News

September 30, 2024

Budget, Audit, and Board of Review Committee

City Council to Receive 2025 Budget Address from Mayor Cantrell During Special Meeting Tuesday

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council will hold a special meeting tomorrow, October 1, at 10 a.m. to receive the 2025 budget presentation and proposed budget ordinances from Mayor LaToya Cantrell's office.

September 18, 2024

Joseph I. Giarrusso

City Council Funds $17 Million Needed for Full Automation of West Power Complex, Enhancing Infrastructure and Flood Prevention

City Council Funds $17 Million Needed for Full Automation of West Power Complex, Enhancing Infrastructure and Flood Prevention

NEW ORLEANS - The Sewerage and Water Board West Power complex needs $34 million
to fully automate the substation when it becomes operational in June 2025. The New
Orleans City Council, in collaboration with the New Orleans legislative delegation, has
worked to fund the City’s match of $17 million as the final portion of funds needed to
fully automate the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans’s West Power Complex.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s office is also working on a $17 million match. Mayor
Cantrell and her Administration have now agreed to the funding, realizing the
importance of this project notwithstanding other City concerns.

June 13, 2024

Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee, Joseph I. Giarrusso

City Council Announces RFP for Accounting Firm to Oversee SWBNO Billing Complaints

City Council Announces RFP for Accounting Firm to Oversee SWBNO Billing Complaints

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council, after collaborating with Mayor
Cantrell and the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO), announces
the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to hire an independent accounting firm
to oversee and handle SWBNO’s billing process and billing complaints for the next 12
to 18 months.

May 15, 2024

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno Issues Statement on Passing of Veteran NOPD Officer Donovan Livaccari

Council President Moreno Issues Statement on Passing of Veteran NOPD Officer Donovan Livaccari

NEW ORLEANS - City Council President Helena Moreno has released the following statement in response to the passing of NOPD officer Donovan Livaccari:

April 29, 2024

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno Celebrates Arrival of Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine

Council President Moreno Celebrates Arrival of Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno celebrated the arrival of Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, only the sixth HBCU medical school in the country, to the City of New Orleans. The new college of medicine at Xavier will advance the work of what is already the nation’s premier academic training center for medical professionals of color. Xavier already graduates more African-American students and students of color who achieve Medical Degrees and Ph.D’s in health sciences than any other educational institution in the nation. 

April 8, 2024

Jean Paul "JP" Morrell

Council Vice President JP Morrell Issues Statement on City Park Conservancy’s Plan to Displace Grow Dat Youth Program

Council Vice President JP Morrell Issues Statement on City Park Conservancy’s Plan to Displace Grow Dat Youth Program

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember At-Large JP Morrell has issued the following statement about the potential displacement of Grow Dat Youth Program:

November 30, 2023

Joseph I. Giarrusso, Budget Hearing

New Orleans City Leaders Collaborate on Key Priorities for 2024 Proposed Executive Budget Amendment

New Orleans City Leaders Collaborate on Key Priorities for 2024 Proposed Executive Budget Amendment

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans City Council Budget Chair Joseph I. Giarrusso III and Chief
Administrative Officer Gilbert Montaño have collaborated to introduce an amendment to
the 2024 Proposed Executive Budget after weeks of working with Mayor LaToya Cantrell's
administration, the City Council, New Orleans residents, and stakeholders.

September 7, 2023

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Prioritizes Urban Heat Analysis to Combat Rising Heat-Related Health and Safety Risks

Councilmember Moreno Prioritizes Urban Heat Analysis to Combat Rising Heat-Related Health and Safety Risks

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmember Helena Moreno announced the allocation of $300,000 to prioritize a first-of-its-kind urban heat analysis in partnership with the City’s Resilience and Sustainability Office and the City Department of Health.

July 31, 2023

Eugene J. Green

Councilmember Green Calls on City & State Officials to Investigate Saturday's Stunt Driving Incident on Elysian Fields

Councilmember Green Calls on City & State Officials to Investigate Saturday's Stunt Driving Incident on Elysian Fields

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Eugene Green has issued the following statement asking both City and State officials to investigate and pursue charges, where possible, in response to Saturday night’s reckless-vehicle-operation takeover of a portion of Elysian Fields Avenue near Gentilly Boulevard:

July 28, 2023

Eugene J. Green

*UPDATED* Councilmember Eugene Green Clarifies the Difference Between Tax Assessments and Taxing Authority

*UPDATED* Councilmember Eugene Green Clarifies the Difference Between Tax Assessments and Taxing Authority

NEW ORLEANS - In response to recent concerns regarding increases in property assessments, Councilman Green wants to make clear to the public that Orleans Parish property owners will not necessarily see an increase in their property taxes, although they may have seen an increase in their quadrennial tax assessments. 

July 24, 2023

Joseph I. Giarrusso

City Council Requests Taxing Agencies Not Roll Forward Their Millages After Huge Quadrennial Reassessments

City Council Requests Taxing Agencies Not Roll Forward Their Millages After Huge Quadrennial Reassessments

This is a quadrennial reassessment year. As reported, the average property value has shot up by 23%. Residents are already burdened with skyrocketing insurance rates, higher utility costs, and increased costs for goods and services. They have been writing us to say they are tapped out. 

April 19, 2023

Helena Moreno

Climate Chair Helena Moreno Welcomes Entergy Suggestions on Resiliency Calls for Ratepayer Protection

Climate Chair Helena Moreno Welcomes Entergy Suggestions on Resiliency  Calls for Ratepayer Protection

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Climate Chair Helena Moreno released the following statement on Entergy's resiliency suggestions and called for real ratepayer protections before committing to future investments.

April 17, 2023

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Welcomes Arrival of United Utility Headquarters to New Orleans

Councilmember Moreno Welcomes Arrival of United Utility Headquarters to New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno, chair of the Economic Development Committee, welcomes the arrival of the national headquarters of United Utility to New Orleans. United Utility has quickly become one of the nation’s top power transmission and distribution companies, an especially critical sector during the rapid deployment of new renewable energy resources.

April 14, 2023

Lesli Harris

Councilmember Lesli Harris and Loyola University Launch Young Women’s Leadership Academy

Councilmember Lesli Harris and Loyola University Launch Young Women’s Leadership Academy

NEW ORLEANS - District “B” Councilmember Lesli Harris and the Loyola University of New Orleans are launching their Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA), with the first one-day workshop set for Monday, May 22. Young women ages 18 to 24 are encouraged to apply here before the April 30 deadline.

April 10, 2023

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Applauds Abortion Legislation Providing Exceptions and Eliminating Criminal Penalties Targeting Physicians New Poll Shows Most Louisiana Residents Agree

Councilmember Moreno Applauds Abortion Legislation Providing Exceptions and Eliminating Criminal Penalties Targeting Physicians  New Poll Shows Most Louisiana Residents Agree

NEW ORLEANS - Several pieces of legislation easing restrictions on abortion will be considered during the 2023 Legislative Session. Council Vice President Helena Moreno and other advocates have raised many issues with the previous laws enacted and applaud legislators fighting for corrective action.

April 5, 2023

City Council Members

City Council Applauds the Ratification of Union Contracts at Superdome, Smoothie King Center, & Convention Center

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Service industry workers at New Orleans’ three largest venues have ratified union contracts with UNITE HERE Local 23. Newly-organized workers at the Superdome and Smoothie King Arena will receive their first union contracts, and workers at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will receive an updated agreement. The workers are employed by Sodexo, which is among the nation’s largest food service providers and one of the largest individual employers in the city of New Orleans.

April 5, 2023

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Partners with Sen. Carter and Rep. Hughes to Create More Affordable Housing and Improved Living Conditions for Renters

Councilmember Moreno Partners with Sen. Carter and Rep. Hughes to Create More Affordable Housing and Improved Living Conditions for Renters

NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President Helena Moreno unveiled the first part of her state legislative agenda, which focused on increasing affordable housing units and keeping tenants secure from unsafe conditions.

March 24, 2023

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Files City's First Right to Organize Legislation for City Workers

Councilmember Moreno Files City's First Right to Organize Legislation for City Workers

NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President Helena Moreno has filed the City’s first legislation to codify the rights of City workers to organize and form a union. While union contracts have existed within the City for decades, this legislation, first announced last month, would enshrine in law the affirmative rights of City workers to organize and the processes to collectively bargain. Nevertheless, over the past several years, the union has faced continuous impediments and delays from the Administration. This legislation intends to clearly and concisely guide the interactions between the Administration and the union to ensure that collective bargaining will occur in a timely and fair manner. 

January 6, 2023

Lesli Harris

NEW ORLEANS District "B" Councilmember Lesli Harris

NEW ORLEANS District "B" Councilmember Lesli Harris

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Lesli Harris has issued the following statement regarding restoring the full Mardi Gras parade routes for 2023:

"Last month, I met with Mardi Gras krewe leaders and CAO Gilbert Montaño to work toward restoring the full, pre-COVID Mardi Gras routes. We know the Carnival season provides immeasurable benefits to our residents and a sizable portion of our small businesses’ annual revenue -- especially those in District B. I’m so pleased that the administration now has a path forward to bring Mardi Gras back to the front doors of businesses and residents along Jefferson, Magazine, and Tchoupitoulas. We have the funding to support security in these areas, and I stand ready to partner with the administration, NOPD, other law enforcement agencies, and the krewes to restore the Mardi Gras we know and love."

October 28, 2022

City Council

New Orleans City Council Responds to SWBNO’s Proposed Rate Increase

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council has joined together to voice concerns on the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO)’s proposed rate hike. SWBNO officials discussed a possible rate increase with the City Council’s SWBNO Billing Advisory Committee on Wednesday. This proposal comes as the number of disputed bills has skyrocketed.

September 26, 2022

City Council

New Orleans City Councilmembers Call For NOPD Civilianization to Improve Response Times, Free Up Officers for Violent Offenses

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS -  Today, the New Orleans City Council is continuing its calls to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to actively engage in civilization of certain positions within the department and deputization of other City departments such as Public Works, Sanitation, and Safety and Permits. 

September 12, 2022

Joseph I. Giarrusso

Councilmember Joe Giarrusso Convenes Mental Health Stakeholders to Help Fill Gaps in Citywide Care

Councilmember Joe Giarrusso Convenes Mental Health Stakeholders to Help Fill Gaps in Citywide Care

NEW ORLEANS - Thursday, September 15, District A Councilmember Joe Giarrusso will
convene more than a dozen mental health stakeholders to help identify and fill gaps in
mental health care access across the city.
 

June 13, 2022

Oliver Thomas

Councilmember Thomas Issues Statement on Recent Tragedies & Criminal Justice System Capacity

Councilmember Thomas Issues Statement on Recent Tragedies & Criminal Justice System Capacity

Our Sheriff Susan Hutson has recently notified partners in the Criminal Justice System that Deputy Sheriffs will be pulled away from their assigned duties and responsibilities to support prevention of the recent tragedies that have happened at the Criminal Justice Center.

May 18, 2022

City Council

City Council Finalizes Construction Agreement Between City and Sewerage & Water Board for Dedicated Electric Substation

Seal of the City of New Orleans

Today, the New Orleans City Council unanimously approved legislation finalizing an agreement between the City and Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) to construct the West Power Complex, a dedicated power source for SWBNO's drainage and water operations

March 9, 2022

City Council

New Orleans City Council Announces Redistricting Open House to Increase Public Engagement In Redistricting Process 

Seal of the City of New Orleans

In an effort to increase public engagement in the citywide Redistricting process, the New Orleans City Council has announced that it will extend the public comment period by implementing in-person meetings, as well as an Open House event for citizens.

The Redistricting Open House will take place on Monday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Following the Open House, there will be two listening sessions taking place at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

February 3, 2022

Lesli Harris

Council Underscores its Opposition to Jail Expansion and Commits to Legal Advocacy for Jail Retrofit

Council Underscores its Opposition to Jail Expansion and Commits to Legal Advocacy for Jail Retrofit

During today's regular meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution R-22-85, stressing the Council's continued support for a retrofit of the existing jail over the alternative plan to construct a new "Phase III" jail facility. 

February 3, 2022

Helena Moreno, Joseph I. Giarrusso, Jean Paul "JP" Morrell, Lesli Harris

Councilmembers Release Preliminary Action Items to Address Violent Crime

Seal of the City of New Orleans

Today, Council President Helena Moreno, Vice-President J.P. Morrell, and Councilmembers Lesli Harris and Joe Giarrusso announced the release of a compilation of action items to address surging violent crime in our communities. These Councilmembers will continue to receive feedback from the public and collaborate with the full Council on solutions, noting that public safety is the Council’s top priority.

January 24, 2022

Jean Paul "JP" Morrell

Councilmember JP Morrell Responds to Entergy Pulling $30 Million Commitment from Sewerage & Water Board Substation

Councilmember JP Morrell Responds to Entergy Pulling $30 Million Commitment from Sewerage & Water Board Substation

With critical infrastructure funding being called into question, Councilmember At-Large JP Morrell, who took office earlier this month, responds to Entergy New Orleans backing out of its $30 million commitment to build a substation that would provide critical drainage and power to pumps during flooding emergencies.

January 24, 2022

Helena Moreno

Statement from Council President Moreno Regarding Sewerage & Water Board Substation

Statement from Council President Moreno Regarding Sewerage & Water Board Substation

Entergy's inability to finance the Sewerage & Water Board doesn't stop this project because the big difference is that the City now has American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars in hand. Using ARPA funds to pay for the SWBNO substation is now the most straightforward solution to funding this project, and it's also the cheapest for ratepayers. For Entergy to finance the substation means SWBNO ratepayers would be on the hook for almost $30 million in construction costs and another $7 million in Entergy profit.

December 2, 2021

Jay H. Banks

Councilmember Jay H. Banks Encourages Residents to Attend Upcoming Job Fairs

Councilmember Jay H. Banks Encourages Residents to Attend Upcoming Job Fairs

NEW ORLEANS - The City of New Orleans and JOB1 NOLA are hosting a series of Neighborhood Job Fairs in December 2021 beginning Monday, December 6 through Thursday, December 16. Councilmember Jay H. Banks is encouraging all residents looking for new career opportunities to attend to get connected with employers.

 

See the flyer below for details and click here or follow JOB1 on Facebook for additional updates and announcements.

December 2, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Introduces Ordinance to Rename Robert E Lee Blvd. After the Late Allen Toussaint

Councilmember Brossett Introduces Ordinance to Rename Robert E Lee Blvd. After the Late Allen Toussaint

NEW ORLEANS - District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett introduced an ordinance at yesterday's City Council meeting to rename Robert E Lee Blvd. to Allen Toussaint Blvd.

 

The street currently honors a commanding officer of the Confederacy. Councilmember Brossett seeks to honor the accomplished musician and producer who was born and raised in New Orleans and left an indelible mark on the city’s culture.

December 1, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Passes Funding for Public WiFi and Proposes $5 Million Allocation to Relocate Gordon Plaza Residents

Councilmember Brossett Passes Funding for Public WiFi and Proposes $5 Million Allocation to Relocate Gordon Plaza Residents

NEW ORLEANS - District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett has been pushing for public WiFi access throughout his term, and today he was able to secure funding to make an initial investment of $1.5 million to that end. Councilmember Brossett was joined by Councilmembers Banks, Palmer, Nguyen, and Glapion in support of the measure during today's regular Council meeting. 

November 18, 2021

Jay H. Banks

Council Defers Phase III Expansion of Orleans Justice Center

Council Defers Phase III Expansion of Orleans Justice Center

NEW ORLEANS - During the regular meeting this Thursday, November 18, Zoning Docket 71/21, which requests amendments to the conditional use ordinance for the Orleans Justice Center to permit the phase III expansion, appeared on the Council agenda for the first time.  

November 18, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

City Council to Consider Renaming Portion of Louisa Street to Honor Johnny Jackson Jr.

City Council to Consider Renaming Portion of Louisa Street to Honor Johnny Jackson Jr.

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular City Council meeting, the Council introduced an ordinance authored by Councilmember Jared Brossett to rename a portion of Louisa Street after lifelong New Orleanian, City Councilman, and State Representative Johnny Jackson Jr.

November 16, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno Announces Spring Ballot Measure to Permanently Fund Early Childhood Education

Council President Moreno Announces Spring Ballot Measure to Permanently Fund Early Childhood Education

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno announced the beginning of the process to ask voters to approve a permanent revenue stream for Early Childhood Education in New Orleans. The notice of intent filed this week would place a 5mill measure on the April 2022 ballot for consideration by the City's voters. 

November 15, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno Praises Selection of Former Mayor Mitch Landrieu as President’s Senior Advisor for Infrastructure

Council President Moreno Praises Selection of Former Mayor Mitch Landrieu as President’s Senior Advisor for Infrastructure

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno praised the hiring of former mayor Mitch Landrieu as Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator for President Biden's bipartisan infrastructure bill. The nearly $1 trillion package is the largest federal investment in US infrastructure in history.

“Mayor Landrieu is exactly the leader this country needs to effectively and aggressively implement the landmark bipartisan infrastructure package,” said Council President Moreno. “New Orleans needs a significant investment in grid hardening and resiliency, as well as drainage, water management, and more. Mayor Landrieu knows intimately the needs of our city, and I’m confident he’ll be a powerful ally for New Orleans in D.C.” 

November 1, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Kristin Palmer Urges Council to Pass $375M Bond Package for City-Wide Major Infrastructure and Public Safety Projects

Kristin Palmer Urges Council to Pass $375M Bond Package for City-Wide Major Infrastructure and Public Safety Projects

NEW ORLEANS - Today, District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer announced her support for a major $375M bond package to fund priority infrastructure improvements and public safety projects throughout New Orleans. The sale comes at a critical time as the city continues to rebuild and strengthen public infrastructure following Hurricane Ida and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

October 28, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council to Create Plan for Upgrading and Strengthening Power Infrastructure in Preparation to Pursue Federal Funding to Help Cover Costs

Council to Create Plan for Upgrading and Strengthening Power Infrastructure in Preparation to Pursue Federal Funding to Help Cover Costs

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno received unanimous support for her plan to open a docket on grid hardening and resiliency at Wednesday’s Special Council Meeting. The docket would prepare New Orleans for the more than $500 billion of federal climate spending announced through the President’s Build Back Better and Infrastructure packages now advancing in Congress. 

October 27, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno Announces Plan to Lower Rates and Power Utility Bills from Proposed Formula Rate Plan

Council President Moreno Announces Plan to Lower Rates and Power Utility Bills from Proposed Formula Rate Plan

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President and Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee Chair Helena Moreno announced a plan to lower rates that goes into effect November 2021 through the Formula Rate Plan (FRP).

The proposal involves pressing ahead with $18 million of customer bill credits, accepting 100% of the identified error reductions from Entergy's initial submission, and creating a $5 million fund to address gas customer bills. In total, the plan would negate any impacts on electric bills until next spring and create a pathway to assist gas customers.

October 22, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council to Consider Efforts to Prevent Bill Increases and Address Long-term Grid Resilience

Council to Consider Efforts to Prevent Bill Increases and Address Long-term Grid Resilience

NEW ORLEANS - On Monday, October 25, Council President Helena Moreno will hold a special Utilities Committee Meeting to consider instruments to end the threat of electricity bill increases while beginning the essential effort to harden our grid for the climate challenges to come. 

October 21, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Council Approves New Emergency Protocols for Independent Living Facilities

Council Approves New Emergency Protocols for Independent Living Facilities

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the Council approved Ordinance 33,452 and Resolution R-21-388 by Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, which extend many of the nursing home emergency protocols to independent and residential living facilities, following the death of five tenants during Hurricane Ida.

 

October 18, 2021

Helena Moreno

Statement from Council President Moreno and Council Vice President Glapion Regarding Councilmember Brossett

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - This is overall a very sad situation. We hope that our friend and colleague takes the necessary steps to make himself well. 

October 7, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council Unanimously Passes Council President Moreno's Resolution to Appeal for Federal Assistance for Storm Restoration Costs and Power Grid Upgrades

Council Unanimously Passes Council President Moreno's Resolution to Appeal for Federal Assistance for Storm Restoration Costs and Power Grid Upgrades

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Council President Helena Moreno and co-authored by all seven Councilmembers that appealed to federal officials, including President Biden and Louisiana's Congressional Delegation, for funding to shoulder power restoration costs from Hurricane Ida, as well as future grid resiliency investments. 

October 7, 2021

Jay H. Banks

Council Waives Certain Building and Demolition Permit Fees Following Hurricane Ida

Council Waives Certain Building and Demolition Permit Fees Following Hurricane Ida

NEW ORLEANS - During today's Regular Council meeting, the Council passed Ordinance 33,459, which waives certain fees relating to building permits and demolition permits necessary to repair or rebuild structures damaged by Hurricane Ida and occupied on August 29, 2021, except where renovation or new construction was in progress. This allows residents to start the rebuilding process as expeditiously as possible.

October 6, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno Meets with Vice President Harris to Request Assistance with Storm Costs and Hardening Power Grid

Council President Moreno Meets with Vice President Harris to Request Assistance with Storm Costs and Hardening Power Grid

NEW ORLEANS - Yesterday, Council President Helena Moreno met with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss ways the Biden Administration can help New Orleans and Louisiana shoulder power restoration costs and build a more resilient power grid for the future.

