News & Announcements

February 14, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

MAYOR HELENA MORENO ISSUES STATEMENT ON INAPPROPRIATE MARDI GRAS FLOAT

NEW ORLEANS —Mayor Helena Moreno issues the following statement on inappropriate Mardi Gras floats: 

“Let me be clear: the display is deeply offensive, unacceptable, and has no place in our city. New Orleans is built on respect, diversity, and inclusion. Actions that seek to demean or intimidate any member of our community violate the very spirit of who we are. Our celebrations, particularly those where our children and families attend, should be spaces of joy and unity, not exposure to hateful or harmful imagery."

February 12, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

MAYOR HELENA MORENO SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER PROHIBITING 287(g) ICE AGREEMENTS

NEW ORLEANS – Today, Mayor Helena Moreno signed an Executive Order prohibiting any public official from entering a “287(g) agreement,” the main method by which ICE deputizes local law enforcement to conduct immigration enforcement operations. 

“Immigration enforcement is not the mission of the New Orleans Police Department – it never has been and it won’t be under my watch. NOPD will never ask for anyone’s immigration status and will not be deputized under ICE,” Mayor Helena Moreno said. “NOPD’s priority is public safety — responding to violent crime, protecting residents, and building trust in our communities. We will always comply with state law while simultaneously protecting New Orleanians.”

February 11, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

Eastbound Morrison Road Closure for Improvement Project Begins February 16

The City of New Orleans announced today that the Department of Public Works (DPW), in coordination with contractor RNGD, will close eastbound Morrison Road between Mayo Boulevard and Bundy Road beginning February 16, 2026, as construction begins on the DPW574 Morrison Road Improvement Project.

February 11, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor Helena Moreno Announces New In-House Paving Unit to Accelerate Basic Street Construction

NEW ORLEANS — Today, Mayor Helena Moreno illustrated her commitment to rapidly improving the delivery of basic infrastructure services by announcing a capital budget ordinance allocating $6.25 million for street paving projects.

Using funds identified from the unused portion of bonds from 2019-2024, the city will invest in paving equipment, street maintenance equipment, and a dedicated workforce to perform street repairs.

February 6, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

Office of Nighttime Economy and Louisiana Department of Health Host Harm Reduction Pop-Ups for Nightlife and Hospitality Workers

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy, in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), will host harm reduction pop-ups in the lobby of Gallier Hall on Monday, February 9, and Tuesday, February 10, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

These pop-ups are designed to support nightlife business operators and hospitality workers with the tools, training, and knowledge needed to respond effectively in emergencies as the city prepares for the upcoming parade season. Attendees will be able to pick up free harm reduction supplies, including naloxone (commonly known by the brand name Narcan), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, as well as fentanyl test strips, which can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl in substances. The Office of Nighttime Economy will also have a limited supply of drink test strips available and informational signage for venues to post, reinforcing overdose prevention, patron safety, and emergency response awareness in nightlife and hospitality settings.

February 6, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS APPOINTS DARRICK HESSON TO DIRECTOR OF NEW ORLEANS OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 

NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans appoints Darrick Hesson as Director of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) serves as New Orleans’ coordinating agency for public safety and emergency management. As director, Hesson will oversee the administration of all crises and consequence response protocols safeguarding New Orleans. 

Hesson is a native New Orleanian with more than 24 years of progressive experience in emergency management and homeland security. His career spans local, parish, state, and private sectors, giving Hesson a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in safeguarding the City of New Orleans. 

February 5, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

City Council Unanimously Advances Mayor Moreno’s Pick for Public Works Director

NEW ORLEANS – Today, the New Orleans City Council Governmental Affairs Committee has voted to advance the appointment of Steve Nelson as the Director of the Department of Public Works. 

Nelson’s nomination highlights Mayor Helena Moreno’s commitment to a “Fix the Basics” strategy, providing a comprehensive overhaul of how the city’s infrastructural issues are tackled. Nelson serves as both the city’s Deputy CAO for Infrastructure, as well as nominee for Director of Public Works. He is responsible for maintaining and improving the city’s streets, sidewalks, streetlights, traffic signals, parking enforcement, and public right-of-way infrastructure. 

February 3, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor Moreno and City Council launch major initiative to repair lighting across the city 

Today, Mayor Helena Moreno and the New Orleans City Council announced a $2.8M investment to urgently repair lighting around the city. Prioritized projects include the High Rise bridge in New Orleans East, Interstate 10 and other major routes. Repairs for lighting will also include converting some lighting to solar and aluminum to eliminate the threat of copper theft which has plagued the lighting infrastructure in New Orleans. In addition to repairs across the city, a portion of the funding will be utilized to hire a few electricians within the Department of Public Works to do minor repairs within city buildings. Currently, most minor electrical work is being contracted out. This is more costly.  

The funding for this effort comes from a 2018 penalty fine the City Council imposed on Entergy New Orleans for deceptive practices during their efforts to build the New Orleans Power Station. A portion of the $5M fine for what was called the “Paid Actors Scandal” has been spent over time by the City Council, yet $2.8M remains. 

February 2, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Announces Public Safety and Preparedness Efforts for Mardi Gras

The City of New Orleans announced today the public safety and operations plans for Mardi Gras. As Mardi Gras celebrations continue across the city, the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) is maintaining close coordination with local, state, and federal partners to support preparedness efforts and event operations throughout the season. 

A Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) I designation is in place from Friday, Feb. 13 through the early morning hours of Wednesday, Feb. 18. To support these large-scale events, the City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will activate at City Hall for all major parades beginning Friday, Feb. 6, and will remain operational through the disband of the Crescent City parade on Tuesday, Feb. 17. 

January 29, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

THE CITY  OF NEW ORLEANS ACTIVATES  FREEZE PLAN AND EXPANDS SHELTER ACCESS

NEW ORLEANS — Today, the City of New Orleans announced that it will activate the Citywide Freeze Plan from Friday, Jan. 30, through overnight Sunday, Feb. 1, in anticipation of sustained cold weather conditions.