NEW ORLEANS, LA – At the regular meeting today, Thursday, October 9, 2025, the Council authorized an amendment to an existing CEA between the City and the Audubon Commission for the design and construction of improvements to the Audubon Riverview, Audubon Park, and Waldenberg Park. The Council also identified several organizations selected to receive funds under various Grant Programs, including the Caesars Community Support Grant Program and the City Council/Cox Communications Louisiana Grant Program. Additionally, the Council adopted a resolution to designate October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New Orleans.
As part of the Special Orders of Business, the Council recognized Hannah and John Huppi, who were part of the four-person Arctic Challenge team that rowed 584 nautical miles from Norway to Svalbard, breaking the world speed record by over five days and achieving historic firsts for both American women and Black athletes in polar ocean rowing.
Council members with Hannah and John Huppi, members of the four-person Arctic Challenge team.
Before the meeting began, the Council honored members of the New Orleans chapter of the National Association of Black Military Women (NABMW) for their commitment to service, dedication to preserving Louisiana history, and positive impact on the New Orleans community.
Council President JP Morell with members of the National Association of Black Military Women.
Council Amends Audubon Commission CEA
The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35, 252, which authorizes the Mayor to enter into Amendment No. 1 to an existing Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City and the Audubon Commission for the design and construction of improvements to the Audubon Riverview, Audubon Park, and Waldenberg Park. The amendment adds the Governor Nicholls Street Wharf Substructure Repairs to the list of improvement projects, extends the agreement through January 1, 2028, and allocates an additional $3.55 million in City bond funds for design and construction work at Audubon Riverview, Audubon Park, Woldenberg Park, and the wharf.
Three-year CEA with NOPD Approved
Ordinance No. 35,266 authorizes the Mayor to enter into a three-year CEA between the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and the Orleans Levee District Police Department (OLDPD). The agreement allows for mutual law enforcement assistance across jurisdictional boundaries to enhance public safety and welfare, and to improve coordination between the two departments within the City of New Orleans.
Overall, this CEA will help expand public safety coverage and allow agencies to respond faster and more effectively throughout the city. Additionally, it’s important to note that this CEA incurs no financial cost to the city.
Council Recognizes October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The Council adopted Resolution R-25-526, which recognizes October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New Orleans. This month of recognition honors the strength and resilience of domestic abuse survivors. It also raises awareness of the tremendous organizations, city departments, law enforcement agencies, and service providers dedicated to providing resources to victims of domestic violence.
During the regular meeting, representatives from the New Orleans Health Department gave a presentation before the Council and the community members present. The presentation highlighted domestic violence awareness events, programs, and panels that community members can attend throughout October.
To view the presentation, click here.
Council Approves Caesars Community Support Grant Fund Program Resolution
The Council moved to adopt Resolution R-25-523 as amended. This Resolution continues the Caesars Community Support Grand Fund program, which began in 2006, and lists the organizations selected to receive grant awards for the current funding cycle. This resolution allocates $225,000 to community organizations selected by each Council member. Each Council office awarded approximately $32,142 to a range of local nonprofits, cultural groups, educational programs, and neighborhood associations.
For the complete list of organizations selected to receive grant funds, click here.
Council Approves City Council/Cox Communications Louisiana Community Grant Program Resolution
The Council moved to adopt Resolution R-25-523 as amended. This resolution allocates $140,000 in program funds to a variety of nonprofit and community organizations across New Orleans. The program, established under a 2011 Cox franchise agreement and a 2013 Council ordinance, supports initiatives in education, technology, communications, and youth development. Each City Council office distributed $20,000 to local groups dedicated to advancing civic engagement, arts, learning, health, and social impact.
For the complete list of organizations selected to receive grant funds, click here.
View the full meeting agenda here, or watch the meeting on YouTube (Part One, Part Two).