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NEW ORLEANS, LA - During Week Three of the 2026 budget season, the Council held Proposed Budget Hearings on October 27–29, followed by a Special Meeting and press conference on October 29.
Day Six
On Day Six, the Council met with agencies under the Office of Business & External Affairs. The Department of Safety and Permits presented its 2026 goals, budget impacts, and recommendations. Similar presentations were delivered by the Department of Code Enforcement, the City Planning Commission, the Historic District Landmarks Commission, the Vieux Carré Commission, the Office of Economic Development, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy, and the Office of Nighttime Economy.
To view the full Budget Hearing for Day Six, click here.
Day Seven
On Day Seven, the Council met with judicial branch agencies, beginning with the Criminal District Court and the Juvenile Court. Presentations covered arrests and intake, court operations, and a 2026 budget overview.
The Orleans District Attorney’s Office outlined 2025 goals, joint initiatives with city and state partners, and its 2026 budget. The day concluded with presentations from the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center.
To view the full Budget Hearing for Day Seven, click here.
Day Eight
On Day Eight, eight agencies and organizations presented to the Council: the Municipal and Traffic Court, Clerk of Criminal District Court, Office of Inspector General and Ethics Review Board, French Market Corporation, Regional Transit Authority, Algiers Development District, Bio District New Orleans, and the New Orleans Public Library. Each outlined personnel updates, 2026 goals, 2025 budget summaries, and proposed 2026 budgets.
To view the full Budget Hearing for Day Eight, click here.
Emergency Budget Committee Meeting
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the New Orleans City Council held a special meeting to introduce legislation tightening oversight of City finances amid an ongoing budget crisis. The Council proposed strict “guardrails” for a $125 million revenue bond to fund City payroll and ensure spending adheres to the approved budget. It also voted to grant the Louisiana Legislative Auditor ongoing access to financial data from 2022 onwards, marking a key step towards greater transparency and accountability.
Later that day, at a 1:30 p.m. press conference, the Council and the Mayor’s administration announced the withdrawal of the $125 million bond request after learning state officials would not approve it without appointing a fiscal administrator, which both parties opposed. The Council will instead pursue alternative revenue sources, including funds owed by the Sewerage and Water Board and the Cultural Recreation Fund.
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