 

The vice president has been a longtime leader on climate action and has fought for strong investments in climate resiliency dating back to her days as California attorney general and senator. 

October 5, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Short-Term Rental Enforcement Ordinance by Councilmembers Brossett and Palmer Passed by Governmental Affairs Committee

Short-Term Rental Enforcement Ordinance by Councilmembers Brossett and Palmer Passed by Governmental Affairs Committee

NEW ORLEANS - During today's meeting, the Special Governmental Affairs Committee passed Ordinance 33,351 authored by Councilmembers Jared Brossett and Kristin Gisleson Palmer to create a fund to enforce short-term rental legislation. The ordinance will now go to the full Council for a vote during its regular meeting on Thursday, October 7.

 

“We owe it to our constituents to enforce the short-term rental laws that have been on the books for the last two years,” said District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett. “We passed targeted legislation in 2019 to strengthen the permitting, monitoring, and enforcement process for short-term rentals, but the longer we go without enforcement, the more we disrupt local neighborhoods and drive people out of their own homes. We are already experiencing an affordable housing crisis, and the rise of short-term rentals has only exacerbated that. It’s time we put the needs of our residents and our neighborhoods first.” 

October 5, 2021

Helena Moreno, Joseph I. Giarrusso

New Orleans City Council Advocates on Behalf of Ratepayers for Power Grid Upgrades and Restoration Costs

New Orleans City Council Advocates on Behalf of Ratepayers for Power Grid Upgrades and Restoration Costs

NEW ORLEANS - Through a resolution, the New Orleans City Council is requesting federal assistance to help cover Hurricane Ida power restoration costs and the future hardening of the power grid. Led by Council President Helena Moreno, the resolution is co-authored by all members of the Council.

 

Federal funding for power restoration costs, now estimated at nearly $150 million for New Orleans alone, remains among Council President Moreno's top priorities in the wake of Hurricane Ida.

September 29, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Kristin Palmer Advances Legislation Requiring Independent Safety Inspections of Construction Sites in Response to Hard Rock Hotel Collapse

Councilmember Kristin Palmer Advances Legislation Requiring Independent Safety Inspections of Construction Sites in Response to Hard Rock Hotel Collapse

NEW ORLEANS - During Thursday's Governmental Affairs Committee meeting, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will present an ordinance that requires independent inspections during the construction of buildings taller than 75 feet (measured from grade level to the average height of the highest). 

September 25, 2021

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilmember Nguyen Reminds Residents of Scheduled Transmission Maintenance on Sherwood Forest Substation

Councilmember Nguyen Reminds Residents of Scheduled Transmission Maintenance on Sherwood Forest Substation

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen wants residents to be aware of required transmission maintenance on the Sherwood Forest Substation taking place Monday, September 27 through Wednesday, December 1 to replace one of the transformers.

September 24, 2021

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilmember Nguyen and Partners to Host Fresh Food Distribution this Saturday, September 25

Councilmember Nguyen and Partners to Host Fresh Food Distribution this Saturday, September 25

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen and partners will host a fresh food distribution on Saturday, September 25 from 10 AM to 1 PM at St. Maria Goretti Church. She will be joined by NOLA Ready, Greater New Orleans Foundation, Second Harvest and Top Box to help residents restock their refrigerators following Hurricane Ida.



Residents are encouraged to stay in their cars and drive up to the Crowder Boulevard entrance. No documentation is required.

September 22, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Issues Statement Following Today's Committee Hearing and the Council's Investigation of Entergy New Orleans

Councilmember Brossett Issues Statement Following Today's Committee Hearing and the Council's Investigation of Entergy New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett has released the following statement regarding the investigation into Entergy New Orleans' preparation and response to Hurricane Ida:

 

"Today as your regulator, the Council moved forward to investigate Entergy New Orleans' actions following Hurricane Ida. We also approved a management audit of ENO and explored utility ownership reform. After hearing from Entergy executives, I am looking forward to what the upcoming investigation reveals. 

September 22, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Jared Brossett to Move Forward with Ordinance Mandating One-Time Suspension of Sanitation Fees

Councilmember Jared Brossett to Move Forward with Ordinance Mandating One-Time Suspension of Sanitation Fees

NEW ORLEANS - District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett will seek to pass Ordinance 33,393, which mandates a one-time sanitation fee suspension, during tomorrow's regular Council meeting. This comes in the wake of Hurricane Ida, as many residents have gone an entire month without trash collection due to the storm.

September 21, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Kristin Palmer Authors Legislation Requesting the City to Initiate Breach of Contract Process Against Metro Service Group, Inc.

Councilmember Kristin Palmer Authors Legislation Requesting the City to Initiate Breach of Contract Process Against Metro Service Group, Inc.

NEW ORLEANS - District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer authored a resolution (R-21-351), that if approved by the Council, requests the City to declare Metro Service Group, Inc. in breach of its contract with the City of New Orleans following months of service failures.

September 20, 2021

Cyndi Nguyen

Operation Mardi Gras Clean-Up Maps Available on NOLA Ready Website

Operation Mardi Gras Clean-Up Maps Available on NOLA Ready Website

NEW ORLEANS - The newly-launched Operation Mardi Gras Clean-Up maps, which show the sections where City workers and partners are actively working and where work has been completed, are now available on the NOLA Ready website. 

 

Residents can now see the status of debris removal and pick-up across New Orleans via the new Debris Mapping feature, which shows a current total of 38,653 cubic yards removed, and 1,002 total hazardous limbs/trees removed.

September 16, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Kristin Palmer Calls on Fellow Councilmembers to Sign Legislation Stopping Entergy Rate Hike to Cover Hurricane Costs

Kristin Palmer Calls on Fellow Councilmembers to Sign Legislation Stopping Entergy Rate Hike to Cover Hurricane Costs

NEW ORLEANS - Today, District “C” Councilmember Kristin Palmer filed a resolution (R-21-337) requesting that the City Council, the regulatory body of Entergy New Orleans (ENO), stop rate increases for the recovery costs of Hurricane Ida. 

 

“We need to be very clear here—Entergy failed the people of New Orleans. It’s inexcusable that our entire City was left in the dark for weeks following Hurricane Ida. People died. Most of them were part of our City’s most vulnerable populations who suffered in the sweltering heat. Asking for the people of New Orleans to pay more for bad service caused by obvious negligence is not going to cut it,” said Councilmember Palmer.

September 16, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Urges President Biden to Forgive Remaining SBA Loans from Hurricane Katrina in the Wake of Ida

Councilmember Brossett Urges President Biden to Forgive Remaining SBA Loans from Hurricane Katrina in the Wake of Ida

As New Orleanians work to recover from the storm, they should not be burdened with SBA loan payments
NEW ORLEANS - District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett has written a letter to President Biden asking him to forgive the remaining SBA loans that were granted due to Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, the Councilmember will be moving forward with a resolution at the next Council meeting, calling on Biden to forgive the loans. 

September 15, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Pushes to Have Gas Stations Equipped with Ability to Switch to a Backup Generator in the Case of Disasters

Councilmember Brossett Pushes to Have Gas Stations Equipped with Ability to Switch to a Backup Generator in the Case of Disasters

During his time at the Legislature, Councilmember Brossett co-authored a bill that required all new gas stations to be capable of switching their power to a backup generator. He is now calling for it to be enforced and locally codified. 

NEW ORLEANS - In light of the major issues gas stations across the city had due to Hurricane Ida, District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett is calling for LA RS 30:2195.12, a bill he helped pass as a State Representative, to be enforced by the state and locally codified.

 

September 14, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

*POSTPONED* Food Distribution at Ray’s on the Avenue Moved to Saturday, September 18

*POSTPONED* Food Distribution at Ray’s on the Avenue Moved to Saturday, September 18

NEW ORLEANS - Due to Tropical Storm Nicholas, District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett, Ray's on the Avenue, and Restaurant Depot have postponed the food distribution scheduled to take place Wednesday, September 15 at Ray's on the Avenue. The distribution is rescheduled for this Saturday, September 18, from 1 PM to 3 PM.

 

September 14, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Urges President Biden to Provide Federal Assistance to Strengthen New Orleans Power Grid and Relieve Ratepayers of Recovery Costs

Councilmember Brossett Urges President Biden to Provide Federal Assistance to Strengthen New Orleans Power Grid and Relieve Ratepayers of Recovery Costs

In response to the catastrophic failure of the power grid in New Orleans, Councilmember Brossett is asking for federal funds to prevent another blackout in the face of stronger, more frequent hurricanes.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett sent a letter to President Biden urging him to make a critical investment in New Orleans' energy infrastructure.

The letter asks President Biden and Congress to send federal funding to allow New Orleans to create a more resilient power grid. Additionally, Councilmember Brossett asks President Biden to urge Congress to expand the Stafford Act or create a Community Development Block Grant to relieve ratepayers of billions of dollars in estimated recovery costs from the storms that hit in 2020, in addition to the damage caused by Hurricane Ida. 

September 14, 2021

Helena Moreno

President Moreno Calls for a Study on Power Utility Competition, Investigation into Entergy and New Inquiries to Focus on Entergy Oversight

President Moreno Calls for a Study on Power Utility Competition, Investigation into Entergy and New Inquiries to Focus on Entergy Oversight

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President and Utilities Committee Chair Helena Moreno announced new accountability and oversight measures that will be taken up at the Wednesday, September 22 Utilities Committee Meeting. Moreno will author a series of new steps focused on getting answers and accountability on behalf of the people of New Orleans, many tens of thousands of whom sat in the dark and heat for more than a week after Hurricane Ida's exit from our area. 

September 13, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett to Hold Two Food Distributions this Week in Partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, New Hope Baptist Church, Ray’s on the Avenue, and Restaurant Depot

Councilmember Brossett to Hold Two Food Distributions this Week in Partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, New Hope Baptist Church, Ray’s on the Avenue, and Restaurant Depot

As New Orleans recovers from Hurricane Ida and power is restored around the city, Councilmember Brossett is continuing to ensure that the needs of our most vulnerable residents are met.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett will hold two food distributions this week for residents impacted by Hurricane Ida. Councilmember Brossett is partnering with Ray’s on the Avenue and Restaurant Depot for the first distribution, and it will take place on Wednesday, September 15, from 1 PM to 3 PM at Ray’s on the Avenue. He will join New Hope Baptist Church, Pastor Jamaal Weathersby and Second Harvest Food Bank for the second distribution scheduled for Friday, September 17, at 1:30 PM at New Hope Baptist Church.

September 8, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett to Partner with Second Harvest Food Bank and Pastor Jamaal Weathersby to Distribute Food, Water and Tarps at New Hope Baptist Church on Friday, September 10

Councilmember Brossett to Partner with Second Harvest Food Bank and Pastor Jamaal Weathersby to Distribute Food, Water and Tarps at New Hope Baptist Church on Friday, September 10

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank and Pastor Jamaal Weathersby to distribute prepared meals, grocery items, water and tarps to residents affected by Hurricane Ida at New Hope Baptist Church on Friday, September 10 at 2 PM.

September 8, 2021

City Council

City Council Cancels Meetings This Week to Assist with Ida Response and Recovery Efforts

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council has announced the cancellation of its regular meeting this Thursday, September 9, to accommodate local response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Ida. Regular meetings are expected to resume beginning Thursday, September 23.

 

Please text NOLAREADY to 77295 for updates from the City of New Orleans and continue to follow the City Council on Facebook and Twitter. For additional resources and events taking place across the city in the coming days and weeks, follow Councilmembers on their official social channels listed below:

 

September 7, 2021

Joseph I. Giarrusso

Councilmember Joe Giarrusso Partnering with Non-Profits to Distribute Free Groceries Wednesday

Councilmember Joe Giarrusso Partnering with Non-Profits to Distribute Free Groceries Wednesday

NEW ORLEANS - District “A” Councilmember Joe Giarrusso is partnering with Culture Aid NOLA, City Park, and others to give away thousands of pounds of free food beginning at 2 PM on Wednesday, September 8, at Tad Gormley Stadium in City Park.

September 7, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Residents Affected by Hurricane Ida may be Eligible for Generator and Chainsaw Reimbursement

Residents Affected by Hurricane Ida may be Eligible for Generator and Chainsaw Reimbursement

Those who purchased equipment during the specified timeframe may receive up to $800 for generators and up to $250 for chainsaws. 


NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett is encouraging residents to examine their expenses following the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, as FEMA is reimbursing individuals for the cost of generators and chainsaws.

 

September 7, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno and Council Vice President Glapion Team Up with Community Partners to Distribute Cell Phones, Ice, Essential Item Kits and Hot Meals

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmembers Moreno and Glapion have teamed up with several organizations to hold an emergency supplies distribution site today, Tuesday, September 7, at GW Carver High School from 5 PM - 7 PM, or until supplies run out.

September 5, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett and Second Harvest to Distribute Food and Water at St. Mary of the Angels on Tuesday

Councilmember Brossett and Second Harvest to Distribute Food and Water at St. Mary of the Angels on Tuesday

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank on Tuesday, September 7 at 1 PM to distribute prepared meals, sandwiches, other groceries, and water to residents impacted by Hurricane Ida at St. Mary of the Angels. No documentation required, and the distribution will take place until supplies run out.

September 4, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno and Council Vice President Donna M. Glapion Partner on Hurricane Ida Supplies Distribution

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno and Council Vice President Donna M. Glapion will distribute meals, essential items and tarps to residents impacted by Hurricane Ida on Sunday September 5, at 2 PM at St. Mary of the Angels on Miro Street. No documentation is required, and the distribution will take place until supplies run out.

September 2, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Brings Two Disaster Relief Funding Ordinances to the Council that Pass Unanimously

Councilmember Brossett Brings Two Disaster Relief Funding Ordinances to the Council that Pass Unanimously

In today’s emergency meeting, the Council gathered to pass disaster relief funding to be reimbursed by FEMA to begin the recovery process. 


NEW ORLEANS - Today, District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett brought ordinances 33,331 and 33,332 for a vote at the Council’s emergency meeting to discuss Hurricane Ida recovery. The measures to fund disaster relief that will be reimbursed by FEMA were passed unanimously. 

 

September 2, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett, Sheriff Gusman, State Representative Duplessis and the Mayor’s Administration Partner to Provide Emergency Supplies Distribution at Milne Rec Center

Councilmember Brossett, Sheriff Gusman, State Representative Duplessis and the Mayor’s Administration Partner to Provide Emergency Supplies Distribution at Milne Rec Center

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett, in partnership with the Mayor’s Administration, Walmart, Second Harvest Food Bank, Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman, and State Representative Royce Duplessis, will be at the Milne Recreation Center in Gentilly today, September 2, from 2 PM to 5 PM to distribute food, tarps and other emergency supplies to residents impacted by Hurricane Ida.

September 1, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno and Partners to Hold Tarp Distribution Tomorrow, September 2, at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Council President Moreno and Partners to Hold Tarp Distribution Tomorrow, September 2, at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno, State Representative Matthew Willard (District 97), and former State Representative and attorney Juan LaFonta will distribute tarps to residents impacted by Hurricane Ida on Thursday, September 2, from 1 PM to 3 PM at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. No documentation is required.

August 23, 2021

City Council

Council Issues RFP for Experienced Consultant to Assist with Voting District Reapportionment

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council is requesting proposals from qualified firms with experience in redistricting activities to aid with the redesign of its voting districts based on official 2020 Census data.

August 20, 2021

Helena Moreno

Crisis Intervention Strategy Task Force to Hold First Public Meeting on Monday at 1 PM

Crisis Intervention Strategy Task Force to Hold First Public Meeting on Monday at 1 PM

NEW ORLEANS - The Crisis Intervention Strategy Task Force (CISTF) will hold its first meeting on Monday, August 23, at 1 PM to begin building out a citywide effort to reimagine emergency response in New Orleans.

 

August 20, 2021

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Releases Three-Year Report Highlighting Major Accomplishments in District E

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Releases Three-Year Report Highlighting Major Accomplishments in District E

NEW ORLEANS - In her third year since taking office, District "E" Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen has released a special report highlighting some of her proudest accomplishments for the residents and families of District E.

 

August 19, 2021

Jay H. Banks

Councilmember Banks Approves Two Land Use Motions Focusing on Green Infrastructure and Affordable Homeownership Opportunities

Councilmember Banks Approves Two Land Use Motions Focusing on Green Infrastructure and Affordable Homeownership Opportunities

NEW ORLEANS - During today's City Council meeting, District “B” Councilmember Jay H. Banks approved two land use motions that represent significant steps in the right direction toward green infrastructure and affordable homeownership. Zoning Docket 26/21 is the first to require electric vehicle charging stations for a gas station in Mid-City, and the development at 1721 St. Andrew Street in Central City (Zoning Docket 53/21) is a building block that will lead to future affordable homeownership opportunities.

 

August 19, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett’s Resolutions on Student Loan Debt Cancellation and Enhanced Unemployment Benefits Passed Unanimously 

Councilmember Brossett’s Resolutions on Student Loan Debt Cancellation and Enhanced Unemployment Benefits Passed Unanimously 

The resolutions brought to the Council called on the Governor to reinstate Pandemic Enhanced Unemployment Benefits and on President Biden to take swift action to cancel student loan debt.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett received unanimous support from his colleagues and members of the public on resolutions that improve economic conditions amidst the pandemic, which have become direr due to the surge of the Delta variant.

August 19, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Directs Administration to Present Plan to Raise Wages of all City Workers to a Livable Wage

Councilmember Brossett Directs Administration to Present Plan to Raise Wages of all City Workers to a Livable Wage

During today's City Council meeting, the CAO presented a plan to ensure all City workers receive a livable wage, showing several funding options to make it happen. 

 

NEW ORLEANS - In July of this year, District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett introduced Ordinance 33,388, which directed the City to lay out a plan to raise the wages of City workers to at least $15 per hour as quickly as possible. Today, the CAO presented a variety of options to raise the hourly wage of all City employees, including members of the NOFD, some of whom are paid less than $12 per hour. 

August 19, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Requests Budget Include $15 Living Wage for Public Employees

Council President Requests Budget Include $15 Living Wage for Public Employees

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno hosted City of New Orleans Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Gilbert Montaño during today's regular meeting to present a final plan to raise the living wage for City workers to at least $15/hr. The presentation was prompted by Moreno's motion M-21-238, which required a pay analysis of increasing the living wage to $15 within 45 days. CAO Montaño's presentation confirmed that all City workers would receive at least $15, that the Administration was working closely with Civil Service to make the necessary pay plan adjustments, and CAO Montano confirmed to Moreno that the 2022 budget would contain funding for a $15 living wage for all city employees.

 

August 18, 2021

Jay H. Banks

City Council Defers Medical Quiet Zones Ordinance to Future Meeting Date

City Council Defers Medical Quiet Zones Ordinance to Future Meeting Date

NEW ORLEANS - District “B” Councilmember Jay H. Banks, co-author of Ordinance 33,422 regarding the implementation of medical quiet zones, has announced he will be deferring action on the legislation to a future Council meeting.

August 17, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett to Move Forward with Resolution to Call on Governor John Bel Edwards to Reinstate Federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefits

Councilmember Brossett to Move Forward with Resolution to Call on Governor John Bel Edwards to Reinstate Federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefits

NEW ORLEANS - This week, District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett will be introducing a resolution he authored that requests the reinstatement of federal enhanced unemployment benefits. With the rise of the Delta variant, Louisiana is faced with its highest case numbers and hospitalizations since January, and over 152,000 throughout the state are unemployed.

 

August 17, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Calls for CAO and CFO to Attend August Budget Committee Hearing to Present on Usage of NHIF

Councilmember Brossett Calls for CAO and CFO to Attend August Budget Committee Hearing to Present on Usage of NHIF

Councilmember Brossett has requested a presentation regarding the appropriation and employment of NHIF dollars in order to create more transparency regarding the usage of City resources.

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Brossett, Chair of the Budget, Audit, and Board of Review Committee, is requesting the Administration make a presentation at the upcoming Budget Committee Hearing on Wednesday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. to thoroughly review the allocation and application of NHIF dollars.

 

Included in the request he made in June, the Councilmember asked specifically about how the funds will be used to increase access to affordable housing. Additionally, he brought up concerns about access to rental assistance funds due to the increasingly long waitlist to receive relief. 

August 6, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Invites Residents to Break Bread with Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Invites Residents to Break Bread with Brossett

NEW ORLEANS - Join District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett for coffee, light bites, and candid conversations about the quality of life in New Orleans on Saturday, August 7, from 12 PM - 1 PM at PJ's Coffee on Read Boulevard.

August 5, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council Moves Forward with Historic Pardoning of Simple Possession of Marijuana

Council Moves Forward with Historic Pardoning of Simple Possession of Marijuana

NEW ORLEANS - The City Council has passed several major agenda items authored by Council President Helena Moreno to end penalties for small amounts of cannabis possession and pardon roughly ten thousand convictions and pending cases. This will help gain community trust with police and allow New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers to focus their efforts on reducing recent spikes in violent crime. While the Council does not have the authority to legalize recreational marijuana (only the State Legislature can accomplish that), it does have the power to fully decriminalize as it has done today. 

