NEW ORLEANS, LA – At the regular meeting today, Thursday, September 25, 2025, the Council adopted an ordinance to authorize an amendment to the CEA between the City and the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (USDOT), to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. The Council also adopted a motion to designate the intersection of Treasure Street and Johnny Jackson, Jr. Boulevard as the “Nine Times Social Aid and Pleasure Club Honorary Intersection” in recognition of the community-based organization that is fundamental to the Ninth Ward.
Additionally, the Council adopted an ordinance to amend a section of the City Code regarding blight and public nuisance for both occupied and unoccupied properties, among other items on the meeting agenda.
As part of the Special Orders of Business, the Council recognized members of The Louisiana Weekly, an African American weekly publication in New Orleans since 1925, in honor of its 100th anniversary.
The Council recognized members of The Louisiana Weekly before the regular meeting.
Additionally, the Council received a presentation from members of the Innocence Project of New Orleans, which advocates for wrongfully imprisoned individuals in Louisiana. It recognized October 2, 2025, as a day of awareness.
The Council recognized members of the Innocence Project of New Orleans.
The Council also recognized Hannah and John Huppi for completing the record-breaking Arctic Challenge. During the Challenge, Hannah and John set new world records and advanced the sport of rowing throughout New Orleans.
Before the meeting began, members of the Council acknowledged the International Arts Foundation. They thanked them for their ongoing efforts to foster relationships between the people of New Orleans and the international community.
The Council recognized members of the International Arts Foundation before the regular meeting.
The Council also honored the Soul Patrol, a civilian rescue group in New Orleans that provided aid and conducted search and rescue operations during and after Hurricane Katrina.
The Council recognized Soul Patrol, a civilian rescue group in New Orleans.
Council Adopts Amendment to CEA to Address Traffic Safety Issues
The Council adopted Ordinance No. 35,226, which authorizes the Mayor of New Orleans to enter into Amendment No. 1 to the previously executed Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City and the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (USDOT). Amendment No. 1 extends the agreement by nine months to continue developing a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan under the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program, which aims to improve roadway safety throughout New Orleans.
Council Updates City Code Regarding Blight and Public Nuisance Properties
Ordinance No. 35,228, adopted at the September 25 meeting, updates the City Code on blight and public nuisance properties. It clarifies procedures for declaring unoccupied properties as blighted or hazardous, allowing for expropriation if conditions are unsafe or uninhabitable. It also creates a new section of the City Code that applies similar standards to occupied properties, allowing them to be declared public nuisances if they are dilapidated, unsafe, unsanitary, pose a fire hazard, or are harmful to community health, safety, or property values. In both cases, orders must specify the violations justifying the finding.
Council Recognizes Nine Times Social Aid and Pleasure Club
The Council adopted Motion M-25-491, which designates the intersection of Treasure Street and Johnny Jackson, Jr. Boulevard as the “Nine Times Social Aid and Pleasure Club Honorary Intersection.” This motion acknowledges the Club’s significant cultural and community contributions, including its annual “Ninth Ward Holiday” second-line parade, charitable events, post-Katrina cultural revival, and preservation of New Orleans' traditions. Through this motion, the Department of Public Works is directed to install honorary signage within 120 days.
Council Requests Detailed Audit of City Budget
The Council adopted Resolution R-25-502, which requests the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to conduct a thorough audit of the City of New Orleans’ budget to determine if a deficit exists and the size of that deficit. It also directs the City’s Chief Administrative Office and Department of Finance to cooperate fully and requests that the Auditor submit a written report with findings and recommendations. The Council emphasizes the importance of accountability, transparency, and safeguarding taxpayer resources, and urges the audit to be completed quickly.
Council Adopts 2026 Regular Council Meeting Schedule
Motion M-25-504, adopted at the September 25 meeting, established the Regular Council Meetings schedule for 2026. In accordance with Rule 1 of its Rules and Regulations, the City Council will hold two regular meetings each month in the Council chamber at City Hall, 1300 Perdido Street, New Orleans, commencing at 10:00 a.m. on the following Thursdays in 2026:
View the full meeting here.