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NEW ORLEANS – On Friday, September 5, 2025, the Governmental Affairs Committee convened to discuss federal funding concerns for the Housing Authority of New Orleans following the suspension of Mayor LaToya Cantrell from participating in procurement and non-procurement transactions with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Governmental Affairs Committee Discusses Federal Funding Concerns and Future Plans with Housing Authority and the Office of Community Development
The Governmental Affairs Committee met with representatives from the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) and the Office of Community Development (OCD) to discuss federal funding concerns. These concerns emerged after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a letter suspending Mayor LaToya Cantrell's involvement in federal funding transactions on Wednesday, September 3. As such, the Committee organized this meeting to clarify the exact meaning of this suspension letter moving forward and to inform the public of potential impacts on the community in the future.
Executive Director of HANO, Marjorianna Willman, and Executive Director for Housing Policy at OCD, Tyra Johnson Brown, spoke with the Committee to clarify the current situation in light of the suspension and both parties’ plans moving forward.
Through the discussion, the Committee assured the public that funding to the City of New Orleans related to HUD is untouched at this time. Additionally, HANO and OCD have processes in place that are complete, independent, and apart from Mayor Cantrell. Interim CAO Joe Threat will be added as an additional signing authority for OCD. The Committee confirmed that both HANO and OCD plan to be in full compliance with the letter of suspension and all rules that exist within the Federal Government. Finally, the Committee noted that there is a process for the Mayor to appeal the suspension, meaning the letter of suspension is not necessarily final or absolute.
Notably, both HANO and OCD emphasized that while they can’t know for sure what will happen in the future, both HANO and OCD will do everything that they can to protect the citizens of New Orleans.
Additionally, they will ensure that there are no interruptions to the resources the City receives from HUD, and that they will continue to follow all rules and maintain ongoing contact with HUD for the benefit of the City and its residents, who depend on these resources.
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