August 5, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Council Passes Legislation Requesting the Federal Government Establish Quiet Zones in Neighborhoods with Railroad Crossings

Council Passes Legislation Requesting the Federal Government Establish Quiet Zones in Neighborhoods with Railroad Crossings

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council passed a resolution (R-21-309) requesting the Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which governs the safety of the nation’s railroad system, to establish a process for quiet zones in an effort to provide relief from the routine sounding of horns to nearby local communities. This process only allows public authorities to create quiet zones, meaning surrounding neighborhoods and residents desiring them are dependent upon local leaders to complete all the necessary steps, which include financing, installing necessary warning signs and required signage, and adequately notifying all involved stakeholders. 

August 3, 2021

Jay H. Banks

Councilmember Banks Urges Residents to Get Vaccinated

Councilmember Banks Urges Residents to Get Vaccinated

NEW ORLEANS - District “B” Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement in response to the alarming increase in COVID-19 cases across the state of Louisiana:

"The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and I urge everyone to do all that they can to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. This virus is real and incredibly personal to me. Like so many New Orleanians, I have lost friends and acquaintances tragically to COVID-19. I strongly support the indoor mask mandates from both Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Governor John Bel Edwards as New Orleans works diligently to stop the spread and flatten the curve.

August 2, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council to Move Forward with Pardoning Simple Possession of Marijuana to Increase Law Enforcement Focus on Curbing Violence

Council to Move Forward with Pardoning Simple Possession of Marijuana to Increase Law Enforcement Focus on Curbing Violence

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno announced her local cannabis decriminalization legislation is moving forward for final approval this Thursday, August 5. The package of legislation pardons thousands of summonses issued by NOPD and creates an innovative “automatic pardon” for any future summonses, functionally removing penalties for small possession of cannabis in New Orleans.

July 30, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Joins Wilcox Academy for 15th Anniversary Celebration and Groundbreaking Event

Councilmember Brossett Joins Wilcox Academy for 15th Anniversary Celebration and Groundbreaking Event

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Jared C. Brossett joined Rochelle Wilcox and Wilcox Academy staff, partnering agencies, and other community leaders today to commemorate 15 years of service and break ground on its new location in Central City.

 

To celebrate this impressive milestone, Wilcox Academy gave away dozens of backpacks full of school supplies to students for the upcoming school year and awarded a pair of $1,000 scholarships to two young men who attended the school when it first opened its doors in 2006.

July 21, 2021

Jay H. Banks

Councilmember Banks Releases Statement on Today’s Veto Session at the Louisiana State Capitol

Councilmember Banks Releases Statement on Today’s Veto Session at the Louisiana State Capitol

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement in response to today’s proceedings at the Louisiana State Capitol:

"During today’s veto session at the Louisiana State Capitol, the House failed to overturn Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of the discriminatory legislation, proposing to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

 

July 21, 2021

Jay H. Banks

Councilmember Banks Releases Statement on Today’s Veto Session at the Louisiana State Capitol

Councilmember Banks Releases Statement on Today’s Veto Session at the Louisiana State Capitol

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement in response to today’s proceedings at the Louisiana State Capitol:

 

"During today’s veto session at the Louisiana State Capitol, the House failed to overturn Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of the discriminatory legislation, proposing to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

 

July 20, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Budget Chair Jared Brossett Issues Statement Regarding Mid-Year Budget Hearings in Response to Administration's Request to Postpone

Budget Chair Jared Brossett Issues Statement Regarding Mid-Year Budget Hearings in Response to Administration's Request to Postpone

NEW ORLEANS - City Council Budget Committee Chair Jared C. Brossett has released the following statement announcing that the Council will still hold its scheduled Mid-Year Budget Hearings:

"It is of the utmost importance that we remain transparent in all of our fiscal management decisions during this public health emergency and recovery. In order to assess the fiscal needs and possible limitations that are currently facing city agencies, the City Council is preparing to hold its first installment of Mid-Year Budget Hearings for the year 2021. To continue moving New Orleans forward, the Council needs the Mayor’s Administration to provide a clear understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the City's recovery efforts as well as the budget.

July 20, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno Issues Statement Regarding Removal of Peaceful Protestors

Council President Moreno Issues Statement Regarding Removal of Peaceful Protestors

"New Orleans will continue to love and accept ALL"
NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno has responded to efforts to remove peaceful protestors from the Louisiana House Chamber during the veto override session of Senate Bill 156, which bans transgender athletes from competing on school sports teams with their identified gender and allows people 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit or safety training.

“As a former legislator, I have seen many protesters in the House Chamber and never seen any removed like this. I view this as a physical manifestation of what some legislators are doing to the transgender community. It’s horrific and sad.” Moreno stated.

July 15, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Issues Statement Following Deferral of Sanitation Fee Suspension Ordinance

Councilmember Brossett Issues Statement Following Deferral of Sanitation Fee Suspension Ordinance

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett has released the following statement in response to the Council's decision to defer Ordinance 33,393 mandating a one-time suspension of monthly sanitation charges:

July 15, 2021

Helena Moreno

City Council Places Library Renewal on November Ballot

City Council Places Library Renewal on November Ballot

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council officially placed the full renewal of the library millage on the November ballot. This 4 mill tax renewal continues the expiring ad valorem tax that supports the operations of the New Orleans Public Library, which was authorized by voters on November 4, 1986, through December 31, 2021. 

If approved by voters, this would authorize the City to levy a special tax of up to 4 mills on all taxable property for a period of twenty years (beginning on January 1, 2022, and expiring on December 31, 2041) with an estimated collection totaling $17,498,020 to support the critical services of New Orleans’ public libraries. 

July 8, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Responds to Statement from Cantrell Administration Regarding Ongoing Sanitation Issues

Councilmember Brossett Responds to Statement from Cantrell Administration Regarding Ongoing Sanitation Issues

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett has released the following statement in response to recent comments by the Cantrell Administration in regards to citywide trash collection issues:  

 

"My office receives several calls daily with complaints regarding trash pick-up, and I know we are not the only ones. Usually collected twice weekly; many of my constituents haven’t had their trash picked up in over a week, with some reporting almost two weeks since their last trash pick-up. This is entirely unacceptable, and as the problem grows, it is getting harder and harder to get back on schedule.

July 7, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett to Address Sanitation Charges and Minimum Wage at Tomorrow's Joint Budget & Public Works Committee Meeting

Councilmember Brossett to Address Sanitation Charges and Minimum Wage at Tomorrow's Joint Budget & Public Works Committee Meeting

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett is holding a special joint Budget and Public Works, Sanitation and Environment Committee Meeting on Thursday, July 8, at 1 PM to consider a one-time suspension of residential sanitation charges and institute a $15 minimum wage for all City employees.

 

Ordinance 33,393 mandates a one-time suspension of monthly sanitation charges for August 2021 to provide residents with a measure of financial relief from inconsistent sanitation pickups citywide. Councilmember Brossett has requested representatives from the Chief Administrative Office, the City’s Law Department, the Department of Sanitation, and other interested parties to participate in the meeting.

July 2, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno and Vice President Glapion Gain Unanimous Support to Require Council Approval and Public Input for Any City Hall Relocation

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the New Orleans City Council unanimously supported legislation requiring public engagement and Council approval for the relocation of City Hall. Despite decades of discussion over relocating City Hall, there has never been an official process developed to do so. This is now a permanent solution ensuring accountability and that all voices are heard.

July 1, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Council Unanimously Approves Higher Pay for City Workers with Passage of Living Wage Ordinance

Council Unanimously Approves Higher Pay for City Workers with Passage of Living Wage Ordinance

NEW ORLEANS - At today's regular meeting, the City Council unanimously passed an amendment to the Living Wage Ordinance, bringing the minimum wage for City Contract workers to $15 per hour by 2023. The increase will be phased in over two years, requiring $13.25 on January 1, 2022, and the full $15 starting January 1, 2023. 

 

Councilmember Jared C. Brossett passed the first-ever Living Wage ordinance in 2015 to ensure that taxpayer dollars extended by the City to private contractors are used in a manner that creates jobs and keeps contracted and subcontracted workers and their families out of poverty.

July 1, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer and Treme Residents Issue Statement After Council Passes ‘Protect Treme Interim Zoning’ Legislation

Councilmember Palmer and Treme Residents Issue Statement After Council Passes ‘Protect Treme Interim Zoning’ Legislation

NEW ORLEANS - Today, District “C" Councilmember Kristin Palmer and Treme residents, community, and business leaders celebrate the approval of the ‘Protect Treme Interim Zoning District’ motion. The motion temporarily stops the Cantrell Administration from moving City Hall into the Municipal Auditorium located inside Louis Armstrong Park. 

 

The Council approved the legislation by Councilmember Palmer today, prohibiting the Department of Safety and Permits from allowing developers to construct government offices, parking lots, or parking garages within Louis Armstrong Park for one year or until the Council votes to remove the measure.

June 30, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Joseph I. Giarrusso

Councilmembers Palmer and Giarrusso Move Forward with the Renaming of Three Public Parks

Councilmembers Palmer and Giarrusso Move Forward with the Renaming of Three Public Parks

Recommendations follow those proposed in final report of the Street Renaming Commission 

NEW ORLEANS - At Thursday’s Council meeting, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer and District “A” Councilmember Joe Giarrusso will introduce several ordinances that, if passed, will rename three parks that were named after confederate or white supremacist leaders. The proposed parks include Washington Artillery Park in the French Quarter, Behrman Park in Algiers, and Palmer Park in Carrollton. 
 
The parks were recommended for renaming after a process carried out by the City Council Street Renaming Commission (CCSRC), which was created by a City ordinance authored by Councilmembers Palmer and Jay H. Banks in June 2020.

 

June 29, 2021

Helena Moreno

annabis Decriminalization Legislation Advances Unanimously

annabis Decriminalization Legislation Advances Unanimously

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Moreno’s cannabis decriminalization legislation passed through the Council’s Criminal Justice Committee unanimously today, June 29. The legislation automatically pardons all future municipal minor possession summonses, pardons more than 10,000 previously charged summonses or convictions, and prohibits public smoking of cannabis to maintain public health standards.

June 29, 2021

Helena Moreno

Councilmembers Moreno and Glapion to Propose Public Process and Council Approval Requirements for City Hall Relocation

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno and Vice President Donna Glapion announced they have pre-filed legislation announcing their intention to require any relocation of City Hall to go through a "conditional use" process with mandatory Council approval.

 

The At-Large Members would require such a process through a text amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO), making any relocation of City Hall subject to the same inclusive, community-centric approach required of other land-use decisions. A motion spelling out these changes was pre-filed for the June 15, 2021, Council Meeting.

June 29, 2021

Helena Moreno

City Council Approval of Full Decriminalization of Simple Possession of Marijuana Begins Today

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - The approval process to end the criminalization of simple possession of marijuana will begin in the Council’s Criminal Justice Committee today, June 29 at 2 p.m.

 

Council President Helena Moreno introduced ordinances to fully decriminalize municipal simple possession of marijuana last month after a recent analysis showed an alarming number of summons written for the charge; 2400 in 2019 with 86% issued to Black people. The NOPD manpower hours associated with these summonses are also problematic. Police are currently required to write reports, have a supervisor review the report and log evidence associated with the summons, which averages about an hour per summons issued. Council President Moreno believes that police manpower can be better utilized focusing on more serious matters than writing pot tickets. 

 

June 24, 2021

Helena Moreno

City Council Approval of Full Decriminalization of Simple Possession of Marijuana Begins Next Week

City Council Approval of Full Decriminalization of Simple Possession of Marijuana Begins Next Week

NEW ORLEANS - The approval process to end the criminalization of simple possession of marijuana will begin in the Council’s Criminal Justice Committee on Tuesday, June 29 at 2 p.m.

 

Council President Helena Moreno introduced ordinances to fully decriminalize municipal simple possession of marijuana last month after a recent analysis showed an alarming number of summons written for the charge; 2400 in 2019 with 86% issued to Black people. The NOPD manpower hours associated with these summonses are also problematic. Police are currently required to write reports, have a supervisor review the report and log evidence associated with the summons, which averages about an hour per summons issued. Council President Moreno believes that police manpower can be better utilized focusing on more serious matters than writing pot tickets. 

June 24, 2021

City Council

Council Advances Plan to Fundamentally Reshape Sewerage & Water Board Power Supply by Building Long-Sought Direct Linkage with Power Utility

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Public Works Chair Joe Giarrusso and Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced the advancement of a plan to build a permanent new power supply for the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) by constructing a $75 million linkage with Entergy New Orleans. The plan, funded directly by the SWBNO, State Capital Outlay dollars, and bond funding, presents a fundamental shift in the way SWBNO powers its drainage and water systems while fixing the generational problem of power reliability from SWBNO aging turbines.

 

June 17, 2021

Joseph I. Giarrusso

Councilmember Giarrusso Receives Unanimous Support for New Affordable Housing Development in Hollygrove

Councilmember Giarrusso Receives Unanimous Support for New Affordable Housing Development in Hollygrove

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council unanimously passed several items authored by District “A” Councilmember Joe Giarrusso approving a plan that will allow the development of 43 affordable housing units in Hollygrove.

The City Council enacted legislation in 2019 that loosened zoning restrictions for developers who build affordable units. The Grove Place development, located at the corner of Earhart Boulevard and Monroe Street, contains a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, all of which will be rented between 20% to 80% AMI.

June 16, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno Announces Task Force To Build Crisis Response Team Framework

Council President Moreno Announces Task Force To Build Crisis Response Team Framework

NEW ORLEANS - Alongside advocates, community stakeholders, and administration officials, Council President Moreno is proud to announce the filing of a formal Council Advisory Task Force focused on creating a model for crisis response in New Orleans.

The 13-member Task Force will be made up of community appointees with relevant expertise and experiences, as well as public safety officials. Members will be selected by August 1, 2021, and Council Advisory Task Force meetings will be open to the public.

June 14, 2021

Jay H. Banks

Councilmember Banks Invites Key Stakeholders to Criminal Justice Committee Meeting Following Pollock Tragedy

Councilmember Banks Invites Key Stakeholders to Criminal Justice Committee Meeting Following Pollock Tragedy

NEW ORLEANS - In a letter sent on Friday, June 11, District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks requested the participation of Chief Judge Herman, Judge Harris & Judicial Administrator Kazik at Wednesday’s upcoming Criminal Justice Committee Meeting to have a discussion clarifying the procedures that determine eligibility for electronic monitoring. 

June 3, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council Unanimously Endorses Crisis Response and Intervention Team Framework

Council Unanimously Endorses Crisis Response and Intervention Team Framework

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council began the process of establishing a non-police Crisis Response and Intervention Team to respond to and help people in mental health crises. Currently, it’s NOPD that handles thousands of mental health calls annually while other cities are now transitioning to more effectively utilizing mental health professionals to respond to these cases instead of police. 

May 26, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno Introduces Ordinances to Fully Decriminalize Local Simple Possession of Marijuana to Help Focus Law Enforcement Priorities on Major Crime

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno introduced ordinances to fully decriminalize municipal simple possession of marijuana. She is also releasing the full report on marijuana summons and equity by City Council analyst Jeff Asher that led to her proposal.

The report shows various samples of data, including that 2400 municipal summons were issued in 2019 with 86% issued to Black people. The manpower hours for writing police reports, supervisor review, and logging of evidence associated with the summons averages about an hour per summons issued. Council President Moreno believes that police manpower can be better utilized focusing on more serious matters than writing pot tickets. 

May 26, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Announces 100% Clean Power Mandate Set for Vote at Wednesday Committee Hearing

Council President Helena Moreno Announces 100% Clean Power Mandate Set for Vote at Wednesday Committee Hearing

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President and Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced the final committee vote on the Council's Renewable and Clean Portfolio Standard (RCPS), which would end emissions from Entergy New Orleans power generation by 2050, reaching net-zero emissions in 2040. Entergy New Orleans would be required to serve New Orleans customers with 100% clean power thereafter.

 

"This new policy will begin a rapid transition towards clean and renewable energy and away from fossil fuels. We simply can't wait - we must take strong climate action today. I believe that this climate action plan is bold, obtainable, and most importantly swift," said Council President Moreno. "With these rules, New Orleans will be the first territory in the gulf south and among the national leaders in confronting the generational challenge of climate change and helping secure a 100% clean and more resilient power future for us all.”

May 6, 2021

District At-Large 1

Council Calls for Further Study of Health Disparities to Identify Solutions for Disproportionately Affected Communities

Council Calls for Further Study of Health Disparities to Identify Solutions for Disproportionately Affected Communities

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the Council welcomed Health and Equity Strategists for the New Orleans Health Department Dr. Torrie T. Harris and Dr. Maurice G. Sholas of emPOWER NOLA to discuss the link between historical policy and current health inequities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have deemed both structural and interpersonal racism as fundamental causes of health disease disparities, finding a direct correlation between communities with greater risk of poor health outcomes and access to quality care and treatment options. Citing the national data, today’s presentations provided a historical analysis of predominantly black communities across New Orleans, highlighting centuries-long health and social inequities that have put many racial and ethnic minorities at increased risk of disease. 

May 4, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Welcomes Plan for Limited Reopening of Council Chamber this Month

Council President Helena Moreno Welcomes Plan for Limited Reopening of Council Chamber this Month

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Community Development Committee heard a central staff presentation requested by Council President Helena Moreno to reopen the Council's Chamber for in-person public meetings. The plan, approved by the City's Chief Health Officer, Dr. Jennifer Avegno, allows for a maximum capacity of 30-40 members of the public and requires face coverings for all attendees. Council Chambers has also been modified and outfitted with plexiglass safety barriers and social distancing mitigations to help protect attendees.

May 4, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Advances Decriminalization of Fentanyl Testing Strips, a "Life-Saving Tool"

Council President Helena Moreno Advances Decriminalization of Fentanyl Testing Strips, a "Life-Saving Tool"

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno advanced her legislation to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips, a widely supported harm reduction measure to save lives in New Orleans. Fentanyl-laced drugs are one of the leading causes of overdoses in New Orleans and throughout the country. Testing strips to determine the presence of fentanyl are currently banned by the City Code.

 

April 30, 2021

Jay H. Banks

Councilmember Banks Encourages Local Businesses to Apply for Restaurant Revitalization Fund

Councilmember Banks Encourages Local Businesses to Apply for Restaurant Revitalization Fund

NEW ORLEANS -  The Small Business Administration announced the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), on Tuesday, April 27, and District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks is showing his support. The fund was created as part of the American Rescue Plan Act so that restaurants and other eligible businesses could get funding to keep their doors open. The RRF also includes specific requirements to ensure equitable distribution to small business concerns owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged applicants.

April 28, 2021

City Council

City Council Responds to Recent Comments by Representative Raymond E. Garofalo, Jr. on the “Good” of Slavery

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council has sent a letter to Representative Raymond E. Garofalo, Jr. on behalf of all seven members responding to recent comments referencing the “good” of slavery. As stated in the letter, the Council refers to Representative Garofalo's statement, saying, "suggesting there was some 'good' within the immoral evil of slavery as practiced in this country is reprehensible. There is no equivocation or relativism possible within the dark history of this institution. Any attempts to excuse these realities is not only wrong but unforgivable."

 

April 25, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno to Highlight Racial Inequities in Cannabis Enforcement at Criminal Justice Committee

Council President Moreno to Highlight Racial Inequities in Cannabis Enforcement at Criminal Justice Committee

NEW ORLEANS - During the Council’s Criminal Justice Committee meeting tomorrow morning, members will hear historical and analytical perspectives on cannabis enforcement in New Orleans brought forth at the request of Council President Helena Moreno. The presentation by the Vera Institute’s Will Snowden and Council Criminal Justice Analyst Jeff Asher will highlight the persistent racial inequities in cannabis enforcement and the harm those inequities pose to communities of color.

April 22, 2021

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Nguyen Shares Meeting Materials from Six Flags RFQ Respondents Community Listening Session

Councilwoman Nguyen Shares Meeting Materials from Six Flags RFQ Respondents Community Listening Session

NEW ORLEANS - Yesterday evening, Councilwoman Nguyen hosted a Six Flags RFQ Respondents Community Listening Session, where the three shortlisted respondents provided a video introduction and PowerPoint presentation then accepted public comment regarding the presentations. The public comment received will be summarized in a document submitted to the Selection Review Committee for the RFQ, and some of the questions will be included in a questionnaire the respondents will complete as part of the final selection process. 

April 20, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno to Open Proceedings for Potential Penalties Against Entergy after Receiving Report from Utility Advisors

Council President Moreno to Open Proceedings for Potential Penalties Against Entergy after Receiving Report from Utility Advisors

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President and Utilities Chair Helena Moreno signaled her intention to bring forward a prudence investigation of Entergy New Orleans’ (ENO) actions around the 2021 Mardi Gras Blackout, or load shedding event. Moreno did so after formally receiving a preliminary report from the Council’s expert utility team outlining initial findings of critical technical and operational issues within the ENO’s real-time response to the event.

April 16, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer and Partners Cancel Algiers Clean Sweep Event Due to Inclement Weather

Councilmember Palmer and Partners Cancel Algiers Clean Sweep Event Due to Inclement Weather

NEW ORLEANS - District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) and Crescent Towing announced today that "Algiers Clean Sweep" is canceled tomorrow,  Saturday, April 17, due to inclement weather. Councilmember Palmer is working with organizers to come up with another date to host the clean-up event in Algiers. 

