NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting today, the City Council adopted several pieces of legislation, including a resolution honoring the late Frank Perez, a motion to rename an intersection after Taj Rudolph, several servitudes, and more.
Before the meeting began, the Council held a Special Order of Business to recognize the 13th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day and honor medical professionals, support organizations, survivors, and service agencies for their community involvement and engagement during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Members of the City Council heard from Denise Roubion-Johnson, DrNP; Lacie L. Tillman, PhD, MPH; Shawn McKinney, MD, MPH, FACS; Michelle Marie Luck, MD, BSN, MACI; and Melissa N. Bean-Tanner, NP.
The Council also honored several breast cancer survivors and advocates, including Mrs. Florence Collier-Smith; Former Councilmember and State Senator Cynthia Willard-Lewis; Ms. Linda Baker; Ms. Elaine Kimbrell; Ms. Thyn Oo; Mrs. Patricia Williams; Ms. Patriana Hart; and Ms. Jann Wynne.
Members of the City Council with honorees for the 13th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
Frank Perez Honored for LGBTQ+ History and Community Advocacy
The Council adopted Resolution R-26-422 honoring the late Frank Perez. Perez was a beloved historian, author, tour guide, and French Quarter personality who chronicled decades of New Orleans LGBTQ+ history. A native of Baton Rouge, Perez praised Louisiana historical figures such as Huey P. Long for their masterful storytelling, which inspired him to serve as a legislative page in the Louisiana Legislature.
After returning to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, Perez authored several books on the city’s LGBTQ+ history, served as editor-in-chief of Ambush Magazine, co-founded the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, and founded the Mystik Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers. His advocacy and community leadership earned him recognition as a Grand Marshal of Southern Decadence in 2018. In 2021, he continued his commitment to public service by running for the New Orleans City Council District C seat.
Perez died on August 8, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones, including his partner, Chris Trentacoste. The Council honors Perez’s enduring contributions to New Orleans and the LGBTQ+ community and extends its deepest condolences to Trentacoste, the Perez family, and the community he served.
Those close to Frank Perez speaking before the Council, honoring his memory, advocacy, and legacy on the city of New Orleans.
Council Honors Taj Rudolph with District E Intersection Designation
The Council adopted Motion M-26-423 to designate the intersection of Lake Forest Boulevard and Wright Road as the "Taj Rudolph Honorary Intersection."
Taj Rudolph was a lifelong New Orleanian and District E community advocate who dedicated his life to public service, civic engagement, and improving his neighbors' lives. A graduate of Abramson Sci Academy, Rudolph worked with the City’s Neighborhood Engagement Office, connecting residents with City resources and helping address quality-of-life concerns through initiatives such as Neighborhood Cares. He also supported the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ida and later led advocacy and outreach efforts with Equity Alliance.
Rudolph passed away on September 14, 2026, at the age of 25. His final act of organ donation further reflected his lifelong commitment to helping others.
The City Council with members of the Rudolph family.
Lantern Light CEA Extended an Additional Five Years
The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,575, amending a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City and Lantern Light, Inc., and authorizing the Mayor to modify the CEA's provisions. This CEA allows Lantern Light, Inc., to continue providing mental health services and support in New Orleans. The amendment would extend the agreement for an additional five years and update its provisions to include referrals for individual therapy and coordination of group therapy sessions. Additionally, this CEA has no fiscal implications for the City.
City Council Adopts Several Annual Revenue-Generating Servitudes
The Council adopted several servitudes. A servitude is a legal right that permits a governmental body to use a portion of private property for a specific public or infrastructure-related purpose.
Each of these servitudes allows property owners to legally retain or use encroachments, such as a portion of a building, a balcony, or other structure, that extends into the public right-of-way. The Council will vote on the following servitudes:
Additionally, each of these servitudes will generate annual revenue for the City of New Orleans.
To view the meeting agenda, click here.
To view the meeting, click here.