News

November 7, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor's Office of Nighttime Economy and Health Department Announce Developing Series of Free Narcan and Stop the Bleed Trainings for Hospitality Workers

The Mayor's Office of Nighttime Economy, in collaboration with the Health Department, is excited to announce a developing series of Narcan and Stop the Bleed trainings to equip hospitality workers with critical, life-saving skills. These free trainings will provide participants with the knowledge to respond effectively to overdose incidents and severe injuries, helping to make the nightlife community safer. To maximize accessibility, trainings will be scheduled in neighborhoods across the city.

September 4, 2018 | From City of New Orleans

MAYOR CANTRELL UPDATES RESIDENTS TUESDAY ON TROPICAL STORM GORDON

NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell this morning updated residents on preparations for Tropical Storm Gordon as it continues its approach toward the Gulf Coast.

 

“We are all in this together. Please check on neighbors, family and friends. I’m asking all residents to do their part in getting ready for this storm. The City’s absolute, number one priority is to ensure the safety of our residents. We’ve worked all weekend to ensure that we’re prepared. Together, we’re ready for Gordon,” Mayor Cantrell said.

 

State of Emergency Declared
Both Mayor Cantrell and Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency for the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana, respectively, with only essential emergency personnel reporting for work. New Orleans residents are encouraged to get updates at ready.nola.gov.

 

Tropical Storm Gordon to Impact Gulf Coast Late Tuesday
The center of Gordon will move across the eastern Gulf Coast today and is expected to reach the central Gulf Coast by late this afternoon or evening, moving inland over the Mississippi River Valley tonight or early Wednesday. The maximum anticipated sustained winds are near 65 miles per hour (mph) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected today, and Gordon will likely be a hurricane when it makes landfall along the central Gulf Coast. Rapid weakening is expected once Gordon moves inland.

 

Local impacts expected continue to be heavy rain, high winds and storm surge in areas outside the levee system. Heavy rain is likely with widespread rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches over the next 3 days, with the heaviest rainfall coming this afternoon through Wednesday. There is the potential for significantly higher local amounts if rain bands move over an area for extended periods. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect.

 

Tropical storm-force winds could reach the area as early as this afternoon, with the potential for winds of 40 to 70 mph. Scattered power and communication outages as well as downed trees and roadway signs are possible. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the area. 

 

A Storm Surge Watch remains in effect for coastal areas, with the possibility of 2 to 4 feet of surge. The City of New Orleans has issued a voluntary evacuation order for areas outside of the levee system, including Venetian Isles, Irish Bayou and Lake Catherine. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, with 1 to 2 feet of inundation possible.

 

City Prepared for Heavy Rain, Winds
The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is actively working with our local, state and federal partners to monitor and prepare for potential impacts from this system. 

 

The Sewerage & Water Board (SWB) staff continues to hold regular meetings to prepare for the incoming weather. The drainage system has 116 out of 120 pumps available, with a 1,000 cubic-feet-per-second pump back online for emergency use at Drainage Pumping Station 13 in Algiers. The agency can produce more than 77 megawatts (MW) of 25 Hz power – more than what is needed to run the entire drainage system. Turbines 3, 4, 5 and 6 are available to provide power, and turbine 1 is available for emergency use. Crews are standing by, ready to operate every large pump station and to monitor automated stations and pumps at underpasses.

 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has and will continue to clean and unclog catch basins, as well as flush drain lines in flood-prone areas. To reduce risk of street flooding, do not park in front of or on a catch basin, and do not dispose of anything in a catch basin. Call 3-1-1 to report catch basins that are not fully functioning. Residents should avoid lifting a catch basin lid or inserting anything into a catch basin.

 

Also, parking restrictions on the neutral ground and metered parking enforcement will be suspended starting at 2 p.m. today.

 

The New Orleans Police Department and New Orleans Fire Department have pre-staged barricades in flood-prone areas to prevent drivers from entering high water. Residents are reminded to never drive through flooded areas and to call 9-1-1 to report major flooding on the road. Motorists who drive faster than 5 mph on streets with standing water are subject to fines. A map of reported street flooding is available at streetwise.nola.gov. Additionally, NOPD will deploy high-water vehicles and boats to districts as needed.

 

The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) will be prepared to open a Medical Special Needs Shelter post-storm for people who cannot stay in their home due to power outages for their medical equipment. People who believe they need to go to the shelter should call 3-1-1. Residents who have medical or mobility issues should call 3-1-1 to register, update their information or if they have medical needs during the storm. The Special Needs Registry call center is open and will be available 24/7 through the storm. 

 

The Real-Time Crime Center, which is staffed 24/7, utilizes the network of cameras citywide to provide situational awareness during severe weather to City leaders, emergency managers and first responders.

 

Residents are encouraged to prepare for rain and review hurricane plans. Gordon is moving quickly, and we could see impacts of wind and rain as early as this afternoon. Residents are encouraged to rush preparedness activities to completion this morning. Prepare your property for heavy rain and wind: clear gutters, downspouts and in front of catch basins; secure outdoor furniture, decorations and trash cans. You can move your vehicles to neutral grounds at 2pm. Please do not block intersections or streetcar tracks. Make sure you have bottled water, non-perishable food, medications and a flashlight.