April 15, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

You're Invited to Coffee with Kristin

You're Invited to Coffee with Kristin

NEW ORLEANS - Join District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer for a virtual Coffee and Conversations on Tuesday, April 20 at 8:30 AM. Bring your questions and concerns as she will be available and open to discuss various topics for District “C” residents. See below for meeting details.

April 14, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer and Partners Announce Changes to Drive-Thru Food Pantry Schedule

Councilmember Palmer and Partners Announce Changes to Drive-Thru Food Pantry Schedule

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer announced today that the drive-thru food pantry in Algiers will be held every other Friday beginning this week. Due to the growing number of residents receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations and more people returning to work, Councilmember Palmer and Second Harvest Food Bank will reduce the number of weekly food pantries in District C. For the remainder of April, they will host only one food pantry in Algiers on Friday, April 23 at the Arthur Monday Center. This Friday, April 16, they will not host a food pantry in Algiers. 

April 8, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer and Partners to Host Drive-Thru Food Pantry on Friday and Saturday

Councilmember Palmer and Partners to Host Drive-Thru Food Pantry on Friday and Saturday

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host two drive-thru food pantries this week for residents impacted by COVID-19 thanks to a continued partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and Culture Aid NOLA.The food distributions will take place on Friday, April 9, in Algiers and Saturday, April 10, in Treme.

April 6, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno Files Resolution Backing Decriminalizing of Marijuana Possession in Louisiana

Council President Moreno Files Resolution Backing Decriminalizing of Marijuana Possession in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno filed a resolution with five coauthors in support of efforts in the state legislature to decriminalize the possession and use of marijuana in Louisiana. Moreno supported such efforts as a legislator and has continued advocacy around decriminalization since becoming a New Orleans City Councilmember. 

 

According to the Tax Foundation 16 states and Washington, DC have legalized recreational marijuana. Twelve states impose taxes. Legislation in Louisiana has been filed by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers showing the growing support for

April 5, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer and Partners Invite Residents to Participate in Bi-annual Algiers Clean Sweep Event

Councilmember Palmer and Partners Invite Residents to Participate in Bi-annual Algiers Clean Sweep Event

NEW ORLEANS - District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF), and Crescent Towing are partnering to host "Algiers Clean Sweep" on Saturday, April 17.

March 25, 2021

Jay H. Banks

City Council and NOPD Move Forward with Establishment of Designated Safe Zones at District Police Stations

City Council and NOPD Move Forward with Establishment of Designated Safe Zones at District Police Stations

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular City Council meeting, Councilmembers unanimously adopted resolution R-21-114 urging the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) to designate clearly marked “Safe Exchange Zones” at district stations to provide residents with a reasonably safe and public area to conduct legal, private transactions from online marketplaces or internet purchases. 

March 23, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett and Partners to Host Food Pantry in Ninth Ward

Councilmember Brossett and Partners to Host Food Pantry in Ninth Ward

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank and St. Mary of the Angels Church to host a food pantry for residents and families experiencing food insecurity or hardships due to COVID-19 on Friday, March 26, at 9:30 AM at St. Mary of the Angels Church.

 

March 22, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Backs Effort to Cap Assessment Increases on Residential Property

Council President Helena Moreno Backs Effort to Cap Assessment Increases on Residential Property

NEW ORLEANS - Last week, Council President Helena Moreno released a letter of support strongly backing the effort by State Representative Matthew Willard to ask voters to constitutionally cap residential property valuation increases to 10% a year. The proposed constitutional amendment, if passed by the legislature and subsequently approved by voters, would cap property value increases to help prevent the erosion of affordable housing in New Orleans. 

March 22, 2021

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Nguyen Releases Additional Information on Six Flags RFQ Responses

Councilwoman Nguyen Releases Additional Information on Six Flags RFQ Responses

NEW ORLEANS - During the Selection Review Committee meeting for the Six Flags, RFQ held on Tuesday, March 16, broad overviews of the respondents' submittals were provided and discussed orally during the meeting, but the full scope of each proposal was not fully outlined or discussed in depth. 

 

More details on the shortlist submitted proposals are given below for additional transparency and information surrounding the RFQ selection process. Residents should be reminded that due to the nature of this RFQ and resulting shortlist, the proposals submitted during the first round of the RFQ may not be the final proposals submitted by each respondent, and are subject to change as the second stage of the RFQ process progresses. 

 

March 18, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Kristin Palmer and Partners to Host Food Distribution and Voter Registration Drive in Algiers Friday

Councilmember Kristin Palmer and Partners to Host Food Distribution and Voter Registration Drive in Algiers Friday

     Drive-Thru Food Pantry to Start at Later Time

NEW ORLEANS - In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, Culture Aid NOLA, and Clerk of Criminal District Court, Arthur Morrell, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host a (drive-up and walk-up) food pantry in Algiers on Friday, March 19 at 10 AM for residents impacted by COVID-19. For this Friday only, Arthur Morrell's office will be on-site for a voter registration drive for Orleans Parish residents. Culture Aid NOLA will host a second food pantry in Treme on Saturday, March 20, at 10 AM. 

March 18, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Issues Statement on Stimulus Money and Creation of Stimulus Command Task Force

Council President Helena Moreno Issues Statement on Stimulus Money and Creation of Stimulus Command Task Force

NEW ORLEANS - City Council President Helena Moreno has released the following statement in regards to federal stimulus aid and the establishment of a new Stimulus Command Task Force:

March 16, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Council Budget Committee to Review Pandemic Impact on Local Industries and Businesses at Tomorrow's Meeting

Council Budget Committee to Review Pandemic Impact on Local Industries and Businesses at Tomorrow's Meeting

NEW ORLEANS - The City Council’s Budget Committee will review sales tax receipts from various industries to display the pandemic's major impact on local businesses on Wednesday, March 17, at 10:30 AM. The report to be presented at Tuesday’s meeting was requested by Budget Chair Jared Brossett and Council President Helena Moreno. This meeting is part of the ongoing efforts of the full Council and Mayor’s team working toward recovery.

March 11, 2021

Helena Moreno

Entergy New Orleans Notifies Council That Mardi Gras Blackout Now Even Larger Than Previously Revealed

Entergy New Orleans Notifies Council That Mardi Gras Blackout Now Even Larger Than Previously Revealed

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced a Utilities Committee hearing on Tuesday, March 16, to discuss yesterday’s revelation by Entergy New Orleans that blackouts on Mardi Gras night unnecessarily affected, not 81MW of load as previously reported, but in fact a total of 105MW.

March 3, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council Leads $1 Billion Lawsuit Against Entergy Over Grand Gulf Nuclear Station Reliability Concerns

Council Leads $1 Billion Lawsuit Against Entergy Over Grand Gulf Nuclear Station Reliability Concerns

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council has joined the Louisiana Public Service Commission and the Arkansas Public Service Commission (together the “Retail Regulators”) to file a complaint at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) against Entergy Corporation, Entergy Services, Inc., Entergy Operations, Inc. and System Energy Resources, Inc. (together “Entergy”). 

The Retail Regulators are seeking refunds and rate reform related to over $1 billion in costs imposed on Entergy customers across New Orleans, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi due to Entergy’s poor management of the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station.

February 23, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Jared Brossett Calls Emergency Preparedness and Cybersecurity Special Committee Meeting on March 2

Councilmember Jared Brossett Calls Emergency Preparedness and Cybersecurity Special Committee Meeting on March 2

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Jared C. Brossett and colleagues will receive a comprehensive update on the COVID-19 pandemic during the next City Council Emergency Preparedness and Cybersecurity Special Committee meeting on March 2 at 1 PM.

Col. Terry Ebbert, USMC Ret., Director of Public Safety and Homeland Security, and the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security will share information about how the City addresses special events during COVID-19. Additionally, he will discuss plans for a citywide mass vaccination program and provide any other relevant information related to the City’s COVID-19 response.

February 23, 2021

Helena Moreno

Utilities Chair Helena Moreno to Order Independent Investigation After Entergy Reveals 3x as Many Customers Shut-Off in Mardi Gras Evening Blackout as Necessary

Utilities Chair Helena Moreno to Order Independent Investigation After Entergy Reveals 3x as Many Customers Shut-Off in Mardi Gras Evening Blackout as Necessary

NEW ORLEANS - Today, during a hearing of the Joint Utilities and Public Works Committees, Entergy New Orleans revealed that more than 25,000 customers were shut off during the MISO ordered blackout last Tuesday night, totaling nearly 81MW of load, when only 26MW was required.

 

February 22, 2021

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Orders Investigation of Power Infrastructure to Prevent Catastrophic Failures Seen in Texas

Council President Helena Moreno Orders Investigation of Power Infrastructure to Prevent Catastrophic Failures Seen in Texas

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced the launch of a Council inquiry into the level of weatherization in Entergy power production infrastructure to protect ratepayers from winter weather disruptions similar to those in Texas. 

 

In Texas, preliminary reports show that lack of weatherization caused the failure of natural gas, coal, wind and nuclear power generation. To prevent this type of catastrophe in our area, Chair Moreno has ordered the Council utility advisors to assess plants owned or partly owned by Entergy that serve New Orleans then issue a report on the status of weatherization. Based on that report, additional action by the Council may be taken. A letter informing Entergy New Orleans CEO David Ellis of this weatherization assessment was sent last Friday.

 

February 11, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer Calls on City Planning Commission to Consider Revoking the Conditional Use for the Hard Rock Development

Councilmember Palmer Calls on City Planning Commission to Consider Revoking the Conditional Use for the Hard Rock Development

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council approved a request to the City Planning Commission (CPC) to consider revoking the Conditional Use ordinance for the Hard Rock development located in downtown New Orleans.

District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer authored the motion (M-21-69), which directs the CPC to conduct a public hearing to consider revoking the conditional use for 1031 Canal Street, where the Hard Rock construction site collapsed in 2019, killing Anthony Magrette, Jose Ponce Arreola, and Quinnyon Wimberly.

February 8, 2021

Jay H. Banks

Councilmember Jay H. Banks Releases Statement in Response to Recent Allegations

Councilmember Jay H. Banks Releases Statement in Response to Recent Allegations

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement in response to recent incidents and allegations in the local media:

 

"I've been clear in my support of the process. This summons is standard procedure, and I vigorously defend every citizen's right to approach such matters in the manner defined by society and by law. I will continue to pray for Belden. I have known him for years and believed him to be in crisis. That belief has been confirmed by a sadly distorted recounting of events that included profanity and threats from him. 

February 4, 2021

Helena Moreno

Councilmembers Moreno and Giarrusso File Notice for Full Renewal of Library Millage

Councilmembers Moreno and Giarrusso File Notice for Full Renewal of Library Millage

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno and Councilmember Joe Giarrusso announced the filing of a full renewal of the expiring 3.14 millage that supports the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL). The notice provides for a vote in the election held on October 9, 2021. The millage renewal, which extends the current millage for nineteen additional years, was first authorized in 1986. It is one of two millages that directly support the operations of the NOPL.

February 4, 2021

Jared C. Brossett

Budget Committee Approves $11.6M in Federal Funding for Emergency Rental Assistance Program; Full Council to Consider Next Week

Budget Committee Approves $11.6M in Federal Funding for Emergency Rental Assistance Program; Full Council to Consider Next Week

NEW ORLEANS - The Council's Budget Committee recommended approval today of $11.6M in federal funding for the City’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

The rental assistance funding is part of the recently passed federal Coronavirus relief bill. Congress approved the Coronavirus Relief Fund in late 2020. The fund, administered by the US Treasury, provides $25B in Emergency Rental Assistance funding to local governments. Cities with populations of at least 200,000 can apply directly to the US Treasury for rental assistance funding. The City applied and received an $11.6M allocation.

February 1, 2021

City Council

New Orleans City Council Now Accepting Applications for Open Fiscal Officer Position

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - The City Council is currently accepting applications for a highly qualified, responsible and professional individual to fill the unclassified position of Council Fiscal Officer. This individual will assist the Council in its role as the budgeting authority of municipal government in Orleans Parish, and will work closely with the central staff, Council Budget Chair and Budget Committee members and staff, as well as Executive Branch budget and financial officials.

January 29, 2021

City Council Members, City Council

Donna Glapion Sworn in as New At-Large City Councilmember

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council held a private swearing-in ceremony to officially welcome Councilmember-At-Large Division 2 appointee Donna Glapion following her confirmation during Thursday's regular meeting. Councilmember Glapion will assume her duties immediately and will serve through the remainder of former Councilmember and newly-elected District Attorney Jason Williams' term.

January 28, 2021

Helena Moreno

New Orleans City Council Welcomes New Interim Member Donna Glapion

New Orleans City Council Welcomes New Interim Member Donna Glapion

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council voted to appoint Donna Glapion, New Orleans civic and community leader, to serve as interim Councilmember At-Large for the remainder of former Councilmember Jason Williams’ term. 

January 22, 2021

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Nguyen Encourages Residents Engagement in Community Development and Criminal Justice Committee Meeting on Jan. 25

Councilwoman Nguyen Encourages Residents Engagement in Community Development and Criminal Justice Committee Meeting on Jan. 25

NEW ORLEANS - Councilwoman Nguyen encourages residents to participate in the joint Community Development and Criminal Justice Committee meeting of the New Orleans City Council. This will be a virtual meeting on Monday, January 25, 2021, starting at 10:00 AM.

January 20, 2021

Helena Moreno

*REMINDER* Applications to Serve as Interim New Orleans City Councilmember Close Today at 5 PM

*REMINDER* Applications to Serve as Interim New Orleans City Councilmember Close Today at 5 PM

NEW ORLEANS - The deadline for members of the public to apply for the vacant interim City Council seat is today, January 20, by 5 PM. The selected candidate will serve for the remainder of the term of former Councilmember At-Large Jason Williams, who is now officially sworn in as the City’s new District Attorney.

 

Qualified New Orleanians interested in taking on this role may visit council.nola.gov/interim to apply and submit a resume. As a reminder, anyone who serves as interim Councilmember At-Large may not run for that position in the Fall 2021 elections.

January 14, 2021

Helena Moreno

In Major Victory for Tax Fairness, Council Votes to Deny Remaining Four Folgers Tax Exemptions

In Major Victory for Tax Fairness, Council Votes to Deny Remaining Four Folgers Tax Exemptions

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Council completed votes to deny the final four remaining tax exemptions requested by Folgers. Last month, the Council voted to deny two others, meaning all six requested are now rejected. The Orleans Parish School Board also voted against all six applications last month. 

January 11, 2021

Jason Rogers Williams

City Council President Helena Moreno Announces Opening of Applications to Serve as Interim Councilmember

City Council President Helena Moreno Announces Opening of Applications to Serve as Interim Councilmember

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno has now received official notice of vacancy from Council Vice President Jason Williams effective today, January 11, 2021, at 11 AM.

January 10, 2021

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer Congratulates Council President Jason Williams Ahead of His Swearing-in Ceremony as Orleans Parish District Attorney

Councilmember Palmer Congratulates Council President Jason Williams Ahead of His Swearing-in Ceremony as Orleans Parish District Attorney

Requests special Council Meeting to address crime

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer has released the following statement congratulating her former colleague Jason Williams on his inauguration to the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office and requests special Council meeting to address recent crime incidents:

 

January 4, 2021

Cyndi Nguyen

COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available at New Orleans East Pharmacies in Limited Supply

COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available at New Orleans East Pharmacies in Limited Supply

NEW ORLEANS - COVID-19 vaccinations are now available in limited supply at certain pharmacies in the City of New Orleans this week. 

Eligible individuals are limited to:

  • People 70 and older;
  • Individuals in end-stage renal disease facility personnel and patients; 
  • Ambulatory and outpatient health care workers;
  • Home agency patients and workers; and 
  • Schools of allied health students, residents and staff.

December 17, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Nguyen Teams Up with Local Partners to Serve First Responders on Christmas Day

Councilwoman Nguyen Teams Up with Local Partners to Serve First Responders on Christmas Day

NEW ORLEANS - To honor first responders who will protect and serve our City on Christmas Day, Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen is joining the New Orleans Nightmare women’s football team, New Orleans Crescent City VooDoux Women’s Basketball Team will deliver holiday gift baskets to the New Orleans Police Department district stations, New Orleans Fire Department stations, and the New Orleans EMS Headquarters on Christmas morning.  

December 17, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Applauds Denial of Two Corporate Giveaways, Pushes for Additional Denials in January

Council President Helena Moreno Applauds Denial of Two Corporate Giveaways, Pushes for Additional Denials in January

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno has issued the following statement in reaction to the Council's vote to deny two of Folgers’ ITEP applications and defer four to the January meeting. Moreno authored resolutions to deny all six applications to prioritize money going to public safety instead of a tax break to an $8B corporation.  

December 14, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Joins City Partners to Celebrate Revitalization of St. Bernard Avenue and Enhancements to Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club

Councilmember Brossett Joins City Partners to Celebrate Revitalization of St. Bernard Avenue and Enhancements to Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club

NEW ORLEANS - Thanks to the ongoing support of Councilmember Jared C. Brossett and Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Vaucresson Sausage broke ground on their new redevelopment project at 1800 St. Bernard Avenue on Friday, December 11. This exciting project will return the property to commerce as a kitchen and restaurant and provide for two permanently affordable rental properties in the process. 

December 10, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Announces Over $1M in Utility Ratepayer Savings Through Reducing Consultant Costs and Local Hiring

Councilmember Moreno Announces Over $1M in Utility Ratepayer Savings Through Reducing Consultant Costs and Local Hiring

NEW ORLEANS – Today, Council Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced new results from an ongoing, multi-year effort to build local capacity for utility regulation and reduced reliance on outside advisors.

For years, the public and advocacy groups have pushed to reduce the amount of ratepayer money paid to outside advisors to regulate Entergy New Orleans, but no cost-cutting measures were implemented until Councilmember Moreno authored sweeping changes for oversight and payment.

December 8, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Introduces CROWN Act to Combat Racial Discrimination

Councilmember Moreno Introduces CROWN Act to Combat Racial Discrimination

NEW ORLEANS – Councilmember Helena Moreno has introduced legislation to prohibit discrimination in the workplace, in housing and public accommodations based on the way Black women choose to wear their hair. According to recent national studies, Black women are 50% more likely to be discriminated against or lose their jobs due to simply the style of their hair, whether it be natural, braids or other choices.

December 4, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Jared Brossett, NOLA Tree Project & City of New Orleans to Host "The Big TREEsy Giveaway" of 700 Free Trees on Saturday, Dec. 5

Councilmember Jared Brossett, NOLA Tree Project & City of New Orleans to Host "The Big TREEsy Giveaway" of 700 Free Trees on Saturday, Dec. 5

NEW ORLEANS - Tomorrow, December 5, from 8 AM - 11:30 AM, the NOLA Tree Project and the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways will host "The Big TREEsy Giveaway" to provide 700 free trees to Orleans Parish residents. During the event, each individual will receive one free tree with 35 types of trees available to choose from (please note: these are not Christmas trees). Residents will be required to show a picture ID and will have the option to purchase an extra tree for just $15.

December 2, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer and Partners to Host Drive-Thru Food Pantry on Friday and Saturday

Councilmember Palmer and Partners to Host Drive-Thru Food Pantry on Friday and Saturday

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and Culture Aid NOLA, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host two drive-up food pantries for residents impacted by Hurricane Zeta and COVID-19. The food distributions will take place on Friday, December 4, in Algiers, and Saturday, December 5, in Treme. 

 

November 20, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Councilmember Jason Williams & Orleans Public Defenders Win Long Battle for Parity for Public Defenders with 2021 City Budget Amendment

Councilmember Jason Williams & Orleans Public Defenders Win Long Battle for Parity for Public Defenders with 2021 City Budget Amendment

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Jason Williams was proud to join allies from the Orleans Public Defenders’ Office (OPD) today for a press conference to discuss approval of a historic City Budget amendment relative to funding parity for OPD and the District Attorney (DA) in the coming year.

November 20, 2020

Jay H. Banks

City Council Establishes Framework for Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Policy

City Council Establishes Framework for Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Policy

NEW ORLEANS - With the passage of Cal No 33,128, the complete framework for New Orleans' Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning policy is in place. Implementing the Smart Housing Mix has been a years-long process, one that the City will actively continue to work on – up to and even after this policy takes effect on July 1, 2021. With the structure complete, the policy can be reviewed and updated in full context. 

November 19, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Jared Brossett Issues Statement on Adoption of 2021 City Budget Following Today's Council Meeting

Councilmember Jared Brossett Issues Statement on Adoption of 2021 City Budget Following Today's Council Meeting

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember and Budget Committee Chair Jared Brossett has released the following statement regarding the approval of the 2021 City Budget:

 

"Today, the New Orleans City Council adopted a 2021 budget that Mayor LaToya Cantrell believes best positions the City of New Orleans for the upcoming new year. 

November 19, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Councilmember Jason Williams and Public Defender's Office to Hold Press Conference on Approval of Budget Parity Amendment TOMORROW, Nov. 20 at 10:30 AM

Councilmember Jason Williams and Public Defender's Office to Hold Press Conference on Approval of Budget Parity Amendment TOMORROW, Nov. 20 at 10:30 AM

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Jason Williams has rescheduled today's press conference to discuss the Council's approval of a historic 2021 City Budget amendment relative to parity for the Public Defender's Office and District Attorney (DA) for tomorrow, Nov. 20, at 10:30 AM.

