NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council will pass the 2025 Executive Budget at its
regular meeting on Thursday, November 21, at 10 a.m. This comprehensive budget,
shepherded by Budget Chair and District A Councilmember Joe Giarrusso together with
all members of the Council, fills immediate needs for residents and securely positions
the City of New Orleans for an uncertain future.

Thanks to New Orleans voters for passing the City Charter change, the budget process
began in October this year, allowing more time for Council budget hearings and four
community budget meetings. The $1.8 billion budget funds quality-of-life services in
New Orleans, prioritizes economic development, bolsters health-based initiatives and
increases access and availability of affordable and workforce housing.

“We have heard time and again that residents do not feel they are receiving the
services they pay for, whether that is street improvements or ease of other government
services,” said Budget Chair and District A Councilmember Joe Giarrusso. “We also
know we cannot expect City departments and other agencies to do more with less. From
basic quality-of-life needs and working on large-scale economic development projects to
funding interventional services and allocating money to all aspects of public safety, this
Council has proved its commitment to improving the lives of all New Orleanians.”

“The City budget is one of the Council’s largest and most important responsibilities, and
this year, we took critical steps forward to promote increased transparency and public
input during this process,” said Council President Helena Moreno. “This budget season,
public safety and improving quality of life remained top priorities for the Council. As I
continue to say, ‘We can’t keep doing things the same and expect different results.’
That’s why I’m allocating funding to two important pilot initiatives this year. First, a
pilot program with the Office of Homeless Services and Strategy focused on rapid
rehousing and wraparound support to ensure individuals who have received housing
assistance remain housed and become self-sustaining. Second, I am funding a new
initiative in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the
New Orleans Department of Sanitation to discourage and decrease incidents of illegal
tire dumping in our neighborhoods by incentivizing turning over unwanted tires to the
City for recycling. Prioritizing opportunities for our youth has once again led me to boost
the Office of Workforce Development to expand our youth summer jobs program. I also
have continued my support of the New Orleans Health Department by securing full
funding of the Trauma Recovery Center, as well as additional funding for domestic
violence services, an ever-growing and deadly issue here in New Orleans.”

“This year’s budget cycle went smoothly under the guidance of Budget Chair
Councilmember Giarrusso. Thanks to his leadership, the Council now has two whole
months to consider budget proposals instead of one, and the additionally allotted time
made a huge impact in our considerations,” said Council Vice-President JP Morrell.
“The biggest winners from the 2025 budget are undoubtedly the kids of New Orleans.
Not only did we fully fund NORD, but we additionally funded STEM programming and the
New Orleans City Council Recreation & Culture Fund. 2025 will be an exciting year!”

“Thank you to Councilmember Giarrusso, his staff and the Administration for their tireless work on the 2025 budget,” said District B Councilmember Lesli Harris. “I am
excited that many of my priorities will be included in the budget amendments, like $10
million for affordable housing in the Charity development, in addition to another $2
million for an affordable housing project in District B that will be comprised of 100
percent affordable units at varying income levels, and funding for Instead through
Ubuntu Village.”

“These investments are about improving everyday life in District C — addressing blight,
expanding housing and ensuring vital transportation options for our residents,” said
District C Councilmember Freddie King III.

“As we approach the adoption of the 2025 budget, the City Council is proud to budget in
support of the critical needs of our residents and make vital investments in the City of
New Orleans. The Council is prioritizing funding for City departments that enhance
public safety, improve infrastructure, support our youth and elevate the quality of life
for all residents. This includes essential investments in blight remediation, public park
upgrades and general maintenance and social programs designed to uplift our
community,” said District D Councilmember Eugene Green. “I am pleased that the City
Council is poised to support, among other initiatives, my request for funding to support
the victims of crime, especially violent crimes. The government must remember and
support the needs of those whose lives have been negatively impacted by crime. Our
commitment to these individuals and families is unwavering. We must seek to ensure
that victims of crime receive the necessary assistance and services to assist with their
healing and rebuilding. We know that there is so much to be done, but we are serious
about offering support to the people whom our law enforcement community is designed
to protect. Together, we can foster a safer and more resilient city. I am also pleased
that the City Council heard our residents’ concerns. The City Council did not roll forward
the available millage, meaning that this 2025 budget does not include tax
increases. Hundreds of millions of dollars have remained with residents to assist them in
their investment in their homes and rising insurance costs. “

“I want to thank my colleague, Councilmember Giarrusso, for his leadership in our
budget adoption process. The 2025 City budget focuses on economic development, basic
services, housing, our youth and more,” said District E Councilmember Oliver Thomas.
“One of my District priorities that I’ll highlight is the $2 million investment to bring a
grocery store to New Orleans East. Investing in a fresh food initiative is a vital step
toward improving public health and economic development and addressing systemic
inequities. Access to fresh, nutritious food is a fundamental right, yet my District faces
barriers such as food deserts and the prevalence of low-quality foods. Addressing food
insecurity is essential to building thriving, equitable communities, and I am happy to
drive this priority for my District.”

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Media Contact:
Claire Byun
Office of City Council District A Joseph I. Giarrusso, III
claire.byun@nola.gov
504.883.1724