NEW ORLEANS – During its regular meeting yesterday, the New Orleans City Council unanimously overruled Mayor LaToya Cantrell's veto of the Charity Hospital redevelopment fund ordinance. The Council also approved a resolution for the issuance and sale of $90 million in Limited Tax Revenue Bonds, and a motion expressing the Council's intent to consider one or more resolutions calling for an election on November 15, 2025, regarding the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, among other items.
As part of the Special Orders of Business, the Council recognized Mr. Russel Kelly for his achievements and service to the community. Mr. Kelly worked as the Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary 'DADDY(S) CRY TOO' and renovated “Jayde’s Jazzy Soul Food Joint,” transforming it from an abandoned home into a successful restaurant.
Before the start of the meeting, Councilmembers Green, Harris, and Thomas thanked NORD Aquatic youth lifeguards for intervening during an incident at Stallings Gentilly Pool when a swimmer fell unconscious in the pool. The youth lifeguards pulled the swimmer out of the pool and performed CPR, saving their life. Councilmember Green presented proclamations to several lifeguards and praised NORD Aquatic’s leadership and training programs for their guidance during the incident.
City Council Overrules Mayor’s Veto for Charity Hospital Redevelopment Funds
City Council members unanimously overruled Mayor Cantrell’s veto of Ordinance No. 35,135. By amending and re-ordaining this ordinance, the council moved to appropriate unencumbered bond funds to Tulane University for its Charity Hospital redevelopment efforts. The Charity Hospital building has stood unused and in disrepair since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Councilmember Giarrusso prepared a brief presentation outlining the potential benefits of Tulane University’s Charity Hospital redevelopment efforts. The redevelopment aims to renovate the empty building, reintegrate it into the community, and create job opportunities in the area.
Council Adopts Motion Involving 1201 Canal Street Condominiums
The Council adopted Motion M-25-389,which directed the Department of Safety and Permits to take notice of several points should the owners of the property located at 1201 Canal Street apply for commercial short-term rental permits.
The Council originally adopted Motion M-25-236, which granted Robert "Bob" J. Ellis, Jr.'s appeal to seek commercial short-term rental permits for 25% of the units at 1201 Canal Street. The Council relied on the statement that there would be no decrease in long-term housing.
Due to many residents receiving sudden eviction notices, the original appeal was deemed misleading for several key reasons. Many residents of 1201 spoke before the Council, urging members to revoke short-term rental permits and bar reapplication for up to five years.
Council to Submit Application Approval of 90 Million Dollar Limited Tax Revenue Bond
The Council approved Resolution R-25-366,which authorizes the application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the issuance and sale of $90 million in limited tax revenue bonds for New Orleans. These bonds will be issued for the purpose of paying certain legal judgments against the City and settlement obligations, as well as covering the costs of issuance for the bonds.
This resolution was unanimously forwarded for approval during the Budget, Audit, and Board of Review Committee meeting on July 1. Councilmember Giarrusso noted that this is a by-request measure and was supported by the Mayor's office.
Council to Consider Resolutions Calling for November 2025 Election
Councilmembers approved Motion M-25-375, which announced the Council's intent to consider one or more resolutions authorizing an election on November 15, 2025, during which City voters will approve or deny the issuance of general obligation bonds to be payable from ad valorem taxes levied and collected in accordance with the State Constitution.
These resolutions will be considered during the Regular Meeting on August 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. at City Hall. It is important to note that the Clerk of Council will publish an announcement of the Council's intention in the official journal and will either hand-deliver or transmit it via email to each state senator and representative no less than twenty days before Thursday, August 7, 2025.
Nonresidential and Multi-family Buildings Must Measure and Disclose Energy Usage
The Council unanimously approved a benchmarking Ordinance, No. 35,154, which requires non-residential and multi-family buildings to measure and disclose energy usage. The City's 2022 Climate Action Strategy established a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The data gathered by these benchmarking metrics will aid energy consumption reduction efforts well into the future.
View the full meeting here: YouTube or council.nola.gov/meetings.