November 19, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Wins Inclusion of Police Accountability Dashboard, Public Broadband Pilot, and Wage Protections for City Workers in 2021 Budget

Councilmember Moreno Wins Inclusion of Police Accountability Dashboard, Public Broadband Pilot, and Wage Protections for City Workers in 2021 Budget

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmember Moreno applauded the inclusion of a number of critical advancements in the 2021 City Budget. Despite facing significant headwinds due to revenue losses from the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Council approved critical equity and economic justice priorities in the budget. These include an initial investment of $3m in the build-out of public internet access, funding a public-facing NOPD officer accountability dashboard, and a resolution protecting city workers making under $35k from wage loss due to furloughs. 

November 19, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer and Partners to Host Drive-Thru Food Pantry on Friday and Saturday

Councilmember Palmer and Partners to Host Drive-Thru Food Pantry on Friday and Saturday

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and Culture Aid NOLA, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host two drive-up food pantries for residents impacted by Hurricane Zeta and COVID-19. The food distributions will take place on Friday, November 20, in Algiers and Saturday, November 21, in Treme. 

November 18, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

A Message from Councilmember Brossett Regarding the New Capdau Home for the Aged

A Message from Councilmember Brossett Regarding the New Capdau Home for the Aged

NEW ORLEANS- Three years after approving its development, I take immense pride in the reality of the Capdau Home for the Aged at the original Pierre A. Capdau School site at 3821 Franklin Ave. 

 

The Capdau school site has a tremendous past, but now it has an even brighter future as a home for one of New Orleans' most valued resources.  

November 17, 2020

Helena Moreno

Statement from Councilmember Moreno as Congressman Richmond Transitions to White House

Statement from Councilmember Moreno as Congressman Richmond Transitions to White House

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno has issued the following statement congratulating Congressman Cedric Richmond on his transition to the White House:

 

"I’d like to thank Congressman Cedric Richmond for his exceptional and ongoing service to our state and our country. While he will be missed as our representative to the US Congress, I know his new position will afford an even greater opportunity to serve our communities and help build a stronger nation for us all. 

November 16, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

NOLA Tree Project to Host its Annual Big TREEsy Giveaway in District "E"

NOLA Tree Project to Host its Annual Big TREEsy Giveaway in District "E"

NEW ORLEANS - NOLA Tree Project will host their annual Big TREEsy Giveaway in District "E" on Saturday, November 21, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. This event, sponsored by Councilwoman Nguyen and Entergy, will giveaway 500 free trees to Orleans Parish residents. Limit one tree per household, with additional trees available for purchase at $15 each. Residents must present a picture ID to claim their tree, and there will be more than 20 types of trees available. 

November 16, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett to Host Free Drive-Thru Turkey Giveaway on Friday, November 20

Councilmember Brossett to Host Free Drive-Thru Turkey Giveaway on Friday, November 20

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with Walmart, Councilmember Jared C. Brossett will host his annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Friday, November 20, beginning at 9 AM at St. Mary of the Angels Church at 3501 N. Miro St.

 

Councilmember Brossett will giveaway 250 free turkeys and thousands of pounds of food items to community members in need during this holiday season.

 

This year's turkey giveaway will be drive-thru only to ensure the safety of our volunteers, staff, and event participants. Attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles and open their trunk to allow volunteers to easily place items inside. Please note that only one turkey and bag of groceries will be given away per vehicle. Turkeys will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. We appreciate your understanding in advance. 

November 13, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

City of New Orleans to Honor The New Orleans Four on the 60th Anniversary of Desegregation

City of New Orleans to Honor The New Orleans Four on the 60th Anniversary of Desegregation

NEW ORLEANS - On Saturday, November 14, the 60th Anniversary of Desegregation, the City of New Orleans will honor civil rights pioneers, The New Orleans Four - Leona Tate, Ruby Bridges, Tessie Prevost, and Gail Etienne in recognition of their courageous and selfless dedication to equal educational opportunity for children of color. All four of the Civil Rights Pioneers have been invited to receive the city's highest honor. The ceremony will celebrate the Pioneers in song, citations, and proclamations, with Mayor LaToya Cantrell presenting them with the key to the city. The event will begin at 10:30 am in front of Gallier Hall, located at 545 St. Charles Ave.

November 12, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

New Orleans District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Partners to Clear Seven Blighted Lots and Dumping Sites During Algiers Clean Sweep Initiative

New Orleans District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Partners to Clear Seven Blighted Lots and Dumping Sites During Algiers Clean Sweep Initiative

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with the City’s Department of Code Enforcement and Algiers Economic Development Foundation, District “C” Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will clear seven blighted and vacant lots as part of the Algiers Clean Sweep initiative, a new community-led effort to clean-up Algiers.

November 5, 2020

Helena Moreno

City Council Extends Council Cares $400 Utility Assistance Program Through End of Year

City Council Extends Council Cares $400 Utility Assistance Program Through End of Year

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the New Orleans City Council extended the “City Council Cares” (CCC) program until the end of the year. The CCC program, authorized by the Council this past summer, provides $400 of direct utility assistance payments for Entergy New Orleans (ENO) customers who faced wage losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 7,700 customers have taken advantage of the program, with more than $3m already authorized for payment. 

November 4, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer and Community Partners to Host Algiers Clean Sweep; Crews Will Clear Five Blighted Properties in Algiers

Councilmember Palmer and Community Partners to Host Algiers Clean Sweep; Crews Will Clear Five Blighted Properties in Algiers

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Algiers Economic Development Foundation, and JUGS Krewe of NOMTOC will host Algiers Clean Sweep, a community-led effort to clean-up every neighborhood in Algiers and reduce the number of blighted properties. Algiers Clean Sweep will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Several organizations, neighborhood groups, and volunteers have partnered with Councilmember Palmer to provide volunteers, food, and cleaning supplies to make Algiers Clean Sweep a success.

October 21, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council Drops Temporary Injunction Against Secretary of State After He Concedes to Misinterpretation of Election Code

Council Drops Temporary Injunction Against Secretary of State After He Concedes to Misinterpretation of Election Code

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the New Orleans City Council, represented by their Executive Counsel Adams Swensek, dropped a temporary injunction against the Secretary of State after his court filings admitted he misinterpreted the law regarding allowable locations to drop off absentee ballots. The Council will continue to pursue a request for a declaratory judgment against the Secretary to make perfectly clear moving forward what is allowable under the election code.

 

"What we thought was going to be an impactful and common sense move to have locations to drop off absentee ballots around the city has turned into a bizarre and head-scratching episode with the Secretary of State. Fortunately, on behalf of voters we've achieved a win today with an admission that absentee ballots can be delivered to locations other than just the Registrar's Office. The Council will not be deterred when it comes to fighting for voter accessibility, and we won't back down when policies that restrict ballot access for our people are being enacted," said Council Vice President Helena Moreno.

October 16, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

*REMINDER* Councilmember Palmer Partners with RIDE New Orleans and Roll to the Polls to Offer Free RTA Transit Passes During Early Voting Today at 4 PM

*REMINDER* Councilmember Palmer Partners with RIDE New Orleans and Roll to the Polls to Offer Free RTA Transit Passes During Early Voting Today at 4 PM

NEW ORLEANS- District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer has partnered with Ride New Orleans and Roll to the Polls to giveaway 750 Regional Transit Authority (RTA) day passes during early voting. The RTA transit passes will give voters the ability to access all public transportation modes to ensure they can get to the polls to early vote.

 

In June 2020, the RTA adopted a policy to waive all transit fares on an election day, but it does not include early voting. RIDE New Orleans and Roll to the Polls are working to ensure early voters who rely on public transportation can get to the polls. During early voting, October 16 thru October 27, volunteers will provide free day passes at transit hubs. Councilmember Palmer and partners will kick off their initiative on the first day of early voting, today, October 16, at 4 PM by handing out bus passes at Duncan Plaza Historical Monument Park, the RTA downtown transit hub.

October 15, 2020

Joseph I. Giarrusso

Councilmembers Joseph I. Giarrusso III and Jay H. Banks Lead Ordinance Reducing Conditional Use Fees for Established Multi-family Residences

Councilmembers Joseph I. Giarrusso III and Jay H. Banks Lead Ordinance Reducing Conditional Use Fees for Established Multi-family Residences

NEW ORLEANS -  Today, Thursday, October 15, the New Orleans City Council passed an ordinance reducing conditional use application fees for established multi-family homes.


This ordinance, led by Councilmembers Joseph I. Giarrusso III and Jay H. Banks, creates an easier pathway for families seeking to bring their generational homes back into commerce.

"There are three ways government can kill development: study it, delay it or make it too expensive. We should be making things easier and better for everyone, and this new fee structure does just that," said Councilmember Giarrusso. "These reduced fees allow the city to provide services that help families re-establish multi-family homes without spending thousands of dollars in application fees."

Originally, fees for established multi-family conditional uses were based on square footage. Those fees ranged from $1,160 to $4,640, based on the size of the structure. Now, applications for established double- and multi-family residences cost $500. Any increase in floor area is an additional $200, totaling a $700 application fee for these expanded established structures.

October 15, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer to Introduce a Resolution Authorizing New Orleans Bars to Reopen with Guidelines from the City's Health Department

Councilmember Palmer to Introduce a Resolution Authorizing New Orleans Bars to Reopen with Guidelines from the City's Health Department

NEW ORLEANS- Resolution (R-20-356) by District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer notifies Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards that New Orleans is opting into on-site alcohol and food consumption at local bars. The resolution formally authorizes the reopening of bars under the New Orleans Health Department Phase 3 guidelines and Governor Edwards's September 11 proclamation. 

October 15, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

*REMINDER* District E to Hold Drive-Thru Jingle on the Boulevard

*REMINDER* District E to Hold Drive-Thru Jingle on the Boulevard

NEW ORLEANS - This year, Christmas will look a little different in District "E" and across the entire City of New Orleans. Our annual holiday traditions, along with many aspects of our daily life, will need to change due to COVID-19. For the last two years, Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen and partners have put on the Jingle on the Boulevard Parade in District E, with the inaugural Jingle Ball in 2019. According to Councilwoman Nguyen, while her office fully intends to host that event again in the future, right now they are pivoting to keep families and friends safe this holiday season.  

October 15, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer to Host Two Food Pantries in District C Friday and Saturday

Councilmember Palmer to Host Two Food Pantries in District C Friday and Saturday

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and Culture Aid NOLA, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host two food pantries for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19 on October Friday,16, and Saturday 17. No documentation is required to receive a food pantry box, and walk-ups are welcome. Volunteers are also needed to continue food distribution sites. If you would like to assist, call (504) 658-1030 between Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

October 14, 2020

Helena Moreno

City Council Wins Temporary Restraining Order Against Secretary of State in Ballot Drop-Off Suit

City Council Wins Temporary Restraining Order Against Secretary of State in Ballot Drop-Off Suit

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Judge Rachael Johnson of the Orleans Parish Civil District Court granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Louisiana Secretary of State's directive prohibiting the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters from accepting ballots at remote drop-off locations. Earlier this afternoon, the City Council approved the filing of a lawsuit against the Secretary of State on behalf of voters in New Orleans. The order will remain in effect until the preliminary injunction hearing next Wednesday, October 21, 2020. 

October 13, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

*REMINDER* Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen to Host Virtual Coffee & Conversation on Saturday, Oct. 17

*REMINDER* Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen to Host Virtual Coffee & Conversation on Saturday, Oct. 17

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen will host her next Coffee & Conversation event this Saturday, Oct. 17, from 12 - 1:30 PM. Residents are encouraged to tune in virtually via the Zoom information provided below:

October 13, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer Partners with RIDE New Orleans and Roll to the Polls to Offer Free RTA Transit Passes During Early Voting

Councilmember Palmer Partners with RIDE New Orleans and Roll to the Polls to Offer Free RTA Transit Passes During Early Voting

NEW ORLEANS- Today, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer announced a partnership with Ride New Orleans and Roll to the Polls to giveaway 750 Regional Transit Authority (RTA) day passes during early voting. The RTA transit passes will give voters the ability to access all public transportation modes to ensure they can get to the polls to early vote.

October 13, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council Vice President Helena Moreno Announces Special Council Meeting to Consider Suit Against Secretary of State Over Lack of Ballot Drop Locations

Council Vice President Helena Moreno Announces Special Council Meeting to Consider Suit Against Secretary of State Over Lack of Ballot Drop Locations

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Vice President Helena Moreno announced the New Orleans City Council would hold a special meeting to consider filing a lawsuit challenging the Secretary of State's decision to limit access to absentee ballot curbside drop off locations. The Secretary has declared that absentee ballots may only be returned to the registrar of voters' office in New Orleans and that no further ballot drop off locations may be allowed.

October 8, 2020

Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee, Helena Moreno

Utilities Chair Helena Moreno Announces Agreement that Ends Rate Case Litigation

Utilities Chair Helena Moreno Announces Agreement that Ends Rate Case Litigation

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Utilities Committee Chair Helena Moreno announced the committee approval of an agreement to end Entergy New Orleans' pursuit of litigation over last year's rate order.


"Last year, this Council lowered customers' Entergy rates for the first time in a decade," said Councilmember Moreno. "As a result of our rate order, Entergy New Orleans sued the Council in an attempt to stop implementation. Today's agreement ends that lawsuit and leaves the Council's rate order completely intact, preserving the hard-won gains for ratepayers that included lower rates, green power options, freezing the minimum charge, and setting a more reasonable profit margin for the company."

October 7, 2020

District C, Kristin Gisleson Palmer

District C Food Pantries Canceled This Week Due to the Potential Threat of Hurricane Delta

District C Food Pantries Canceled This Week Due to the Potential Threat of Hurricane Delta

 

NEW ORLEANS- In anticipation of the threat of Hurricane Delta to Southeast Louisiana, Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will not host this week's food pantries in District C. The two food pantries canceled this week were scheduled for Friday, October 9, at the Arthur Monday Center and Saturday, October 10, at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. Councilmember Palmer, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, World Central Kitchen, and Culture Aid NOLA have provided the drive-up food pantries for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19 since March. 

October 2, 2020

District E, Cyndi Nguyen

District E to Hold Drive-Thru Jingle on the Boulevard

District E to Hold Drive-Thru Jingle on the Boulevard

NEW ORLEANS - This year, Christmas will look a little different in District "E" and across the entire City of New Orleans. Our annual holiday traditions, along with many aspects of our daily life, will need to change due to COVID-19. For the last two years, Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen and partners have put on the Jingle on the Boulevard Parade in District E, with the inaugural Jingle Ball in 2019. According to Councilwoman Nguyen, while her office fully intends to host that event again in the future, right now they are pivoting to keep families and friends safe this holiday season.  

 

October 1, 2020

City Council Street Renaming Commission

City Council Street Renaming Commission Launches Comprehensive Website with Initial Recommendations and Platform for Public Input

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - The City Council Street Renaming Commission (CCSRC) has unveiled a comprehensive website with its preliminary list of streets, parks and public places honoring Confederate soldiers and white supremacists to be considered for renaming, as well as informational resources and public comment forms encouraging members of the community to provide feedback and further engage in the process. 

September 18, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Helena Moreno Issues Statement on Passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Councilmember Helena Moreno Issues Statement on Passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno has released the following statement in response to the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:

September 17, 2020

City Council

Council Adopts Resolution Requesting Alternative Option to Phase III Construction of New Jail Facility

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the Council adopted Resolution R-20-308 requesting that the City Attorney and Mayor's Administration make all reasonable and appropriate efforts to identify other alternatives to the new $51 million Phase III jail facility. 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the finances of the City and thousands of its residents, forcing large event cancellations that continue to this day. Recent reports estimate these disruptions will have a $1.2 billion impact on the City, requiring local officials to make exceedingly difficult decisions about the services it can provide to its residents in the foreseeable future.

September 17, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer to Host Two Drive-Thru Food Pantries in Algiers and Treme

Councilmember Palmer to Host Two Drive-Thru Food Pantries in Algiers and Treme

NEW ORLEANS- In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host two food pantries for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19 on Friday, September 18 and Saturday 19. No documentation is required to receive a food pantry box, and walk-ups are welcome. Volunteers are also needed to continue the emergency food distribution sites. If you would like to assist, call (504) 658-1030 between Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.

September 16, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Recognizes Hispanic Heritage and Health Month by Promoting Community Resources and Emphasizing Importance of Following COVID-19 Guidelines

Councilmember Moreno Recognizes Hispanic Heritage and Health Month by Promoting Community Resources and Emphasizing Importance of Following COVID-19 Guidelines

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno, in partnership with the Cantrell Administration and the Hispanic Outreach Task Force, will recognize Hispanic Heritage and Health Month 2020 from September 15 to October 15. Typically known as Hispanic Heritage Month, the observance will look a bit different this year and highlight key health resources, first-person accounts, and essential resources to address the disparate impact COVID-19 has had on the Hispanic community.  

September 11, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer Issues Statement Regarding the City's French Quarter Pedestrianization Plans

Councilmember Palmer Issues Statement Regarding the City's French Quarter Pedestrianization Plans

NEW ORLEANS- District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer issues the following statement regarding Mayor LaToya Cantrell's plans to make the French Quarter more pedestrian centric:

"As a long-time advocate for safer, more equitable streets and public spaces, I have welcomed the Mayor's efforts to reimagine a French Quarter with reduced motor vehicle traffic and increased access for pedestrians and bicyclists. 

September 10, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Criminal Justice Committee Takes on Tear Gas Ban, No-Knock Warrants and Jail Size Reduction During Today's Meeting

Criminal Justice Committee Takes on Tear Gas Ban, No-Knock Warrants and Jail Size Reduction During Today's Meeting

NEW ORLEANS - The Council's Criminal Justice Committee met today to discuss and move closer to implementing several significant legislative priorities aimed at improving the City's criminal legal system.

As it's first major agenda item, the Committee engaged court officials, respected experts and local advocates as part of the one-year review of the Aged Debt and Warrant Clearance Legislation (Ordinance 32,776 & Resolution R-19-370). The Committee, and all parties present today, formally affirmed their commitment to continue to work together to address the outdated policies around Aged Debt and Warrant Clearance, which have inequitably prevented New Orleanians from passing background checks, being hired for quality jobs, obtaining their driver licenses, and more. 

September 3, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Council Urges Local & National Agencies to Prioritize Recovery Over Immigration Enforcement Following Hurricane Laura

Council Urges Local & National Agencies to Prioritize Recovery Over Immigration Enforcement Following Hurricane Laura

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the Council adopted Resolution R-20-284 by Councilmembers-At-Large Jason Williams and Helena Moreno requesting that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field offices protect public safety and prioritize recovery and rebuilding over immigration enforcement in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. 

September 2, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer to Continue Drive-Thru Food Pantries in District C Until Further Notice

Councilmember Palmer to Continue Drive-Thru Food Pantries in District C Until Further Notice

NEW ORLEANS- Despite a reduction in emergency federal funding, Second Harvest Food Bank will continue to provide food for the weekly food pantries hosted by District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer until further notice. However, beginning this week, families and individuals will be required to share income and household size to ensure families meet the income threshold. 

September 2, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Authors Resolution Backing Use of Arenas as Voting Locations

Councilmember Moreno Authors Resolution Backing Use of Arenas as Voting Locations

NEW ORLEANS - Tomorrow, Councilmember Helena Moreno will introduce a resolution petitioning the Secretary of State and other officials to support the Smoothie King Center or Superdome as a voting and/or early voting location for the November 3rd election. 

"The right to vote is sacred, and we must do all we can to ensure everyone can safely and easily vote this November," said Councilmember Moreno. "Opening large spaces like the arena for voting helps preserve social distancing and other public health measures. That grows confidence in the process and helps put voter concerns at ease. It's the right thing to do and can help demonstrate our commitment to prioritizing the preservation of voting rights."

September 2, 2020

Jay H. Banks

A Message From Councilmember Banks Regarding Suspension of Weekly COVID-19 Food Pantry

A Message From Councilmember Banks Regarding Suspension of Weekly COVID-19 Food Pantry

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement regarding the suspension of his weekly COVID-19 food pantries:

"After serving many thousands of community members over the last five months, the District B Drive-Up Food Pantry has been suspended, hopefully only temporarily. When the circumstances change, and we are able to secure additional resources, we will resume the distributions. In the meantime, we remain committed to getting vital resources to our neighbors, and we're looking forward to supporting other community efforts.

September 2, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Nguyen Shares District E Development Progress After the 15th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

Councilwoman Nguyen Shares District E Development Progress After the 15th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

NEW ORLEANS - This weekend, with the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, many are looking back over the past 15 years and gauging redevelopment and progress. Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen would like to share information on progress in District E, the Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans East, Fort Pike, and Venetian Isles since she took office as a City Councilmember on May 8, 2018:

September 1, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Announces Changes to Donations of Toiletry Items and Clothes for Hurricane Laura Victims

Councilmember Moreno Announces Changes to Donations of Toiletry Items and Clothes for Hurricane Laura Victims

NEW ORLEANS - Due to the overwhelming response over the past few days of donations of toiletry and other essential items to United Way of SELA, the non-profit has hit capacity to collect items. Anyone who would like to donate these items for Hurricane Laura victims can still do so at Second Harvest Food Bank.

