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NEW ORLEANS - On Friday, May 23, Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Kern Reese granted the New Orleans City Council’s two motions for summary judgment in the Wisner Trust suit.
The first motion successfully nullifies the purported 2020 extension of the expired trust, confirming the Council’s position that the trust ended August 4, 2014.
The second motion affirms Mr. Wisner’s original intent to make the City of New Orleans the sole owner of all the property that was held in trust. This ruling officially removes the heirs, Salvation Army, Tulane University, and Louisiana State University as owners of the property under the 1914 agreement.
Read Judge Reese’s ruling here.
“Today’s ruling by the Court solidified what the Council has been saying on behalf of the City of New Orleans for the last couple of years,” said Budget Chair and District A Councilmember Joe Giarrusso. “This trust was inappropriately extended in 2020, and ownership of the property formerly held in trust belongs entirely to the City of New Orleans. This is a big win for the City and its future. I am proud of the Council for standing up for what is right.”
"This has been a long battle, which the Council took on alone. We remained unwavering and resolute in our commitment to the people of New Orleans. This ruling represents a significant step in our efforts to resolve this matter, ensuring that the people of New Orleans will finally gain access to the benefits they rightfully deserve," said City Council Vice President Helena Moreno.
"After 11 years of litigation, the never-ending Wisner saga is finally coming to a resolution," said City Council President JP Morrell. "Make no mistake - this judgment is a huge win for the City Council and the people of New Orleans. When Edward Wisner originally created this trust in 1914, his wish was to support the livelihood of New Orleans for generations to come. With today's judgment, this wish can finally be honored despite the efforts of greedy heirs to circumvent Mr. Wisner’s laudable aim.”
“After years of uncertainty, this decision brings long-overdue resolution and ensures the trust serves its intended public purpose,” said District B Councilmember Lesli Harris. “The Council has remained steadfast throughout this process, and I want to thank our Budget Chair and legal team for their relentless efforts to protect what belongs to the people.”
"This ruling brings long-overdue clarity to an issue that’s been unresolved for too long. It’s a win for the city and for the original mission of the Wisner Trust—serving the public good,” said District C Councilmember Freddie King III. “I appreciate the teamwork and leadership that got us here, especially from our budget chair and legal team."
“This ruling is a victory for transparency, accountability, and the rightful interests of the people of the City,” said District D Councilmember Eugene Green. “The Court has affirmed what we have long believed — that the Wisner Trust was never meant to extend beyond 2014 and that the property belongs entirely to the City. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in defending the public’s stake in this matter and ensuring the original intent of the trust is honored.”
“This Judgment marks an important step forward in ending years of legal uncertainty and reflects the Council’s commitment to the preservation of the trust’s founding intent,” said District E Councilmember Oliver Thomas. “Thanks to our Budget Chairman and Attorneys for their diligence and advocacy on behalf of the Council to resolve this dispute.”
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