taylor’s groundbreaking role in boosting civic engagement and neighborhood representation, especially for women and African Americans, and Mama D’s grassroots leadership in strengthening families, mentoring youth, and preserving community traditions. It calls on the new City Council to actively recognize these achievements by working with the honorees’ families, residents, community groups, and cultural historians.
Departing Councilmembers Give Remarks during Final Council Meeting
The regular meeting concluded with remarks from the Councilmembers who will depart on January 12, 2026. Councilmembers Moreno, Giarrusso, and Thomas spoke fondly of their time on the City Council and thanked those who supported them during their tenure, including members of their staff, family, and friends.
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
To watch the full meeting, click here.