August 30, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Nguyen Responds to Nola.com via Statement to Residents of Lower Ninth Ward

Councilwoman Nguyen Responds to Nola.com via Statement to Residents of Lower Ninth Ward

NEW ORLEANS - Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen has issued the following statement in response to an article published yesterday on Nola.com, which quoted a conversation out of context regarding the permeation of unhealthy foods such as fried chicken in the Lower Ninth Ward: 

August 29, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Requests Donations of Toiletry and Essential Items for Laura Victims Sheltering in New Orleans

Councilmember Moreno Requests Donations of Toiletry and Essential Items for Laura Victims Sheltering in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno's Office and the Mayor's Office are partnering with United Way of Southeast Louisiana to collect toiletry and essential items to assist thousands of Laura victims who are sheltered in numerous New Orleans hotels. Volunteers completed close to 2000 bags with toiletries for evacuees at the Sheraton and Marriott today, but more supplies are needed.

August 27, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer and Partners to Host Food Pantries This Friday and Saturday

Councilmember Palmer and Partners to Host Food Pantries This Friday and Saturday

NEW ORLEANS- District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer would like to remind residents that she will host two food pantries for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19 on Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29. On Friday, the food pantry will be held at the Arthur Monday Center in Algiers and on Saturday, at the Mahalia Jackson. 

August 26, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Council President Jason Williams Provides Updates for Residents in Advance of Hurricane Laura

Council President Jason Williams Provides Updates for Residents in Advance of Hurricane Laura

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Jason Williams is encouraging residents to take final preparedness measures as Hurricane Laura approaches landfall. 

"As a city that has been through uncertain times before, we know that the best thing we can do now is being prepared. Though recent reports show that New Orleans is not in the storm's direct path, we cannot let our guards down until Laura fully passes. We pray for our neighbors to the west," said Councilmember Williams. "Be sure to follow @nolaready for updates, and I'll continue to share information and resources on my pages as well. Stay safe everyone!"

August 20, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Council Approves Historic Ordinance to Establish Funding Parity for Public Defender's Office and Passes Resolution to Address Unfairness of Court Fee Collection

Council Approves Historic Ordinance to Establish Funding Parity for Public Defender's Office and Passes Resolution to Address Unfairness of Court Fee Collection

NEW ORLEANS - Following favorable support from the Criminal Justice Committee, the full Council approved two measures during today's regular meeting, delivering on a commitment to thoughtfully examine the City's criminal legal system for opportunities to reduce inequity. 

August 19, 2020

Helena Moreno

Final Vote on Renaming Jefferson Davis Parkway after Norman C. Francis to Take Place Tomorrow at Noon

Final Vote on Renaming Jefferson Davis Parkway after Norman C. Francis to Take Place Tomorrow at Noon

NEW ORLEANS - During tomorrow's regular meeting, the New Orleans City Council will consider a final ordinance to rename Jefferson Davis Parkway to Norman C. Francis Parkway. Ordinance 33,004 is scheduled to be discussed at approximately 12 noon. 

 

"Removing the vestiges of Jim Crow from our public spaces is essential work. It does not solve our problems, but it is a small part of healing our society's wounds. This change, driven by a community-led petition, supported by five current or former New Orleans Mayors, US Senator and Vice-Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Congressmen, State Senators and even national figures like Stevie Wonder, is just the beginning of our work to defeat and dismantle systems and symbols of white supremacy and racism," said Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno.

August 17, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Criminal Justice Committee Reviews Ordinances to Establish Funding Parity for the Public Defender's Office and Address the Unfairness of Court Fees Collection

Criminal Justice Committee Reviews Ordinances to Establish Funding Parity for the Public Defender's Office and Address the Unfairness of Court Fees Collection

NEW ORLEANS - Today's City Council Criminal Justice Committee meeting opened with consideration of a resolution addressing the collection of fines and fees in Criminal District Court. This "user pay" system has existed as a means to fund the system for generations. During the past several decades, significant amounts of money have been extracted from the poorest New Orleanians serving no real public safety benefit but rather increasing the wage gap.

August 17, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Introduces Measures to Lower Taxes for Consumers and Homeowners During Pandemic Economy

Councilmember Moreno Introduces Measures to Lower Taxes for Consumers and Homeowners During Pandemic Economy

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno, in partnership with the Cantrell Administration, filed a millage resolution lowering the overall ad valorem, or property, tax rates for New Orleanians. This is the second tax relief bill aimed at reducing burdens and increasing equity for New Orleanians during the economic crisis, as Councilmember Moreno is also moving legislation to exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from local City sales tax.

August 12, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Proposes "Pink Tax" Exemption for New Orleans, Lowering Prices on Diapers & Feminine Hygiene Products

Councilmember Moreno Proposes "Pink Tax" Exemption for New Orleans, Lowering Prices on Diapers & Feminine Hygiene Products

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Helena Moreno has filed an ordinance to exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from local sales taxes, lowering the costs for these essential items during the pandemic-induced economic downturn. Unlike many other essential health products that are available tax-free, feminine health products like tampons and diapers are not exempt from taxation, enacting an unnecessary premium on products mostly bought by women as a part of daily life. 

August 11, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer to Host Virtual Meeting to Discuss French Quarter Pedestrianization

Councilmember Palmer to Host Virtual Meeting to Discuss French Quarter Pedestrianization

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host a virtual meeting to discuss pedestrianization plans for the French Quarter. The public meeting will give residents an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns about the City's process of exploring the idea of making the French Quarter more pedestrian-centric. 

August 6, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council Unanimously Advances Planning Process for Citywide WiFi Network

Council Unanimously Advances Planning Process for Citywide WiFi Network

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the New Orleans City Council unanimously advanced a measure authored by Council Utilities Chair Helena Moreno directing the Council Utility Regulatory Office (CURO) study and report back on a plan to implement a citywide WiFi network.

August 5, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer and Partners to Host Two Drive-up Food Pantries This Week

Councilmember Palmer and Partners to Host Two Drive-up Food Pantries This Week

 

NEW ORLEANS- District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, World Central Kitchen and Culture Aid Nola will host two food pantries  this week for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19. There are two locations, the Arthur Monday Center on the Westbank in Algiers (Friday, August 7) and the Mahalia Jackson Theatre (Saturday, August 8) on Basin Street. Since March, the food pantries have provided more than 348,780 pounds of food and 76,000 individual meals to residents across the city. 

August 3, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council Vice President Helena Moreno Begins Process to Explore Possibility of Citywide WiFi

Council Vice President Helena Moreno Begins Process to Explore Possibility of Citywide WiFi

NEW ORLEANS - Utility Committee Chair and Council Vice President Helena Moreno has sponsored a motion designed to expand internet access across the City and find the best approach to creating public WiFi for New Orleans. The motion will be considered at Thursday's Council meeting.

July 29, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Criminal Justice Committee Reviews New Ordinances and Community Safety and Racial Disparity Dashboards

Criminal Justice Committee Reviews New Ordinances and Community Safety and Racial Disparity Dashboards

NEW ORLEANS - Yesterday, the Criminal Justice Committee held its July regular meeting. The meeting centered on a progressive agenda to reduce exposure to COVID-19 through the justice system and lessen opportunities for racial and ethnic disparities in justice system interactions. Council Public Safety Analyst, Jeff Asher, opened the meeting presenting newly created Community Safety and Racial Disparity public information dashboards.

July 16, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer Continues Weekly Food Pantries and Announces New Location on Saturdays

Councilmember Palmer Continues Weekly Food Pantries and Announces New Location on Saturdays

NEW ORLEANS - In continued partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, World Central Kitchen and Culture Aid Nola, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will host food pantries for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19 every Friday and Saturday through the month of July. There will be two locations, the Arthur Monday Center on the Westbank in Algiers on Fridays and a new location on the Eastbank at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre on Saturdays.

July 15, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Jay H. Banks

Councilmembers Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Jay H. Banks Provide Details Regarding Newly-Established Street Renaming Commission

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council Street Renaming Commission, an advisory committee created to initiate a public engagement process to consider renaming certain streets, parks, and public places in New Orleans that honor white supremacists, held their first meeting. The Council approved the motion authored by Councilmembers Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Jay H. Banks to establish the Commission during a regular meeting on June 18.

July 15, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Jay H. Banks

Councilmembers Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Jay H. Banks Provide Details Regarding Newly-Established Street Renaming Commission

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council Street Renaming Commission, an advisory committee created to initiate a public engagement process to consider renaming certain streets, parks, and public places in New Orleans that honor white supremacists, held their first meeting. The Council approved the motion authored by Councilmembers Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Jay H. Banks to establish the Commission during a regular meeting on June 18.

July 15, 2020

Jay H. Banks

Frontline Workers COVID-19 Hazard Pay Rebate Program Applications Open Today

Frontline Workers COVID-19 Hazard Pay Rebate Program Applications Open Today

NEW ORLEANS - Councilman Jay H. Banks is urging eligible workers to apply for the Frontline Workers COVID-19 Hazard Pay Rebate Program. Applications for the program open today, July 15, and will remain open through October 31, 2020. The program is administered by the Louisiana Department of Revenue, and the application can be found at frontlineworkers.la.gov .

July 14, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Advances Measure to Clean Up Abandoned Payphones in New Orleans Neighborhoods

Councilmember Moreno Advances Measure to Clean Up Abandoned Payphones in New Orleans Neighborhoods

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council Utilities Committee advanced a measure authored by Councilmember Helena Moreno to finally clean up blighted and abandoned payphones in our neighborhoods. A major payphone franchise holder allowed their franchise - or "right" to place their equipment on City property - to expire last September. Now, the Council is moving to direct the City to clean up this blight. 

July 13, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Issues Statement on Developments at 1031 Canal Demolition

Councilmember Moreno Issues Statement on Developments at 1031 Canal Demolition

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno has released the following statement in response to the upcoming removal of the bodies of Jose Ponce Arreola and Quinnyon Wimberly from the Hard Rock Hotel wreckage: 

"Today, as demolition at 1031 Canal continues, we learned that the bodies of 63-year-old Jose Ponce Arreola and 36-year-old Quinnyon Wimberly will soon be removed from the wreckage of 1301 Canal.

July 9, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Jared Brossett Provides Latest Legislative Updates and Accomplishments

Councilmember Jared Brossett Provides Latest Legislative Updates and Accomplishments

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Brossett is proud to announce several significant updates for his district and the entire City of New Orleans, including the following legislative and land use accomplishments: 

 

July 9, 2020

Jay H. Banks

Councilmember Banks and Colleagues to Introduce Ordinance Creating New City Council Equity Committee

Councilmember Banks and Colleagues to Introduce Ordinance Creating New City Council Equity Committee

NEW ORLEANS  - At this week's New Orleans City Council Community Development Committee meeting, the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce (NORBCC) provided an overview of longstanding disparities, further exacerbated by COVID-19, that impact New Orleans citizens and small businesses.

July 6, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

New Criminal Justice Advisory Committee to Review Allocation of City Resources

New Criminal Justice Advisory Committee to Review Allocation of City Resources

NEW ORLEANS - During the last regular meeting the New Orleans City Council unanimously voted to create the Jerome "Big Duck" Smith Justice System Advisory Committee. The Committee will examine the allocation of City resources across the entirety of our local justice system to make recommendations on investments and associated policy priorities. Seven of the eleven committee members must have experience assisting historically marginalized groups navigate the justice system or advocating for reforms to help eliminate institutional racism. The other four members are City representatives involved in budgeting and public safety decision-making, thus ensuring day-to-day decision-makers receive continuous community input. 

July 6, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

FREE FOOD PANTRY FOR JULY 6 CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

FREE FOOD PANTRY FOR JULY 6 CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

NEW ORLEANS - Today's free food pantry in partnership with Pastor Tyrone G. Jefferson and Abundant Life Tabernacle Church has been canceled due to inclement weather. Councilmember Jared Brossett to announce a rescheduled date. 

July 3, 2020

Jay H. Banks

City Council Approves Four Land Use Items to Renew New Orleans' Housing Stock

City Council Approves Four Land Use Items to Renew New Orleans' Housing Stock

NEW ORLEANS - At yesterday's regular meeting, the City Council approved four land use items that will bolster New Orleans's housing availability, each in different but significant ways. Councilmember Jay H. Banks has been consistently committed to this steady approach of reactivating existing housing stock and creating new opportunities close to jobs. These positive steps were made with the support of the full Council, including Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso's tactful approval of four units of established multi-family housing in District A and Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer's recognition of the importance of historic and affordable tax credits.

July 2, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

City Council Unanimously Adopts Resolution Supporting Free RTA Rides on Election Day

City Council Unanimously Adopts Resolution Supporting Free RTA Rides on Election Day

NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution R-20-220, voicing its support of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Board of Commissioners who recently declared free transportation days for all future citywide election days in Orleans Parish. 

July 1, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno Announces Official Launch of $22M City Council Cares (CCC) Entergy Bill Assistance Program

Councilmember Moreno Announces Official Launch of $22M City Council Cares (CCC) Entergy Bill Assistance Program

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced the formal launch of the "City Council Cares" bill assistance program, which provides up to $100 a month of Entergy bill assistance for New Orleanians that have faced job or wage losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill credits last for four months and not only come at no cost to other ratepayers, serve to offset future costs that would have been passed on to all due to the economic downturn. Those offset costs, therefore, save all ratepayers money over time.

June 29, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

District C Drive-Thru Food Pantries Cancelled This Week Due to Fourth of July Holiday

District C Drive-Thru Food Pantries Cancelled This Week Due to Fourth of July Holiday

NEW ORLEANS - Due to the closure of Second Harvest Food Bank in observance of the Fourth of July holiday, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will not host food pantries this week. Food pantries scheduled in District C for Friday, July 3, at Arthur Monday Center and Saturday, July 4 at Holy Angels, are cancelled this week. Both food pantries will resume the following week. 

June 29, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

New Facebook Live Series "Do You kNO-LA?" to Educate and Entertain Listeners Second Saturday of Each Month

New Facebook Live Series "Do You kNO-LA?" to Educate and Entertain Listeners Second Saturday of Each Month

NEW ORLEANS - On the second Saturday each month broadcast over Facebook Live, Courtney Mpagi, resident of District E and host of "Do you kNO-LA?" will lead contestants through three rounds of questions with a chance to win different prizes each round. The final round will be a cash grand prize round. It will be fun and interactive, with the viewing audience having a chance to win prizes as well. 

June 28, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

District E Virtual Summer Camp Beginning Monday, June 29

District E Virtual Summer Camp Beginning Monday, June 29

NEW ORLEANS - Join Councilwoman Nguyen and her staff as they host a virtual summer camp experience for children in the city. This camp will take place via Zoom at bit.ly/DistrictEVirtualSummerCamp. 

 

See graphic below for additional details. 

June 23, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer Releases Annual Report to Reflect on Accomplishments During Second Year in Office

Councilmember Palmer Releases Annual Report to Reflect on Accomplishments During Second Year in Office

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer has released her annual report (May 2019 - May 2020), which provides a review of legislative achievements, new initiatives, and significant milestones throughout her district. The report highlights legislative accomplishments that have improved the lives of New Orleanians, such as overhauling the City's Short Term Rental program, updating laws to improve the safe operation of businesses selling alcohol, and clearing a 15-year blighted building in Algiers.

June 18, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams, Helena Moreno

New Orleans City Council Calls for New Public Database on Police Misconduct

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - At today's regular meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution R-20-175, supporting the creation of a public-facing database by the Independent Police Monitor (IPM) to increase community engagement, ensure timely data collection, and provide heightened transparency of local law enforcement encounters to create additional accountability. Building and maintaining community trust is the cornerstone of successful policing, and by expanding efforts to collect and publicly provide comprehensive data on the use of force and disciplinary action for law enforcement officers, the Council hopes to take one step closer toward achieving that. 

June 17, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Moreno to Introduce Ordinance Officially Renaming Jefferson Davis Parkway to Doctor Norman Francis Parkway

Councilmember Moreno to Introduce Ordinance Officially Renaming Jefferson Davis Parkway to Doctor Norman Francis Parkway

NEW ORLEANS - At the conclusion of tomorrow's regular City Council meeting, Council Vice President Helena Moreno will introduce an ordinance co-authored by all seven Councilmembers that would legally rename Jefferson Davis Parkway to Doctor Norman Francis Parkway. The instrument, entered for "first read" tomorrow, will then be ready for passage within the next 60 days when the City Planning Commission (CPC) returns its report on the street name change request sent by Councilmembers Moreno and Williams last week. 

June 15, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

District D Assures No Disruption to the Continuous Representation of Constituents

District D Assures No Disruption to the Continuous Representation of Constituents
NEW ORLEANS - Despite recent events, the New Orleans City Council District D office, which has some of the longest-tenured staff in the Council, will have no disruption to its continuous representation of the residents in the areas that it serves.

 

This means Councilmember Brossett's staff will continue their normal duties of responding to constituent calls, emails, concerns and requests, attending neighborhood association meetings and planning COVID-19 relief efforts, including free mask giveaways and food distributions that have been occurring since March to provide relief to individuals and families impacted by the pandemic.

June 15, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Council President Jason Williams Releases Statement on Arrest of Councilmember Brossett

Council President Jason Williams Releases Statement on Arrest of Councilmember Brossett

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Jason Williams has issued the following statement in response to the recent arrest of fellow Councilmember Jared Brossett:

June 15, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council Vice President Helena Moreno Issues Statement on Crash Involving Councilmember Brossett

Council Vice President Helena Moreno Issues Statement on Crash Involving Councilmember Brossett

NEW ORLEANS - City Council Vice President Helena Moreno has released the following statement in response to the recent arrest of District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett this past weekend:

June 15, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council Vice President Helena Moreno Releases Statement in Response to Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court Decision

Council Vice President Helena Moreno Releases Statement in Response to Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court Decision

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno issued the following statement reacting to the Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County:

June 14, 2020

City Council Members

Councilmembers Issue Statement on Removal and Dumping of the John McDonough Statue

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - City Councilmembers Jay H. Banks, Jared C. Brossett, Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Cyndi Nguyen have released the following statement in response to the removal of the John McDonough Statue in Duncan Plaza: 

June 9, 2020

City Council Members

District Councilmembers to Introduce Legislation Creating an Advisory Committee to Rename Streets, Parks, and Places that Glorify White Supremacy

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Districts "A" through "E" New Orleans City Councilmembers will introduce a motion (M-20-170) during the next regular meeting on Thursday, June 18, establishing the City Council Street Renaming Commission, an advisory committee to run a public process for making recommendations to rename streets, parks, and places in New Orleans that honor white supremacists. 

June 9, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Councilmember Jason Williams Announces Plans to Create New Advisory Committee to Examine Allocation of City Resources

Councilmember Jason Williams Announces Plans to Create New Advisory Committee to Examine Allocation of City Resources

NEW ORLEANFollowing the recent deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Amaud Arbery, cities nationwide are coming to terms with necessary systemic reforms to decrease opportunities for police violence against people of color.

 

June 6, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams, Helena Moreno

Community Petition to Rename Jefferson Davis Parkway Surpasses 10,000 Signatures

Seal of the City of New Orleans

 

NEW ORLEANS The original petition, begun by Mark Raymond of the A.P. Tureaud Sr. Legacy Committee, requesting that Jefferson Davis Parkway to be renamed Norman C. Francis Parkway has surpassed 10,000 community signatures in just four days. 

 

June 5, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams, Helena Moreno

Five New Orleans Mayors Write Powerful Op-Ed in Support of Renaming Jefferson Davis Parkway

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Today, five New Orleans Mayors - LaToya Cantrell, Mitch Landrieu, Marc Morial, Sidney Barthelemy and Moon Landrieu - published a powerful op-ed supporting the initiative by Councilmembers Helena Moreno and Jason Williams to rename the current Jefferson Davis Parkway for Dr. Norman C. Francis. 

They write, in part:

June 4, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams, Helena Moreno

Councilmembers Moreno and Williams Announce Beginning of Renaming Process for Jefferson Davis Parkway

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmembers Moreno and Williams announced they would jointly author a motion to begin the process of renaming Jefferson Davis Parkway at the June 18th City Council Meeting. Jefferson Davis Parkway, a main artery that travels across several core New Orleans neighborhoods, is named after the former President of the Confederate States of America.

June 3, 2020

Helena Moreno

City Council to Approve Landmark $22M in Direct Bill Assistance for Unemployed Entergy Customers

City Council to Approve Landmark $22M in Direct Bill Assistance for Unemployed Entergy Customers

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council is poised to approve the creation of a $22M direct bill assistance program for unemployed Entergy customers. The fund represents the largest single local source of direct assistance available to New Orleanians. 

June 2, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Announces New Facebook Live Schedule

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Announces New Facebook Live Schedule

NEW ORLEANS - Since the start of COVID-19, keeping the community informed has been a top priority of District "E" Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen's. She has routinely hosted her special Facebook Live every Sunday through Monday at 7 PM to provide COVID-19 updates and connect with residents to better understand community needs.

