NEW ORLEANS, LA — The New Orleans City Council applauds the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals for ruling in favor of the Council in the ongoing litigation surrounding the Wisner Trust. This legal win further secures the remaining $2M+ in recurring revenue for the City, which will boost the City’s financial standings.

In January, the City secured a ruling in Civil District Court, which recognized the City of New Orleans and Mayor Helena Moreno as the sole heirs of the land formerly held in the Wisner Trust. The defendants appealed the ruling to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, where the Council remained victorious in its position.

“As a Councilmember and now as Mayor, I’ve been steadfastly dedicated to delivering the former assets of the Wisner Trust to the people of New Orleans as an investment in the future of our city. The 4th Circuit ruling confirms what we all know – that these assets belong to the people of New Orleans; that the Wisner Trust dissolved; and that the heirs' fight to shackle these assets for their own gain was misguided,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. 

“This ruling rejects the prior administration’s attempt to deny the City full ownership of the Wisner lands and to extend the Wisner trust indefinitely. Mayor Moreno and the Council stand united to ensure the City takes full ownership of property it is due, which, in turn, benefits City residents,” said Chief Administrative Officer Joe Giarrusso III. 

“Today, we are one step closer to final justice being served for New Orleans residents,” said Council President JP Morrell. “Over the span of the last 12 years, the greedy heirs in this case have fought tooth and nail to keep receiving payments from an expired trust. These payments rightfully belong to the people of New Orleans. This ruling is a legal and financial victory for the City that reaffirms the Wisner Trust land is held for the benefit of New Orleans residents.”

“Yesterday’s court ruling puts yet another convoluted legal challenge to rest and reaffirms that the Wisner Trust belongs to the people of New Orleans,” said Council Vice President Matthew Willard. “Our job now is to protect these precious resources and put them to work — not just today, but for the next generation.”

“I am thrilled about the outcome of this legal challenge, because at the end of the day, it means more money for the people of New Orleans,” said District A Councilmember Aimee McCarron. “I appreciate the work and dedication of the past City Council and am honored to be part of this Council as we continue to fight for what is right for our citizens.”

“This ruling restores what was always ours, the city of New Orleans’, not just legally, but morally,” said District B Councilmember Lesli Harris. “I’m proud of the Council’s persistence and grateful to our legal team for seeing this through. Now the real work begins, making sure these resources go where they’re needed most, back into our neighborhoods.”

“Once again, the City of New Orleans has prevailed in the Wisner litigation, reaffirming our full ownership and authority over the Wisner assets,” said District E Councilmember Jason Hughes. “I am both thankful and proud that the City Council

stood firm in protecting the City’s interest. I trust that this ruling will end the court battles and allow us to move forward to deliver benefits owed to the people of New Orleans.”

One of the first actions taken by the Moreno Administration was to join the Wisner Trust litigation as plaintiffs on the side of the City Council. Under a new unified front, the City of New Orleans and the City Council have been able to swiftly secure judgments in favor of the City.