NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting today, the City Council adopted several pieces of legislation to bolster funds for New Orleans. The Council adopted a resolution, as amended, approving an agreement to settle the pending litigation between the City and the Orleans Parish School Board, along with an ordinance. Additionally, the Council adopted an ordinance that authorizes the New Orleans Building Corporation (NOBC) to sell its right to receive certain future lease payments from the Caesars New Orleans Casino, among other things.
Before the meeting began, the Council issued three proclamations. The first proclamation went to Brother Martin High School in recognition of the Bowling Team's 2026 State Championship win. On Thursday, April 9, the Brother Martin High School Bowling Team, led by head coach Bruce Himbert, won the LHSAA Division I Boys' Bowling State Championship at Premier Lanes in Baton Rouge, marking the Crusaders' ninth title overall.
The Brother Martin High School Bowling Team with Councilmember Green.
Next, the Council presented a proclamation to the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans, celebrating 85 years of people building the homes, neighborhoods, and communities that define our great region. The Council recognized the Association’s legacy of building, which continues to shape this region through the homes it has built, the neighborhoods it has strengthened, and the generations of families who have been able to establish roots in New Orleans because of its work.
The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans with Councilmembers Green and Willard.
Finally, the Council honored Dr. S. Carver Davenport, an Associate Professor of Music at Dillard University. Additionally, Dr. Davenport was recognized as the longest-serving choral director in the United States. The Council applauded Dr. Davenport’s esteemed legacy and impact on young musicians throughout New Orleans.
Members of the Dillard University Choir with Councilmembers Willard and Green.
S. Carver Davenport with Councilmember Eugene Green.
As part of the Special Orders of Business, the Council recognized the Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana for its 130th Anniversary. President and CEO Voris Vigee spoke before the Council regarding the nonprofit’s mission and impact on the Greater New Orleans region.
President and CEO of Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana, Voris Vigee, with Councilmembers Green, Hughes, Willard, Harris, McCarron, and King.
Council Adopts OPSB Settlement Resolution
The Council adopted Resolution R-26-187, as amended. This resolution approves an agreement to settle the pending litigation between the City and Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) in exchange for a set sales tax collection fee of 1.5%, a one-time payment of $6,000,000 from the City to OPSB, and annual payments from the City to OPSB of $2,000,000 beginning in 2027 for a period of 15 years.
In return, OPSB would waive payments from the Caesar’s New Orleans lease through the end of 2029. Beginning in 2030, OPSB would receive $4 million annually from the lease for the remainder of its term, with payments increasing proportionally if lease revenues rise.
Council Authorizes $100M Sale of Future Casino Lease Revenues
The Council adopted Ordinance No.35,426, as amended, which authorizes the New Orleans Building Corporation (NOBC), pending board approval, to sell its rights to receive certain future lease payments from Caesar’s New Orleans Casino through July 31, 2035, to a purchaser affiliated with TPG Angelo Gordon for at least $100,000,000 upfront.
The sale is intended to provide the City with urgently needed financial resources, and it follows a competitive selection process involving multiple financial institutions. It’s important to note that the $100,000,000 will be added to an interest-accruing account.
Partnership Approved to Renovate and Operate Morris F.X. Jeff Stadium
The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,427, authorizing the City of New Orleans to enter into a long-term Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) and Friends of InspireNOLA to rehabilitate, maintain, and operate Morris F.X. Jeff Stadium on the West Bank.
The agreement aims to expand recreational and athletic opportunities for residents while addressing urgent repairs ahead of the 2026 football season. Friends of InspireNOLA will fund and oversee the rehabilitation of the stadium’s playing field and goal posts, with an estimated cost of $750,000 to $1 million. In comparison, the City will contribute up to $100,000 and provide in-kind turf materials.
Under the agreement, NORDC will manage the stadium Monday through Wednesday and remain responsible for major infrastructure and utility costs. InspireNOLA will operate and maintain the stadium Thursday through Sunday, including event operations, security, concessions, rentals, and field upkeep. The partnership includes an initial one-year phase for immediate repairs, followed by a nine-year phase focused on ongoing maintenance and operations.
Delta Gas Hedging Program Approved for 2026–2027 Winter Season
The Council adopted Resolution R-26-191, approving Delta New Orleans Gas Company’s proposed natural gas hedging program for the 2026–2027 winter heating season. Hedging a portion of future gas purchases can help protect customers from sudden spikes in natural gas prices by reducing market volatility. Delta recommended hedging 25% to 50% of normal winter gas volumes, citing continued uncertainty in natural gas markets and estimating that a similar program during the previous winter could have saved ratepayers nearly $493,000. The approved hedging costs will continue to be recovered through Delta’s Purchased Gas Adjustment rider.
Council Confirms 2026 Tulane Mayoral Scholarship Recipients
The Council adopted Resolution R-26-193, which confirms the mayor’s selection of ten students to receive four-year Tulane University scholarships under the City’s Mayoral Scholarship Program. After review by the Mayoral Scholarship Selection Committee, the mayor chose ten recipients representing all City Council districts from several local high schools. The following students were chosen to receive the scholarship:
- Olivia Y. Ochillo (Council District A),
- Elenna Licona-Tello (Council District A)
- Simon Promoslovosky (Council District B)
- Tess Colleen Dieudonne (Council District B)
- Dazzly L. Suazo (Council District C)
- Ozma Robin Baurick (Council District C)
- Branden Treyshaun Cephus (Council District D)
- Renell R Green, Jr (Council District D)
- Khari Jamal Morrison (Council District E)
- Audrey Thuy-My Ngo (Council District E)
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
To view the meeting, click here.