NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting today, the City Council adopted an ordinance as amended requiring criminal justice agencies to use the current enterprise resource planning system (BRASS) to better track spending. The Council also passed a resolution that supports the creation of the West End Economic Development District in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes through Louisiana House Bill 892, along with several other pieces of legislation.
Before the meeting began, the Council presented two proclamations. The Council honored the KIPP Morial Middle School Debate team for five years of excellence in academic competition and student development. The team has become one of the most successful middle school debate programs in New Orleans, consistently earning 1st place at Tulane Debate League tournaments and competing against top regional schools.
Eugene Green with the students, teachers, and coaches of the KIPP Morial Debate team.
The Council also recognized Education and Sharing Day on March 29, inviting Rabbi Mendel Rivkin to speak about its importance. The Education and Sharing Day is a call to action to give time, resources, and attention to others and to foster a culture of generosity and compassion. Rabbi Rivkin thanked the Council for the honor and reaffirmed that education doesn’t just start at school—it begins at home and continues onward.
Councilmembers Green and Morrell with Rabbi Mendel Rivkin and others in recognition of Education and Sharing Day.
Council Passes Amended BRASS Oversight Ordinance
The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,127 as amended. This ordinance requires criminal justice agencies to use the City’s current enterprise resource planning system (BRASS) or a similar contracting and procurement database approved by the City Council to specify how City funds are allocated within their respective agencies.
The substitute amendment to Ordinance No. 35,127 extends the timeline for certain criminal justice agencies to fully implement the BRASS system while removing agencies that have already done so. Overall, the amendment strengthens oversight by requiring regular progress reports, detailed financial documentation upon request, and quarterly briefings to the City Council. It also sets the ordinance’s effective date as June 1, 2026.
Council Amends City Code Relating to Housing Trust Fund
The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,387 as amended. This ordinance amends and reordains sections of the City Code relative to the Housing Trust Fund to clarify the Fund's appropriations, process, and oversight.
The amendment to Ordinance No. 35,387 updates the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee by revising its membership to include appointees from the Quality of Life Committee Chair and from the City Council Budget, Audit, and Board of Review Committee, as well as individuals with lived housing experience. It also adjusts the appointment process and timing, particularly during municipal election years, and changes the timing of term starts. Additionally, the amendment revises quarterly and annual reporting deadlines while maintaining oversight and administrative structures for managing and allocating Housing Trust Fund resources.
West End Economic Development District Proposal Gains Support
The Council adopted Resolution R-26-126, which endorses and supports House Bill 892 by Rep. Stephanie Hilferty. The bill creates an Economic Development District spanning Orleans and Jefferson Parishes to revitalize the historically significant West End area. This area was once a thriving economic and cultural hub, but it declined after severe hurricane damage. The proposed district aims to promote economic growth, tourism, and redevelopment through a structured governing board.
New Docket Advances Comprehensive Utility Rules Overhaul
The City Council adopted Resolution R-26-129, which establishes a new docket and procedural schedule to revise Chapter 158 of the City Code comprehensively. This docket governs utility regulation and customer protections in New Orleans. It incorporates updates to the Customer Bill of Rights and complaint processes and creates a Utility Regulatory Manual (URM) with input from utilities, advocacy groups, and advisors.
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
To view the meeting, click here.