The Honorable Joseph “Joe” Giarrusso, III
First Deputy Mayor & Chief Administrative Officer
As Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Giarrusso will ensure the delivery of effective and efficient city services and infrastructure improvements to the people of New Orleans and serve as a strong fiscal steward of taxpayer dollars and deliver a balanced budget. As the city’s chief administrative and operating officer, he will lead day-to-day operations across city departments, drive accountability and performance management, and ensure that government is responsive, transparent, and results oriented. This role is central to fulfilling the Mayor’s vision for the priorities of public safety, economic growth, efficient city services, affordability, quality of life, and transparent and accountable governance.
Joe Giarrusso served two terms as Councilmember for District A. Since 2017, he led major fiscal and policy reforms that improved transparency, strengthened city services, and made government more responsive to residents.
As Chair of the Budget Committee, he guided the city through two major reassessment cycles, keeping millage rates stable and saving taxpayers an estimated $200 million over eight years without reducing funding. He dedicated $32 million to gap financing, resulting in nearly 1,200 affordable housing units, and championed an Early Childhood Education millage providing more than 1,000 seats for low-income families. Giarrusso also advanced two City Charter amendments to expand public review time for the budget and establish a consolidated Code Enforcement department.
He played a lead role in securing approval for the Sewerage and Water Board West Power Complex, which will provide cleaner and more reliable energy to the drainage system. His legislative efforts strengthened accountability and community engagement through reforms to land use participation, infrastructure reporting, and school zone safety.
A New Orleans native, Giarrusso is a graduate of Jesuit High School, the University of Texas at Austin, and LSU Law, where he finished in the top five percent of his class and served on the Louisiana Law Review. He began his career as a litigator and most recently led the governmental relations section at Phelps Dunbar. He and his wife, attorney Cassie Giarrusso, have two daughters.
Executive Organizational Chart
City of New Orleans Budget: Investing in Our Community
The City of New Orleans prioritizes investing in its residents, using this principle to guide the Administration's budget allocation process for city services. Our budget reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all New Orleanians through strategic funding decisions.
For a comprehensive view of our financial planning:
- Visit the City Budget page to view current and past annual budgets for the City of New Orleans.
- Explore how your tax dollars are being used to improve our city
- Gain insights into our fiscal priorities and long-term development plans