NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the City Council adopted several pieces of legislation, including a Motion to set the parade positions and start times for the 2026 carnival parade season, a Motion enacting mandatory unpaid furlough days for unclassified city employees beginning in February, and more.
As part of the Special Orders of Business, the City Council recognized the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club and its Mardi Gras Court, Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, and the 2026 Mardi Gras Queens. The Council thanked both the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club and Femme Fatale for their work and dedication to the carnival season, as well as for the good they’ve done for the New Orleans community.
The City Council with members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, and the 2026 Mardi Gras Queens.
Council sets Parade Routes and Start Times for Mardi Gras 2026
The Council adopted Motion M-26-50, which outlines the parade routes and start times for the 2026 carnival parade season. The season will begin on February 6, 2026, with Oshun starting at 5:00 p.m. along the Uptown A route. The season will run through February 17, 2026. For a detailed breakdown of the parade routes and start times, click the linked Motion.
Additionally, the Council notified the public of important public safety rules for the 2026 Mardi Gras season. Those riding floats must refrain from throwing past Tchoupitoulas Street. The City will not clean up thrown objects past Tchoupitoulas Street. Additionally, parade-goers must refrain from using confetti of any sort, as it has led to power outages and other public safety issues in the past.
Tents, generators, open flames, and upholstered furniture are prohibited on parade routes. All ladders must be six feet back from the curb, and attendees will not be allowed to enclose public space with ropes or other makeshift barriers. Due to a previously adopted Ordinance, there will be no pets allowed on parade routes, except for service animals.
November Election Aims to Strengthen Annual Operating Budget
The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,296, which scheduled a citywide election on November 3, 2026. This election will ask New Orleans voters to consider amending Section 6-103 of the Home Rule Charter to enhance oversight of City spending and improve the budget process.
If approved, the charter amendment would prevent departments from spending more than their allocated amounts in the annual operating budget unless the City Council formally adopts a budget amendment. The amendment would also restrict allotments, transfers, or approvals of payments that would cause any budget category to exceed its authorized limit.
Moreover, the amendment also requires the Chief Administrative Officer and the Department of Finance to submit monthly expenditure reports to the City Council, enabling ongoing oversight to ensure spending stays within approved limits. If voters approve the measure, the changes would become effective on January 1, 2027.
Council Extends Granicus Contract for One-Year Period
By Motion M-26-51, the Council extended its contract with Granicus for an additional year, beginning on March 1, 2026, and ending on February 28, 2026. The contract has a maximum compensation of $82,684.38. Granicus provides the City of New Orleans with turnkey, comprehensive, scalable, and flexible agenda preparation tools, document management systems, and internet video and meeting management solutions.
Mandatory Unpaid Furlough Days for Unclassified City Employees Begin February
The Council approved Motion M-26-55, which addresses the City’s financial crisis and the Mayor’s January 15, 2026, order implementing furloughs for classified employees by applying similar measures to unclassified City Council staff. From February 15, 2026, to December 31, 2026, all unclassified Council employees will be required to take one unpaid furlough day per pay period, totaling 22 unpaid furlough days for the year.
The motion creates a tiered system of partial exemptions tied to salary levels: employees earning $39,733 or less are fully exempt, while those with higher salaries face an increasing number of required furlough days, up to $44,434, after which they receive no exemption.
Council Authorizes CEA with NOPD for Supplemental Mardi Gras Security
The Council approved Motion M-26-56, which authorizes the President of the City Council to sign a cooperative effort agreement between the City of New Orleans and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office to provide additional law enforcement services during Mardi Gras 2026 to support the New Orleans Police Department. From February 1 to March 31, 2026, OPSO will recruit, coordinate, and deploy deputies and officers to enhance parade coverage and improve security in the French Quarter.
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
To watch the full meeting, click here (Part One) (Part Two).