June 2, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Nguyen Partners with JOB1 to Provide Youth Work Experiences in District E

Councilwoman Nguyen Partners with JOB1 to Provide Youth Work Experiences in District E

NEW ORLEANS - The JOB1 Summer Work Experience Program is a partnership between JOB1 and other organizations that allow young adults ages 14-24 to do career exploration. The seven-week summer program, shorter than the traditional Work Experience program that runs year-round, exposes participants to both soft and hard skills needed in the workplace with on-the-job experience. 

May 30, 2020

Helena Moreno

Due to Massive Response for 10K Mask Giveaway, Council Vice President Helena Moreno Announces Plans for Another Currently Underway

Due to Massive Response for 10K Mask Giveaway, Council Vice President Helena Moreno Announces Plans for Another Currently Underway

NEW ORLEANS - City Council Vice President Helena Moreno and a team of 100 volunteers handed out 10,000 masks at locations all around the city. The demand was so high that in several locations, people began lining up two hours early. Unfortunately, due to the large number of people seeking masks, some locations ran out within the first hour.

May 30, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams, Helena Moreno

Council President Jason Williams and Vice President Helena Moreno Urge Legislature to Restore CARES Act Funding Intended for Local Governments

Seal of the City of New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS Due to a recent amendment on SB 189 on the House floor this week, the City of New Orleans could lose at least $50M of funding from the CARES Act. This means SB 189, which has now passed the House and Senate in its current form would:

  • Redirect $300 million of the State's $811M of CARES Act funding intended for local governments to businesses;
  • Shorten the time period for eligible expenses (Congress intended to cover local governments through December but the Louisiana Legislature is shortening to September); and
  • Expand bureaucracy by mandating the Legislator Auditor play additional role of expenditure review.

May 29, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilmember Nguyen Encourages Innovation in Graduation Ceremonies for Seniors

Councilmember Nguyen Encourages Innovation in Graduation Ceremonies for Seniors

PJ's on Read Blvd. to hold special ceremony for Class of 2020 

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen is applauding all the families who have set up drive-thru graduation celebrations or car parades, and schools who have found ways to ensure students still get their diplomas and the recognition they deserve during COVID-19. Even local churches have honored seniors in their congregation, and now several businesses are also stepping up to congratulate this year's graduates.

May 29, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilmember Nguyen Announces Taco and Water Distribution to Show Appreciation for Essential City Workers

Councilmember Nguyen Announces Taco and Water Distribution to Show Appreciation for Essential City Workers

NEW ORLEANS - On June 2, the District E office will join Sharp Men NOLA, Motivation Team, Level Water, Dario Construction, Verizon, and Reaching for the Stars to provide a complimentary lunch of tacos and water to employees at the City's Sanitation Department, Parks and Parkways, Fire Department, and New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Department, to show appreciation for their countless efforts as it relates to COVID-19 and continuing a positive quality of life for residents.
 

May 21, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Council Approves Ordinance Authorizing Phase II Construction of the Algiers Levee Bicycle Trail

Council Approves Ordinance Authorizing Phase II Construction of the Algiers Levee Bicycle Trail

NEW ORLEANS - The Council approved Ordinance 32,954 authorizing the City of New Orleans to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority West (SLFPA-W), on behalf of the Algiers Levee District to provide the design and construction of a bicycle path on the crown of the Mississippi River Levee in Algiers. 

May 21, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Council Advocates for Hazard Pay for Essential Frontline Workers During COVID-19

Council Advocates for Hazard Pay for Essential Frontline Workers During COVID-19

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the City Council unanimously passed Resolution R-20-136 authored by Councilmember Williams calling for the provision of hazard pay for frontline workers in the next federal coronavirus stimulus package. New Orleans relies heavily on essential workers, such as first responders, health care professionals, transit operators, grocery store clerks, sanitation workers, childcare providers, and more, to keep the city functioning. 

May 21, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Council Supports Stormwater Management and Resiliency Efforts with Approval of Permeable Paving Ordinance by Councilmember Brossett

Council Supports Stormwater Management and Resiliency Efforts with Approval of Permeable Paving Ordinance by Councilmember Brossett

NEW ORLEANS - At today's regular meeting, the Council approved Ordinance 32,933 authored by Councilmember Brossett and co-sponsored by all remaining six members to promote the use of permeable paving and green infrastructure. There has been a noticeable increase in the frequency and severity of heavy rainfall events and flooding throughout the City and everyone, including residents, business owners, and government have a part to play in combating flooding. While previous legislation has looked at what business owners can do, little has been done in terms of City restrictions. 

May 21, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Helena Moreno Announces $22M of Direct Entergy Bill Assistance for New Orleanians Facing Job Loss

Councilmember Helena Moreno Announces $22M of Direct Entergy Bill Assistance for New Orleanians Facing Job Loss

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Utilities Chair Helena Moreno announced she and her colleagues will be directing Entergy New Orleans to provide $22M of direct bill assistance to residential customers. The City Council Cares (CCC) program would provide New Orleanians rendered unemployed by the COVID-19 pandemic eligible to receive a total of $400 of direct Entergy bill credits, at a maximum of $100 per month for four months. Even more, all current late fees would be waived in concert with the application of the bill credits.

May 20, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Palmer Encourages Cantrell Administration to Implement Parklet Program, Increasing Outside Occupancy for Restaurants and Businesses During COVID-19

Councilmember Palmer Encourages Cantrell Administration to Implement Parklet Program, Increasing Outside Occupancy for Restaurants and Businesses During COVID-19

NEW ORLEANSDistrict "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will introduce a resolution (R-20-134) at the regular meeting on Thursday, May 21, encouraging Mayor LaToya Cantrell to design and implement a parklet program for restaurants and businesses located along commercial streets. Parklets are defined as a small seating area or green space created in front of a business alongside a sidewalk or within a parking space(s). 

May 20, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Helena Moreno Seeks to Extend Moratorium on Entergy Shut-offs through July 1

Councilmember Helena Moreno Seeks to Extend Moratorium on Entergy Shut-offs through July 1

NEW ORLEANS - Tomorrow, the New Orleans City Council will consider a resolution to suspend utility electric and gas shut-offs through July 1. The resolution comes after Entergy New Orleans had previously agreed to voluntary service shut-off moratoriums since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 17, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Council President Jason Williams Seeks to Convene Meeting Between Metro Service Group and Sanitation Workers

 Council President Jason Williams Seeks to Convene Meeting Between Metro Service Group and Sanitation Workers

NEW ORLEANS - A group of sanitation workers went on strike May 5th, forming picket lines outside the New Orleans East headquarters of waste disposal company Metro Service Group. The workers are requesting increased pay, equipment, and other protections amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Councilmembers expressed concern at the May 7th Council meeting and offered assistance in ensuring workers had daily access to PPE, or personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves. 

 

May 13, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Nguyen to Host Second Virtual Coffee and Conversation

Councilwoman Nguyen to Host Second Virtual Coffee and Conversation

NEW ORLEANS - Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen is taking her monthly Coffee and Conversation virtual. Coffee and Conversation was established in September of 2018 for constituents to meet with Councilwoman Nguyen and discuss quality of life issues in District E. 

May 12, 2020

City Council

New Orleans City Council Extends Harrah's Community Grant Application Deadline to July 1

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - The City Council has extended the deadline for the Harrah's Community Grant application to July 1, 2020. At its next regular meeting on May 21, the Council will consider legislation to allow applicants to submit Cox Communications and Harrah's Casino Community Grant applications electronically via the Council's website.

May 11, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Resolution by Councilmember Williams Advocating for Comprehensive Health Care Coverage Receives National Praise

Resolution by Councilmember Williams Advocating for Comprehensive Health Care Coverage Receives National Praise

NEW ORLEANS - At last week's regular Council meeting, Council President Jason Williams introduced a resolution urging Congressional support for universal, comprehensive health care coverage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Unanimously adopted Resolution R-20-125 has since been widely praised by organizations and advocates nationwide, including presidential candidate and Senator Bernie Sanders.

May 11, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Joins The Cheek Law Firm and St. Augustine to Launch The Cheek Law Firm Scholarship and Emergency Assistance Fund

Councilmember Brossett Joins The Cheek Law Firm and St. Augustine to Launch The Cheek Law Firm Scholarship and Emergency Assistance Fund

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett has partnered with The Cheek Law Firm and St. Augustine High School to create "The Cheek Law Firm Scholarship and Emergency Assistance Fund" to provide much-needed support during this pandemic. The fund will function as a dollar for dollar donation to St. Augustine High School, specifically in two areas of support: Scholarship Awards driven by academic achievement and Emergency Assistance funding for families experiencing unforeseen challenges caused by COVID-19. 

May 11, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett & Second Harvest to Host Two Additional Food Pantries for Residents Impacted by COVID-19

Councilmember Brossett & Second Harvest to Host Two Additional Food Pantries for Residents Impacted by COVID-19

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank to host two free food pantries to meet the urgent, unprecedented needs of individuals and families due to the COVID-19.

May 7, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Councilmember Williams Introduces Resolutions Advocating for Comprehensive Health Care Coverage and Vital Sanitation Measures for Local Businesses During COVID-19

Councilmember Williams Introduces Resolutions Advocating for Comprehensive Health Care Coverage and Vital Sanitation Measures for Local Businesses During COVID-19

NEW ORLEANS - At today's regular Council meeting, Council President Jason Williams introduced a resolution urging Congressional support for universal, comprehensive health care coverage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

May 7, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett and Colleagues Adopt Resolution to Suspend of Residential Evictions During COVID-19

Councilmember Brossett and Colleagues Adopt Resolution to Suspend of Residential Evictions During COVID-19

NEW ORLEANS - The Council adopted Resolution R-20-110 by District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett urging New Orleans First and Second City Court officials to suspend residential evictions until August 24, 2020, the deadline established in the federal CARES Act. The many changes in deadlines and suspensions for the possible reopening of courts to residential evictions have created incredible uncertainty for renters and landlords.

May 7, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams, Helena Moreno

Councilmembers Moreno and Williams Encourage Participation in Ochsner Antibody Study with Launch of Demonstration Video

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Councilmembers Helena Moreno and Jason Williams strongly encouraged residents of New Orleans to sign up at TestNOLA.org to participate in a COVID-19 prevalence study led by Ochsner Health. This free study will be essential for guiding our community through the pandemic by helping officials identify hot spots; giving public health authorities insight into allocating resources and giving our friends and families more information about how to keep our neighborhoods healthy and safe.

May 7, 2020

Helena Moreno

Councilmember Helena Moreno Releases Report On Past Year As Council President

Councilmember Helena Moreno Releases Report On Past Year As Council President

NEW ORLEANS - As the City Council Presidency rotates today over to Councilmember-At-Large Williams, Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno has released her annual report highlighting many of the significant accomplishments during her Council Presidency that has run from May 2019 to May 2020. To demonstrate continued transparency, this report serves as the third installment of updates covering her time in office. 

May 7, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Commemorates Two Years Serving District E

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Commemorates Two Years Serving District E
NEW ORLEANS - Two years ago, on May 7, 2018, Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen took her oath of office to serve District E, consisting of New Orleans East, the Lower Ninth Ward, and Lake Catherine/Venetian Isles. Today, she is renewing her commitment to the District and welcoming feedback on her first two years to better guide the next two. 


Since day one, Councilwoman Nguyen has prioritized being accessible to the community and transparent in her work to show constituents what it really means to work for the people. This date also marks the halfway point in this Council term.

May 6, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams, Helena Moreno

At-Large Councilmembers Moreno and Williams Launch Campaign to Promote and Encourage COVID-19 Testing

Seal of the City of New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS - Councilmembers Helena Moreno and Jason Williams are getting tested for COVID-19 on camera to show testing is safe, easy, free and coming to your neighborhood. 


Both went on camera to get a test to ease the nerves of those who are hesitant and to promote neighborhood testing sites all over the city. This is just part of their Crush The Curve New Orleans campaign to encourage access to COVID-19 testing for everyone in the city. 

May 6, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Jay H. Banks

Councilmembers Palmer and Banks to Introduce Resolution Supporting Halting Development of the Convention Center Hotel, Entertainment District and Capital Improvement Plan

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer and District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks will introduce a resolution at the next regular meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2020, supporting the Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority's decision to pause development of its proposed hotel, entertainment district and capital improvement plan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution urges the Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority, which serves as the governing board of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, to consider utilizing its surplus taxpayer reserve fund to support the City's hospitality and tourism industry.

May 5, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Receives Donation of 28,800 Face Masks for Distribution

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Receives Donation of 28,800 Face Masks for Distribution

NEW ORLEANS - Alex Nguyen,  a local small business owner that runs Creamistry Metairie and Creamistry Baton Rouge, has purchased 28,800 masks to assist the community in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and reached out to Councilwoman Nguyen to coordinate distribution to those who need it most. 

May 5, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Celebrates First Responders with Cinco De Mayo Meal

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Celebrates First Responders with Cinco De Mayo Meal

NEW ORLEANS Taco Bell located at 6009 Bullard Ave in New Orleans is providing "At Home Taco Bars" on Cinco De Mayo to honor frontline workers and first responders. Each of the taco bars will include all ingredients needed to create a taco feast! 

May 4, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Credits Blight Committee and Code Enforcement for Clean up of Two Properties in Algiers

Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer Credits Blight Committee and Code Enforcement for Clean up of Two Properties in Algiers

NEW ORLEANS - District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer applauds the Algiers Blight Committee and the City's Department of Code Enforcement for the clean up of two blighted properties in Algiers. The Algiers Blight Committee, which is made up of neighborhood volunteers and members of Code Enforcement, was created by Councilmember Palmer shortly after taking office in 2018. 

May 4, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Introduces Resolution Urging the Suspension of Residential Evictions to Align with the CARES Act

Councilmember Brossett Introduces Resolution Urging the Suspension of Residential Evictions to Align with the CARES Act

NEW ORLEANS - At this Thursday's regular meeting, Councilmember Jared Brossett will introduce a resolution urging New Orleans First and Second City Court officials to suspend residential evictions until August 24, 2020, the deadline established in the federal CARES Act. The many changes in deadlines and suspensions for the possible reopening of courts to residential evictions have created incredible uncertainty for renters and landlords. 

May 1, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams, Helena Moreno, Jay H. Banks

Councilmembers Moreno, Williams and Banks Announce Mobile COVID-19 Testing Coming to Central City

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANSCouncilmembers Helena Moreno, Jason Williams and Jay H. Banks are proud to announce the launch of mobile COVID-19 testing in Central City. In partnership with the City of New Orleans, NOLA Ready and the New Orleans Health Department and Ochsner, the drive-thru or walk-up testing will take place on Tuesday, May 5, and Wednesday, May 6, from 9 AM - 4 PM at the New Hope Baptist Church. 

May 1, 2020

City Council

City Council and Partners Provide Thousands of Cloth Face Coverings Through SewDat Initiative

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Since launching SewDat on April 9, the City Council and partners, including the Mayor's Office and New Orleans Health Department, have already coordinated and supplied over 7,000 cloth face coverings to non-medical, essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. 

April 30, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Veteran Housing Resources Available During COVID-19

Veteran Housing Resources Available During COVID-19
NEW ORLEANS - The Veterans Administration has provided much needed additional funding to assist veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hope Center, Inc. through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program is providing support to qualified veterans who are behind on their rent and utility payments due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. If there are unhoused veterans in need of shelter, Hope Center can assist in securing permanent housing. 


"This is such a great resource for veterans in need during this time, no veteran should have to live on the street," said Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen. 

April 30, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council President Moreno Works with Entergy New Orleans to Provide Additional Bill Support for Customers

Council President Moreno Works with Entergy New Orleans to Provide Additional Bill Support for Customers

NEW ORLEANS - Council President Helena Moreno, as Chair of the Utilities Committee, has been working closely with Entergy New Orleans on ensuring that people struggling financially during this pandemic receive significant assistance with bill payments. The company has agreed to provide a range option for residential and commercial customers, including potential bill reductions and providing an extended period of time to catch up with bills.

April 28, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen, City Council

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Calls Economic Development Committee Meeting to Share Resources for Small Businesses

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen Calls Economic Development Committee Meeting to Share Resources for Small Businesses

NEW ORLEANS - Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen, Chair of the Economic Development and Special Projects Committee of the New Orleans City Council, has called a meeting this Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 10 AM to share resources about loan programs available to support small businesses. 

April 24, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Additional Funding to the Paycheck Protection Program

Additional Funding to the Paycheck Protection Program

NEW ORLEANS - In the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act passed by Congress last night, there are some key improvements and reforms to expand access and assistance to the Paycheck Protection Program. It's important that these funds get to actual small businesses whether they have relationships with large financial institutions or not. The key improvements include:

April 23, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

New Orleans City Councilmember Jason Williams Responds to Urban League's Release of "Essential Strategies for Equitable COVID-19 Response in Louisiana"

New Orleans City Councilmember Jason Williams Responds to Urban League's Release of "Essential Strategies for Equitable COVID-19 Response in Louisiana"
NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans City Council Vice President Jason Williams has released the following statement in response to the Urban League of Louisiana's "Essential Strategies for Equitable COVID-19 Response in Louisiana" to help guide efforts to increase the health and safety of vulnerable populations:


"I absolutely endorse and appreciate the Urban League's 'Essential Strategies for Equitable COVID-19 Response in Louisiana,' as well as their support of Governor John Bel Edwards, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and their respective teams for their leadership and transparency in this crisis.

April 21, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilmember Nguyen Thanks Entergy New Orleans for Donation of 1,500 N95 Masks to New Orleans East Hospital

Councilmember Nguyen Thanks Entergy New Orleans for Donation of 1,500 N95 Masks to New Orleans East Hospital

NEW ORLEANS - Healthcare workers are on the front line of this COVID-19 pandemic. They are selflessly caring for patients in need and putting themselves in harm's way to save lives. The healthcare workers at the New Orleans East Hospital are front line heroes that received the much needed personal protective equipment (PPE). Entergy New Orleans and Burns & McDonnell partnered to donate 1,500 N95 protective face masks to the hospital's healthcare workers.

April 21, 2020

Helena Moreno

United Way Reopening Emergency Grant Applications for Hospitality Workers

United Way Reopening Emergency Grant Applications for Hospitality Workers

NEW ORLEANS - After a successful fundraising campaign, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) is reopening emergency grant applications for hospitality workers. Council President Helena Moreno partnered with UWSELA to raise dollars to provide for more grants after the initial application process on March 21 had to temporarily shut down due to the high demand. The first round of grants provided $500 individual grants to more than 1300 people. Since then, the fund has now grown to $1.5 million with the help of many major donors, including Peyton Manning, Saints linebacker Demario Davis, Entergy New Orleans, Zatarain's and many others.

April 21, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Councilmember Jason Williams Issues Statement in Response to Today's U.S. Supreme Court Decision Abolishing Split Juries

Councilmember Jason Williams Issues Statement in Response to Today's U.S. Supreme Court Decision Abolishing Split Juries
NEW ORLEANS - City Council Vice President Jason Williams has released the following statement in response to news of today's U.S. Supreme Court decision abolishing split juries:
 

"The result of today's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is truly momentous, as it creates a more equitable opportunity to achieve justice in a historically slanted system. Even very conservative judges weighed in strongly, noting 'evidence that the racism that spawned the split verdict law 120 years ago in Louisiana remains embedded within it today.' The decision is also a reminder that we should not blindly rely on old, broken policies and systems to achieve the goal of real public safety.

April 21, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett and Partners to Host Free Food Pantry and Meal Distribution for Those Struggling During COVID-1

Councilmember Brossett and Partners to Host Free Food Pantry and Meal Distribution for Those Struggling During COVID-1

NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett is partnering with Culture Aid NOLA, Second Harvest Food BankBeacon Light Baptist ChurchNew Orleans Musicians ClinicMaCCNO, 504HealthNet and Trinity Loaves and Fishes to host a free food pantry for residents and families impacted by COVID-19 on Tuesday, April 21, from 6 to 9 PM at Beacon Light Baptist Church.

April 19, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen to Host SBA Small Group Webinars

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen to Host SBA Small Group Webinars
NEW ORLEANS - Join District "E" Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen and Susheel Kumar with the U.S. Small Business Administration to discuss available Small Business Administration (SBA) programs and resources. 


Currently, both the Economic Injury Disaster Loans administered by the SBA and 7a Paycheck Protection Loans administered by local lenders are paused due to lack of funding.

April 19, 2020

Helena Moreno

New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno's Statement On Reopening Timeline

New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno's Statement On Reopening Timeline

NEW ORLEANS - "I've read public letters and many emails regarding Mayor LaToya Cantrell's extension of the stay at home order to mid-May. My response every time is that her decision was based on health data on what could lead to saving the most lives of people in New Orleans and as President of the New Orleans City Council, I support her putting life, health and safety of New Orleanians above all else. Some ask why is New Orleans taking mitigation steps so seriously? The answer is simple...in New Orleans, the virus is clearly very prevalent. We've seen the most cases and deaths in the state. At one point, New Orleans had the most deaths per capita in the Nation. We've lost 329 people. I'll also add that data shows that if we open too early or make mistakes in reopening, it will not only lead to a great loss of life but even further exacerbate economic impact. 

