NEW ORLEANS – At its regular meeting yesterday, the New Orleans City Council adopted an Ordinance to expand Blue Krewe’s Bike Share program in New Orleans, extended the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the New Orleans Community Support Foundation, and adopted an Ordinance to increase the maximum penalties relating to graffiti. Additionally, the Council adopted a Motion to issue a request for qualified professional services regarding the valuation of the Wisner Trust. Council members adopted another Motion to establish official, permanent polling locations in Orleans Parish for future elections.
As part of the Special Orders of Business, the Council recognized the Dooky Chase Restaurant for receiving a 2025 James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classic award and heard a presentation recognizing Ms. Linda “The Ya Ka Mein Lady” Butler and her 50-year-old tradition of serving Ya Ka Mein worldwide. Additionally, the Council received a collaborative presentation from members of Ubuntu Village NOLA, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the Orleans Public Defenders.
Council Moves to Request Professional Services Regarding Wisner Trust
With the adoption of Motion M-25-309, the City Council has authorized the Chief of Staff to issue and advertise a request for qualifications and/or proposals for one or more consultants or firm to determine the value of the property held in the Wisner Trust, as well as recommend the property’s best and highest use and how best to administer it.
On May 23, 2025, the Orleans Parish Civil District Court granted the City Council two motions for summary judgment in the Wisner Trust suit. The first nullified the purported 2020 extension of the expired trust and confirmed the Trust ended August 4, 2014. The second affirmed that Mr. Wisner intended to make the City of New Orleans the sole owner of all the property held in trust.
Councilmembers Adopt Motion to Establish Permanent Polling Locations in Orleans Parish
The Council adopted Motion M-25-356, which establishes official, permanent polling locations for use throughout the Parish of Orleans. These polling stations will be available for public use for future elections, including the upcoming municipal primary elections held on October 11, 2025.
City to Expand New Orleans Public Bike Share Program
Ordinance No. 35,132 authorized a five-year Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City of New Orleans and Blue Krewe, which operates a bike share program throughout the community. This Ordinance is for a term of five years, for the public purpose of expanding the bike share system in the City of New Orleans in conjunction with the City’s Climate Action Plan.
Council Increases Maximum Penalty for Graffiti Violations
The Council adopted Ordinance 35,136 in response to concerns surrounding graffiti and vandalism defacing buildings throughout New Orleans. This Ordinance amends the City Code to raise the minimum fine for graffiti-related violations from $100 to $500, with a maximum of $1,000 per occurrence. The increased fine amount reflects the seriousness with which the City Council takes acts of graffiti as well as the damage such acts cause to property and business owners throughout the community.
Extension Granted to New Orleans Community Support Foundation
The Council granted a 16-month extension and an increase in funding to the New Orleans Community Support Foundation (NOCSF) through Ordinance 35,138. This Ordinance authorizes an amendment to the multi-year CEA between the City and NOCSF, which will support the administration of the Youth Climate Action Fund to fund youth-led climate initiatives in support of the New Orleans Climate Action Plan.
Contact:
Samuel J. Myers
Council Public Information Officer
Samuel.Myers@nola.gov
504.462.4386