NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting today, the City Council authorized a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to fund roadway and right-of-way infrastructure improvements within the River District and to redirect funding toward the development of affordable housing, such as the planned Rivana Apartments project. The Council also adopted an Ordinance to establish the City of New Orleans Employee Emergency Payroll Fund, among other measures.

 

Councilmember Green with members of the SUNO Royal Court.

Before the meeting began, the Council issued five proclamations. The first proclamation was issued to the members of the Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Royal Court, recognizing them as representatives of academic excellence, service, leadership, and pride for New Orleans.

 

Councilmembers Green and Thomas with Mrs. Rhodesia Jackson Douglas and members of her family.

The second proclamation was issued to Rhodesia Jackson Douglas, the author behind the famed New Orleans pecan candy trilogy: Pecan Candy and Huck-a-bucks, Sweeter Than Candy, and Three Times Sweeter: Love, Home & Family. Ms. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Loyola University and has worked broadly in communications for over 35 years.

 

Councilmembers King, Thomas, and Green with Jevan "Desire Von" White.

The Council recognized Jevan “Desire Von” White for his dedication to making a positive impact and improving the lives of community members and youths living in the Desire Area of the Upper 9^th Ward. In addition to his community efforts, White also serves as an educator, ensuring that those with special needs receive compassion and advocacy.

 

Councilmembers Green, King, and Thomas with members of the Tour Guide Association of Greater New Orleans.

The Council also acknowledged members of the Tour Guide Association of Greater New Orleans, in celebration of the organization’s 40th anniversary, for their dedication to the ongoing education of the New Orleans community and for promoting the integrity of their profession.

 

Councilmembers Giarrusso, Green, Morell, and Thomas with Mrs. Kelly Brown.

Finally, the fifth proclamation was issued to Kelly Brown in recognition of 19 years of service on the New Orleans City Planning Commission. Mrs. Brown was instrumental in the development and implementation of the city’s first comprehensive plan, among other accomplishments.

Council to Establish Employee Emergency Payroll Fund

Through the adoption of Ordinance No. 35,297 as amended, the Council established the City of New Orleans Employee Emergency Payroll Fund. This fund is a special, restricted fund established to ensure the City can meet employee payroll obligations for the 2025 budget year, including salaries, overtime, and fringe benefits.

The fund will be financed entirely by proceeds from the sale of Revenue Notes authorized on October 23, 2025 (Resolution R-25-558), which must be deposited within 24 hours of receipt. Money in the fund can only be used for payroll purposes and may not be transferred to any other city fund.

The ordinance also establishes strict reporting and oversight requirements. The Director of Finance must maintain accurate records and submit monthly reports to the CAO and City Council. The CAO must also provide view-only access to the State Legislative Auditor and deliver regular financial reports, including budget-to-actual summaries, detailed payroll and overtime reports, expenditure reduction updates, and cash flow projections.

Council Adopts River District Infrastructure and Housing CEA

The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,286, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) among the City, the Ernest N. Morial-New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority, River District Neighborhood Investors, LLC, and RDNI Batture, LLC. This ordinance will fund roadway and right-of-way infrastructure upgrades within the River District and allocate funds for the development of affordable and workforce housing, including the planned Rivana Apartments project.

Council Extends Contract Regarding Electronic Citations

The Council adopted Motion M-25-565, which authorizes the Council President to sign Amendment No. 12 to the Professional Services Agreement between the City, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and Saltus Technologies, LLC for continued use of the Digiticket and eCitation software system. This system allows NOPD officers to issue electronic traffic citations. The amendment extends the agreement on a month-to-month basis for up to 12 months, through July 28, 2026. The continued issuance of electronic traffic citations will help the City generate revenue until that time.

Revisions to 2025 Budget Plan for New Orleans Housing Trust Fund

The Council adopted Motion M-25-551 as amended, which directs revisions to the 2025 budget and implementation plan for the New Orleans Housing Trust Fund, following review of the annual report submitted by the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee on October 9, 2025. The Council seeks to rebalance funding priorities by:

• Reducing the Small Multifamily Construction Subsidy allocation from $6,350,863 to $2,350863.

• Increasing the Owner Occupied Roof Rehab allocation from $2,054,691 to $4,054,691.

• Increasing the Small Rental Rehab allocation from $1867,901 to $3,867,901.

• Amending the scope of the Owner Occupied Roof Rehab program to allow forgivable
  loans for other types of repairs, including but not limited to necessary structural
  repairs, code violation remediation, and resilience retrofitting directed toward
  reducing insurance premiums.

View the full meeting agenda here, or watch the meeting on YouTube (Part 1, Part 2).