April 19, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

District E Food Banks and Meal Distribution Sites Week of April 20 - April 24, 2020

District E Food Banks and Meal Distribution Sites Week of April 20 - April 24, 2020
NEW ORLEANS - Councilwoman Nguyen would like to make residents aware of the food pantries and meal distribution sites this week in District E. 


Reach out to your neighbors, especially the elderly, and offer to pick up food for them if possible. 

April 19, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen to Host Virtual Coffee and Conversation

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen to Host Virtual Coffee and Conversation
NEW ORLEANS - Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen is taking her monthly Coffee and Conversation virtual. Coffee and Conversation was established in September of 2018 for constituents to meet with Councilwoman Nguyen and discuss the quality of life issues in District E. 

April 15, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Announces Voter Access Expansion as State Signals No Help on the Way

Council President Helena Moreno Announces Voter Access Expansion as State Signals No Help on the Way
NEW ORLEANS - This morning, the Louisiana State Legislature signaled that it was unlikely any action would be taken to expand and secure greater access to voting, either in the July primary or potentially moving forward. 


In response, New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno announced that she would file a motion in the next Regular Council meeting (M-20-95) to designate the November Presidential and municipal election an official City holiday. 

April 15, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Brossett Issues Statement with Updates on Emergency Preparedness Special Committee and Mardi Gras Safety during COVID-19

Councilmember Brossett Issues Statement with Updates on Emergency Preparedness Special Committee and Mardi Gras Safety during COVID-19

NEW ORLEANS - The City Council was unable to hold the March meeting of the Emergency Preparedness and Cybersecurity Special Committee, which was established due to the multiple, tragic safety events that occurred throughout New Orleans this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

April 13, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Teleconferenced City Council Meeting Engagement Process

Teleconferenced City Council Meeting Engagement Process

NEW ORLEANS - While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed all of our daily lives and much of our daily work, the City Council is getting back to regular meetings and ensuring that development and construction projects continue to move forward. 

April 13, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

District E Food Banks and Meal Distribution Sites Week of April 13 - April 17, 2020

District E Food Banks and Meal Distribution Sites Week of April 13 - April 17, 2020

NEW ORLEANSCouncilwoman Nguyen would like to make residents aware of the food pantries and meal distribution sites this week in District E. 

Many of these sites would not run without volunteers. If you have not been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 in at least two weeks and are not showing any symptoms, please consider volunteering to help feed District E residents in need. 

April 10, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Announces Virtual Regular Council Meeting to be held Wednesday, April 15

Council President Helena Moreno Announces Virtual Regular Council Meeting to be held Wednesday, April 15

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Moreno announced that the next scheduled regular Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 15, through video teleconference. The New Orleans City Council had suspended all meetings scheduled to occur since March 13, 2020.

April 10, 2020

Jay H. Banks

Councilman Jay H. Banks Urges Caution During Upcoming Holiday Weekend

Councilman Jay H. Banks Urges Caution During Upcoming Holiday Weekend

NEW ORLEANS - This weekend is a large holiday weekend and typically a time for families to gather and celebrate Good Friday and Easter Sunday. However, as we continue our efforts to flatten the curve, District "B" Councilman Jay H. Banks is urging citizens to continue to social distance. 

April 9, 2020

City Council Members

City Council Launches Centralized Face Coverings Resource and Donation Website

Seal of the City of New Orleans

City Council Launches Centralized Face Coverings Resource and Donation Website 

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council has partnered with the Mayor's Office and the City's Department of Health to launch a centralized website for resources and donations for cloth face coverings called "SewDat." The website provides a location where citizens, non-profits and businesses can donate cloth face coverings to non-medical, essential employees at grocery stores, restaurants, bus and taxi drivers, volunteers staffing food pantries, and meal distribution centers. In addition, the website will offer a place for residents to purchase cloth face coverings, limiting competition for N95 and surgical masks, which are in high demand and short supply for healthcare professionals and other first responders in Louisiana.  

 

April 3, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Local Billboard Companies Volunteer Messaging During COVID-19 Crisis

Local Billboard Companies Volunteer Messaging During COVID-19 Crisis

NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President Jason Williams announced today that two billboard companies operating in New Orleans have stepped up to provide messaging on behalf of the City Council during the Coronavirus crisis. Pelican Outdoor Advertising and Lamar Advertising of New Orleans will both feature messaging pertaining to the containment of the Coronavirus threat and the importance of the census to New Orleans' long-term recovery from this debilitating pandemic.

April 2, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Leads Coalition of Stakeholders In Pushing for Utility Bill Assistance

Council President Helena Moreno Leads Coalition of Stakeholders In Pushing for Utility Bill Assistance

NEW ORLEANS - Today, New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno released a letter addressed to Federal leaders, including Speaker Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, advocating for a significant increase in Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) funds to help New Orleanians pay their utility bills through the difficult coming months.

April 1, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

Councilmember Jared Brossett Provides Updates, Information and Available Resources to Residents Struggling with COVID-19

Councilmember Jared Brossett Provides Updates, Information and Available Resources to Residents Struggling with COVID-19
NEW ORLEANS - District "D" Councilmember Jared Brossett has released the following statement with important information and resources for residents relative to COVID-19:

"The global and local impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been far-reaching and devastating. It has brought life as we know it to a grinding halt as we come together to try to stop the spread of this pandemic that has quickly overwhelmed our healthcare system.

March 31, 2020

Helena Moreno

City Council Provides Update for Renters and Homeowners on Eviction and Foreclosure Status

City Council Provides Update for Renters and Homeowners on Eviction and Foreclosure Status

NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council President Helena Moreno released a fact sheet for renters and homeowners regarding the current state of evictions and Foreclosure Suspensions in New Orleans. 

March 30, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Councilmember Jason Williams Releases Video on Multi-Trillion Dollar Federal Stimulus Package Approved to Provide Support During COVID-19

Councilmember Jason Williams Releases Video on Multi-Trillion Dollar Federal Stimulus Package Approved to Provide Support During COVID-19
NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President Jason Williams believes local government has a continued responsibility to ensure that New Orleans residents receive their portion of available resources. 
 
In a recently released video, Williams explains key components of the package, including:
  • Direct stimulus payments & unemployment benefits for individuals and families; 
  • Partially forgivable loan programs;
  • Tax breaks available to businesses;
  • Mortgage relief options, and more.

March 30, 2020

Helena Moreno

City Council Suspends This Week's Full Council Meeting

City Council Suspends This Week's Full Council Meeting

NEW ORLEANS - During the ongoing public health crisis due to COVID-19, the City Council continues to prioritize the health and safety of the public and its employees. Councilmembers are taking the precautions conveyed by health professionals very seriously and, in light of those facts, will suspend this week's' full Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 2.

March 27, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

New Orleans City Council Asks USDA for Disaster Household Distribution Program Approval

New Orleans City Council Asks USDA for Disaster Household Distribution Program Approval

NEW ORLEANS - Today, District "E" Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen and the New Orleans City Council sent a letter to the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue asking for approval of the Louisiana Disaster Household Distribution Program for 30 days. If approved, this would allow local food banks to access critical reserves that cannot be used without this declaration. 

March 27, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Kristin Palmer and Partners Continue Drive-up Food Pantry for Hospitality and Gig Economy Workers

Councilmember Kristin Palmer and Partners Continue Drive-up Food Pantry for Hospitality and Gig Economy Workers

NEW ORLEANS - With assistance from Second Harvest Food Bank, Evacuteer and Culture Aid NOLA, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will continue providing a drive-up food pantry for hospitality and gig economy workers affected by COVID-19 next week. 

 

March 27, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Joins Wendell Pierce, Patricia Clarkson, Demario Davis and Others to Assist United Way of Southeast Louisiana Provide Emergency Grants to Hospitality Workers

Council President Helena Moreno Joins Wendell Pierce, Patricia Clarkson, Demario Davis and Others to Assist United Way of Southeast Louisiana Provide Emergency Grants to Hospitality Workers

NEW ORLEANS - City Council President Helena Moreno is proud to help support the United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) as they work to provide emergency grants to laid-off hospitality workers. The nonprofit is providing grants up to $500 so that people can purchase food and basic necessities. The intent is to provide some much-needed dollars to these individuals and their families until additional benefits from the state and federal government take effect.

 

March 24, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

NORD Summer Youth Camps and JOB1 NOLA Youth WorksEmployment Programs Move to Online Registration Process

NORD Summer Youth Camps and JOB1 NOLA Youth WorksEmployment Programs Move to Online Registration Process

NEW ORLEANS - Yesterday, the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission and the (JOB1) NOLA Youth Works Program are partnering to deliver the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program; and together, they are announcing an online process to preregister for its youth camps and employment programs. This is part of a robust package of summer opportunities available annually to New Orleans' youth, teens, and young adults.

March 19, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Smart Cities Committee Chair Jason Williams Announces New COVID-19 Tracking Dashboard

Smart Cities Committee Chair Jason Williams Announces New COVID-19 Tracking Dashboard
NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President and Smart and Sustainable Cities Committee Chair Jason Williams has announced a new dashboard for tracking COVID-19 cases in Louisiana and Orleans Parish. 

 

"We created this new committee to find ways to use technology and data to enhance the lives of and support the people of New Orleans. Keeping people up-to-date as we face a global pandemic locally is fulfilling that commitment," said Councilmember Williams.

March 19, 2020

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Councilmember Kristin Palmer and Partners to Offer Meals and Non-perishable Food Items to Local Seniors and Hospitality Workers

Councilmember Kristin Palmer and Partners to Offer Meals and Non-perishable Food Items to Local Seniors and Hospitality Workers

NEW ORLEANS - In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer will be providing a free drive-up food pantry for hospitality and gig economy workers affected by COVID-19.

March 19, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Council Vice President Jason Williams Issues Statement on District Attorney's Office's Response to COVID-19

Council Vice President Jason Williams Issues Statement on District Attorney's Office's Response to COVID-19

NEW ORLEANS - City Council Vice President Jason Williams has released the following statement in response to recent news of District Attorney's (DA's) Office practices amidst the COVID-19 crisis:

March 14, 2020

Jay H. Banks

Councilman Jay H. Banks Urges Citizens to be Vigilant as COVID-19 Threat Continues

Councilman Jay H. Banks Urges Citizens to be Vigilant as COVID-19 Threat Continues

NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement for New Orleans residents in response to today's first COVID-19 fatality:

March 13, 2020

City Council

Council President Announces Suspension of Public Meeting Schedule, Closure of Council Chambers Through March

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - In response to the ongoing public health challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Orleans Council President Helena Moreno announced the suspension of all public Council meetings through at least the end of March, including the Council's regular meeting next week on March 19th. President Moreno also closed City Council chambers for the same period and advised all boards and commissions to suspend their in-chamber meetings during the month of March.

March 11, 2020

Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee

Council Utilities Committee to Consider Clean and Renewable Energy Mandate for New Orleans

Council Utilities Committee to Consider Clean and Renewable Energy Mandate for New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - Tomorrow, March 12, the Council's Utilities Committee will take up a resolution establishing the Renewable and Clean Portfolio Standard, mandating a net-zero carbon emissions profile for Entergy New Orleans by the year 2040. Council President Helena Moreno has issued the following statement in advance of the meeting.

March 11, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Next District "E" Giving Hope Day to Take Place on March 12

Next District "E" Giving Hope Day to Take Place on March 12

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Giving Hope Day will take place on Thursday, March 12, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Nazareth Inn to help provide hot meals for local seniors who may live alone or are unable to cook for themselves.

March 11, 2020

Climate and Sustainability Committee

Today's Smart & Sustainable Cities Committee to Discuss Industry Preparedness, Health and Fiscal Impacts of Coronavirus

Today's Smart & Sustainable Cities Committee to Discuss Industry Preparedness, Health and Fiscal Impacts of Coronavirus

NEW ORLEANS - During today's Smart & Sustainable Cities Committee meeting, Councilmembers will receive a presentation from representatives of the following organizations regarding preparation for anticipated impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

March 9, 2020

District E

City Council Commits to Gender-Inclusivity with Approval of Resolution Authored by Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen

City Council Commits to Gender-Inclusivity with Approval of Resolution Authored by Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen

NEW ORLEANS - At the regular City Council meeting on March 5, 2020, District "E" Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen put forth a resolution (R-20-76) urging the City of New Orleans to amend Chapters 1 - 170 of the City Code and replace all male-centric verbiage with gender-neutral terminology.

March 4, 2020

District E

Sankofa NOLA to Host Nature-Focused Earth Day Event in District E for Students and Community

Sankofa NOLA to Host Nature-Focused Earth Day Event in District E for Students and Community

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen invites constituents to join her at two upcoming workshops for adults and seniors to learn more about managing their finances. 

March 3, 2020

Regular Meeting

City Council to Receive Coronavirus Update During Thursday's Regular Meeting

Seal of the City of New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council will receive an update on the coronavirus from the City's Director of Health Dr. Jennifer Avegno and her team at Thursday's meeting. While there are no reported cases at this time, state and local health leaders expect to eventually have cases in Louisiana. Council members will be briefed on preparations underway.

March 2, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

District "D" Councilmember & Budget Committee Chair Jared C. Brossett Releases 2019 Annual Impact Report

District "D" Councilmember & Budget Committee Chair Jared C. Brossett Releases 2019 Annual Impact Report

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Jared Brossett has released his office's 2019 Annual Impact Report report detailing major accomplishments within District "D" and the entire City of New Orleans. 

February 27, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilmember Nguyen to Celebrate Dr. Seuss Literacy Day With Schools in District "E"

Councilmember Nguyen to Celebrate Dr. Seuss Literacy Day With Schools in District "E"

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen will be participating in Read Across America Day on Monday, March 2, at multiple schools in District "E." The councilmember will be visiting St. Mary's Academy, St. David Head Start, James M. Singelton Head Start, and KIPP East Community Primary to read Dr. Seuss books to the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. 

February 27, 2020

Helena Moreno

Mardi Gras Assessment to Include Collaboration with City Council

Mardi Gras Assessment to Include Collaboration with City Council

Recommendations to be Sent to Council Special Committee

NEW ORLEANS - As Mayor LaToya Cantrell brings Mardi Gras leaders together with state and local officials, three New Orleans City Council members have been included in the working group: Jay H. Banks, Kristin Gisleson Palmer and Jared Brossett.

 

February 19, 2020

Helena Moreno

City Council Committee Identifies Millions of Dollars in Additional Revenue Opportunities Without Raising Taxes

City Council Committee Identifies Millions of Dollars in Additional Revenue Opportunities Without Raising Taxes

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the New Orleans City Council released a report recommending a list of action items to generate additional dollars for City services without raising taxes. This report is based on months of work by the Ad Valorem and Dedicated Special Committee made up of all seven councilmembers in collaboration with the City's Chief Administrative Officer, the Cantrell Administration, stakeholders and public input.

February 19, 2020

Joseph I. Giarrusso

Councilmembers Reiterate New Mardi Gras Regulations

Councilmembers Reiterate New Mardi Gras Regulations

NEW ORLEANS - Recently, the New Orleans City Council passed new Mardi Gras regulations that prohibit ladders and personal items on the public right-of-way four hours or more before a parade. In response to these new regulations, aside from closures related to streetcar track maintenance previously scheduled for Thursday, 2/20 and Friday 2/21, the New Orleans RTA will maintain transit service up to four hours before parades or until deemed unsafe and subject to City enforcement of new regulations. The RTA will also provide a parallel bus service along the parade route streetcar lines.

February 11, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen Named Grand Marshall for 2020 Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale Parade

Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen Named Grand Marshall for 2020 Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale Parade

NEW ORLEANS - Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen will be this year's Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale Grand Marshall. The parade, which starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, will begin at the intersection of Napoleon Ave and Magazine Street and end at the intersection of Tchoupitoulas and Poydras Street. Councilmember Nguyen will be riding on float #3. Make sure to catch one of Councilmember Nguyen's personalized signature throws during the parade!

February 7, 2020

Cyndi Nguyen

Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen & Partners Issue Statement on Three-Year Anniversary of Tornado and Progress in New Orleans East

Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen & Partners Issue Statement on Three-Year Anniversary of Tornado and Progress in New Orleans East

NEW ORLEANS - District "E" Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen and local development partners has released the following statement reflecting on the tornado that devastated New Orleans East three years ago and the significant progress that's been made in the area since:

January 31, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Councilmember Jason Williams Responds to Misleading News Headline on Car Burglaries

Councilmember Jason Williams Responds to Misleading News Headline on Car Burglaries

NEW ORLEANS - Council Vice President Jason Williams has released the following statement in response to a recently-posted Advocate article quoting him on the subject of car burglaries:  

"I read the recent article by Dan Fagan and, respectfully, found the headline to be intentionally misleading. It is certainly not my position that vehicle burglaries are a mere inconvenience or nuisance. The article correctly included my long-standing position on car burglaries: "New Orleans councilman Jason Williams this week described the vehicle break-in spree to WDSU television as 'the No. 1 thing burdening our citizens right now."

January 30, 2020

Jay H. Banks

City Council Approves New Mardi Gras Regulations

City Council Approves New Mardi Gras Regulations

 NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular meeting, the Council passed two ordinances updating sections of the Municipal Code that address Mardi Gras regulations, clarifying parade terms and codifying reforms. 

January 30, 2020

Jared C. Brossett

New Orleans City Council Establishes New Emergency Preparedness and Cybersecurity Special Committee

New Orleans City Council Establishes New Emergency Preparedness and Cybersecurity Special Committee

 NEW ORLEANS - Following a recent string of cybersecurity attacks and the partial collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel, the New Orleans City Council voted to create a new Special Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Cybersecurity. In addition to raising public awareness, the committee will advise the Council on all issues relating to cybersecurity, emergency preparedness and disaster response in the City of New Orleans. 

January 27, 2020

Jason Rogers Williams

Council Vice President Jason Williams Releases Statement on District Attorney's Office Practices

Council Vice President Jason Williams Releases Statement on District Attorney's Office Practices

 NEW ORLEANS - In a recent interview, District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro blamed high staff turnover and lowered 2019 conviction rates on the City, arguing they were the result of lower budget allocations in the years 2017 and 2018. Councilmember Jason Williams, who chairs the Council's Criminal Justice Committee, has issued the following response:

"It's unfortunate that our DA has chosen to continue this pattern of deflection. The funding he references was restored in his 2019 budget, yet his conviction rates continued to plummet, and more attorneys left in 2019 than 2017 and 2018 combined. If the DA wishes to cast blame, he should look elsewhere. 

January 23, 2020

Criminal Justice Committee, Jason Rogers Williams

Council Vice President Jason Williams Responds to Investigations and Provides Next Steps Regarding Hard Rock Collapse

Council Vice President Jason Williams Responds to Investigations and Provides Next Steps Regarding Hard Rock Collapse

"I am proposing the creation of a temporary special committee of the Council's Criminal Justice Committee to thoroughly investigate and begin gathering important information as we await submission of OSHA's findings."

January 23, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council President Helena Moreno Issues Statement on Hard Rock Tragedy Calling for Justice and Future Safeguards

Council President Helena Moreno Issues Statement on Hard Rock Tragedy Calling for Justice and Future Safeguards

"As President of the City Council, I believe it is the role of this legislative body to ensure and demand a proper investigation and seek the truth behind this tragedy. While we have been patient as the official investigation is still ongoing, ultimately, those responsible must be held to account - both for the victims and for the city as well so that we see to it that this never happens again. I also believe we must work to craft proper laws, guidelines and oversight measures to prevent future harm to our people and this city. That work is underway now and meetings continue with stakeholders and union members to develop safeguards."

January 8, 2020

District E, Cyndi Nguyen

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen to Create District "E" Complete Count Committee for 2020 Census

Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen to Create District "E" Complete Count Committee for 2020 Census

"It is imperative that we count each and every resident living in District 'E' to ensure that we get our fair share of federal, state, and local funding."

January 6, 2020

Helena Moreno

Council to Delay January Regular Meetings by One Week Due to Ongoing Recovery from Cybersecurity Incident

Council to Delay January Regular Meetings by One Week Due to Ongoing Recovery from Cybersecurity Incident

Today, City Council President Helena Moreno announced that the Council will delay its regularly scheduled Jan. 9 and Jan. 23 meetings by one week each due to the ongoing recovery from the cyber attack in December. The new dates for January's regular Council meetings will be Thursday, Jan. 16, and Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020.

December 16, 2019

Helena Moreno

Update on Thursday's City Council Meeting

Update on Thursday's City Council Meeting

City Council President Helena Moreno has issued the following statement with updates on the scheduled meeting this week: 

"It is the Council's aim for the final regular City Council meeting of the year, scheduled for Thursday, December 19, to proceed as planned. 

Due to limited access to technology, the Council will only take up matters of extreme sensitivity. This second meeting of the month allows the Council to meet its City Charter legal obligation of two meetings per month. 

Public notice and the agenda will be forthcoming and in compliance with the open meetings law. "

December 15, 2019

Regular Meeting, Helena Moreno

City Council Business and Upcoming Meeting May Be Impacted by Recent Cyber Attack

City Council Business and Upcoming Meeting May Be Impacted by Recent Cyber Attack

City Council President Helena Moreno has issued the following statement with updates on the recent cyber attack at City Hall: 

" Friday's cyber attack against New Orleans has affected over 4,000 computers and devices, which include those of the City Council.

Dece