NEW ORLEANS, LA — Today, a joint City Council committee took the first step in reforming the governing structure of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans.

The joint Climate Change and Sustainability and Public Works, Sanitation, and Environment Committee considered several pieces of legislation that will serve as the regulatory framework as the Council prepares to take oversight and budget control of the public utility on August 1. The committee also approved several resolutions Tuesday, including a request for a legislative audit of the SWB to understand the underlying fiscal structure and monies available, and a review of any personnel overlap at the administrative level. Representatives from Mayor Moreno's administration also presented on the work of the Public Utility Modernization Process Subgroup (PUMPS) and the future of the water agency.  

"Today, we are making history. Today, we are the first Council and Administration to take on the challenge of reforming the Sewerage and Water Board," said Councilmember Aimee McCarron, Chair of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee. "This legislation creates the framework to create a better water utility for the people of New Orleans. It is what residents deserve and what has been missing for decades." 

"Today's actions by the New Orleans City Council are a major step in bringing accountability of Sewerage and Water Board closer to the residents of our great City," said Councilmember Jason Hughes, Chair of the Public Works, Sanitation, and Environment Committee. "I look forward to our continued and collective work in creating a Sewerage and Water Board that operates effectively and efficiently." 

"Today marks the first step toward a new era of accountability for the Sewerage & Water Board," said Council President JP Morrell. "For years, the City Council has advanced incremental reforms to improve oversight and strengthen public trust. The days of simply asking for transparency are over. With the authority granted by state law, the City is now taking decisive action to confront the systemic, long-standing challenges at SWBNO and deliver the accountability residents deserve." 

"Maintaining the status quo at the Sewerage and Water Board is not an option," said Council Vice President Matthew Willard. "The people of New Orleans deserve a water utility they can trust. This legislation positions the Council to provide the local oversight and accountability that has been missing for too long." 

"The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans is responsible for operating one of the most complex public utility systems in the country," said District D Councilmember Eugene Green. "This City faces unique geographical challenges, including having much of our City below sea level, and aging infrastructure. There are no quick or easy solutions. This legislation is about strengthening accountability, improving transparency, and ensuring there is clear oversight as we make the long-term investments necessary to modernize our system. At the same time, we must support the dedicated employees who work every day to keep our City running, especially during severe weather events. My focus is making sure residents receive reliable service, timely communication, and the confidence that their concerns are being addressed."

Ordinance Cal. No. 35,521 will be considered for a final vote at the August 6 City Council meeting. To view the PUMPS presentation, click here. To read each piece of legislation discussed during today's committee, click here.