News & Announcements

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Article VII, Section 23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and La. R.S. 47:1705(B) that a public hearing of the New Orleans City Council, the governing authority of Orleans Parish, will be held at its regular meeting place, the New Orleans City Council Chamber, Room 1E07, City Hall, located at 1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112 on November 5, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. to consider levying additional or increased millage rates without further voter approval, or adopting the adjusted millage rates after reassessment and rolling forward to rates not to exceed the prior year’s maximum authorized millage rates.

The estimated amount of tax revenues to be collected in the next tax year from the increased millage is $297,337,596.11, compared to $255,082,640.68 in tax revenues for the current year. The estimated amount of increase in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $42,254,955.43.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the City of New Orleans has adopted a total operating budget of approximately $1,592,417,236, including approximately $1,592,417,236 in budgeted revenues and $1,592,417,236 in budgeted expenditures.

The City’s complete Fiscal Year 2026 adopted budget, including detailed revenues and expenditures by fund, department, and revenue source, is available at https://nola.gov/next/mayors-office/topics/budget/.

September 16, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission Celebrates 50th Anniversary

NEW ORLEANS — This fall, the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) is commemorating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of protecting the city’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks. 

Residents are invited to a special open house at the Main Library on Friday, September 18, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for a historical presentation and to explore records from the Commission’s rich history.

In its 50 years, the Commission has overseen exterior repairs, demolitions, new construction, and signage installation across twelve “full control” districts, spanning from the Lower Garden District to Algiers Point. Buildings in four additional “partial control” districts require demolition approval.

The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 5992 establishing the HDLC at its June 24, 1976, regular meeting, in response to mounting community concern over demolitions along St. Charles Avenue. Councilmembers Frank Friedler, Jr. and Dr. A.L. Davis championed the measure, following months of studies and a five-hour hearing, where Councilmember Friedler noted the HDLC would be “a monument of the astuteness of the community.”

Indeed, under HDLC’s jurisdiction, thousands of houses and commercial structures have been maintained, with repairs that preserve the fabric of New Orleans’ historic neighborhoods. Just this year, the State Legislature voted to strengthen HDLC enforcement powers, authorizing increased fines for unpermitted demolitions.

Along with neighborhood oversight, the Commission has designated over 200 individual properties as local historic landmarks, extending protections to buildings including the Doullut Steamboat Houses (Holy Cross), Pitot House (Bayou St. John), Dew Drop Inn (Central City), Upstairs Lounge (French Quarter), and Carver Theater (Treme).

“Thanks to the foresight of civic leaders and concerned citizens, HDLC has proven to be an invaluable asset to New Orleans’ architectural and cultural heritage, working to maintain her unique charm and historic character,” said HDLC Executive Director Bryan Block. “This, in turn, has become a mainstay of the City’s economy as the driver of our robust tourism industry. Stewardship of these irreplaceable resources must not be taken for granted. HDLC appreciates and relies upon the support of our City leaders, preservation partners, and engaged public so that this critical work continues for decades to come.”

Director Block and Deputy Director Eleanor Burke oversee an expert staff of nine, who support both the HDLC and CBD-HDLC. Notably, over 30 volunteer appointees make up the HDLC and CBD-HDLC Commissions and their respective Architectural Review Committees. The hundreds of individuals who have served tirelessly in these roles over the past 50 years deserve full credit for protecting the architectural and cultural fabric of New Orleans.

More information is available at the HDLC website, and for a limited time at the New Orleans Public Library’s digital exhibit “Historic District Landmarks Commission: Celebrating 50 Years of Protecting New Orleans’ Architectural History.”  The online exhibit features interactive maps, photographs, and archived reports.