NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the Council adopted several pieces of legislation, including a resolution relating to the Rivana Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement. The Council also adopted a motion to appoint councilmembers en masse to various boards, commissions, and agencies, among other things.
As part of the Special Orders of Business, the Council recognized Daniel Cressy as the first patient in Louisiana to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease, as well as the members of Manning Family Children's Hospital for facilitating Daniel's care.
At 23 years old, Daniel Cressy rang the bell on Monday, June 22, 2026, after a more than two-year journey on the path to cure him of sickle cell disease. Daniel received his care at Manning Family Children's Hospital, one of a select few programs nationally to offer both FDA-approved gene-altering technologies, in collaboration with its medical school partners, LSU Health New Orleans and Tulane University School of Medicine.
The Council recognized Lou Fragoso, CEO of Manning Family Children's Hospital, Dr. Ben Watkins, and Dr. Dana LeBlanc for their involvement with Daniel's care. The Council also praised Daniel for his strength and determination and wished him luck in his future endeavors to become a pilot following his recovery from sickle cell disease.
The City Council with Daniel Cressy (middle) and members of Manning Family Children's Hospital.
Council Approves Rivana PILOT Agreement
The Council adopted Resolution R-26-271, which approves a PILOT agreement for the Rivana development at 1480 Tchoupitoulas Street in the River District. The $105 million project will create 220 mixed-income housing units, all of which will be set aside as affordable and workforce housing for households earning between 20% and 80% of the Area Median Income, with an affordability period of 40 years.
The Council determined the PILOT is financially necessary to complete the project, aligns with the River District's affordable housing goals, and supports the City's commitment to developing 450 affordable and workforce housing units in the area. Rivana marks the first step toward a larger goal of 900 residential units across the River District over time.
Council Approves Four-Year Executive Protection Agreement with OPSO
The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,489, which authorizes the Mayor to enter into a four-year Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) Civil Division for a term of four years until December 31, 2030, to provide executive protection services for the seven members of the New Orleans City Council. The agreement continues a longstanding partnership that has provided these security services.
Motion Appoints Councilmembers to Various Boards and Commissions
The Council adopted Motion M-26-269, which appoints City Council members to serve on various boards, commissions, and agencies, including the Mosquito and Termite Control Board, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Municipal Yacht Harbor Management Corporation, and others.
Additionally, the motion also ratifies prior appointments to the Louisiana Police Jury Association and the Revenue Estimating Conference. It also identifies the members of the Council who serve ex-officio on various boards, including the Board of Liquidation, the Regional Planning Commission, the Sewerage and Water Board, and others.
Council to Consider Future Energy Facility Sublease Agreement
The Council adopted Motion M-26-281, a no-cost agreement authorizing the City Council President to sign a Recognition, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement (RNDA) between the City, EMDRC Partners, LLC, and Greater New Orleans Future Energy Facility (GNOFEF), LLC.
The agreement protects GNOFEF's sublease at the former Naval Support Activity East Bank site by allowing it to continue under its existing terms if the underlying ground lease is terminated, at no additional cost to the City. The project aims to transform the former Naval Support Activity East Bank site into a center for innovation, housing, and neighborhood-serving spaces. Representatives in attendance on behalf of the project confirmed that progress is ongoing and progressing smoothly.
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
To view the meeting, click here.