NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Community Development Committee held a meeting to vote on several amendments to ongoing city contracts, as well as a motion to create a task force to provide counsel to the city regarding expecting families and young children.

Amendment to Contract with H&O Investments, LLC

The committee recommended approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Bid Contract between the City and H&O Investments, LLC. Under the contract, the vendor provides lot abatement, grass cutting, and debris removal services for the city. This amendment will extend the agreement for one additional year, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, to allow the city to unlock $100,000 in lot abatement for the city from a 2025 legislative appropriation. The not-to-exceed contract amount will remain at an estimated $3.8 million.

Lease Agreement with Mercy Partners, LLC

The committee recommended approval of a Lease Agreement between the City and Mercy Partners, LLC. This agreement would establish an underground water retention control structure and system that connects to the city's existing storm drainage system, to be operated and maintained by the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. The city will lease from Mercy Partners the land underneath 301 N. Norman C. Francis Pkwy., formerly known as the Lindy Boggs Medical Center.

As for fiscal implications, the city has already received the necessary approvals to expend $11,500,000 on the Project under a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA), and there is no additional rent for this lease.

Motion Creates Prenatal-to-Three Climate Resilience Task Force

The committee recommended approval of Motion M-26-270, which establishes a nine-member Prenatal-to-Three Task Force to advise the City Council, the Office of Sustainability, and the Department of Health and Human Services on incorporating the needs of expecting families and children ages prenatal–to–three into New Orleans' Heat Action, Hazard Mitigation, and Climate Action plans.

The task force will review existing climate strategies, engage community stakeholders, and recommend policies and programs to reduce climate-related risks such as extreme heat and poor air quality. Members will represent City agencies, community organizations, and City Council offices.

To view the meeting agenda, click here.

To view the full meeting, click here.

To view the committee chair's recap of the meeting, click here.