 

When severe weather arrives, shelter in place at your home. Stay off the roads during heavy rain and high winds. Never drive through flooded areas, and call 911 to report major flooding or other life-threatening emergencies. Our 311 call center remains open for information and non-emergency services.

 

Find updated information about the storm at ready.nola.gov and on social media @nolaready. Sign up for emergency alerts by texting your zip code to 888777 or online at ready.nola.gov.

 

Additional City Departments Are Prepared

 

Parks & Parkways

Essential personnel are on alert and prepared to respond to emergencies as weather conditions allow. Forestry dump trucks have been emptied and readied for debris collection on both the East and West banks.

 

Sanitation

• Trash and recycling collection will continue as scheduled today (Tuesday).
• Sanitation will provide an update today for Wednesday, based on the updated weather forecast. However, service will NOT be provided Wednesday for areas outside the levee system, which include Lake Katherine, Highway 11 and Venetian Isles area, because the water has started rising already. The next scheduled collection day for this area is Saturday.
• Generally, please secure your trash can and recycling carts BEFORE high winds and potential flooding so that they aren't carried away.

Construction & Road Work

All City contractors on active construction sites have been instructed to secure their job sites to prevent damage and minimize debris.

 

Department of Public Works (DPW)

Today through Thursday (Sept. 4-6): Five trucks are scheduled to be deployed (locations decided per DPW Maintenance Division and as needed per flooding reports).

 

New Orleans Schools

The Orleans Parish School Board has been in communication with school leaders across city. School has been cancelled for today (Tuesday). The Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) has advised public and school leaders that there will be an announcement today about Wednesday ASAP. The Archdiocese of New Orleans is also planning an announcement.

 

Other Agencies Are Prepared

 

Flood Protection Authority Prepares for Gate Closures
The Flood Protection Authority (FPA) – East continues to prepare for Tropical Storm Gordon. Seven floodgates are planned for closure (along Industrial Canal) plus the Caernarvon Sector Gate (St. Bernard). There is no planned closure of Highway 90, Highway 11 or lakefront floodgates. There will be continued coordination and communication with the Sewerage & Water Board on three Lakefront Permanent Pump Stations. Currently, there is no plan to operate these stations.

 

Gate closure alerts will continue to be sent out via the FPA alert system, which citizens can sign up for by following the AlertSense signup link at https://www.floodauthority.org.

 

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Remains Open
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is conducting normal operations at this time. Delays and cancellation of flights will be decided by individual airlines. When sustained wind speeds are 40 mph or greater is typically when airlines cancel flight operations. Airport parking may be restricted to ticketed passengers only.

 

RTA Prepares Service Adjustments
RTA operations teams are preparing for possible service interruptions due to Tropical Storm Gordon. If sustained winds exceed 35 mph, or other conditions cause roads to become impassable, RTA transit services will be discontinued. RTA will send out public notices detailing service interruptions as weather conditions change. Ferries are currently operating on their normal weekday schedule. Teams are preparing for the storm and will monitor weather reports through the day today and tomorrow. Service alerts are available at http://www.norta.com/Maps-Schedules/Service-Alerts.aspx.

 

Entergy Prepares for Service Issues
Entergy is prepared to respond to any potential impacts Tropic Storm Gordon may bring to the area. Line and vegetation contractors are on standby, ready to respond immediately following the storm. Scouting teams are prepared to assess damages after the storm. Proactive communications with SWB leadership remain in place.

 

Entergy keeps customers informed about power outages and restored power in several ways:

• A free app is available for iPhone or Android at entergyapp.com. Customers can use the app to report outages or check on the status of power at their homes or businesses.
• Entergy’s outage map shows where outages are located and gives information about restoration progress.
• Customers can send and receive text messages about storm and restoration efforts. Signing up is easy; simply text REG to 368374.
• The Entergy Storm Center has storm safety, preparation, restoration and other information that is regularly updated.

 

 

February 7, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor Cantrell, Park Partners to Discuss Park Millage Proposal in Neighborhood Meetings

Join Mayor LaToya Cantrell and New Orleans' Park Partners to learn more about the city-wide parks millage proposal in a series of neighborhood meetings that will run from Feb. 7 through Feb. 25 throughout the city.

This proposal will not raise new taxes. The plan being put before the voters would adjust the millage rates for the Audubon Commission, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) and Parks and Parkways in part to allow City Park to finally receive dedicated funding. Audubon’s proposed adjusted millage would be reduced to 1.95 mills ($6.59 million) from 3.31 mills ($10.92 million); NORDC's adjusted millage would be increased to 1.95 mills ($6.59 million) from 1.5 mills ($4.95 million); and Parks and Parkways’ millage would be increased to 1.8 mills (or $6.08 million). This adjustment would allow City Park to have a millage of .61 mills (nearly $2.06 million). The City Council unanimously approved the ordinance to put the proposal before voters on a referendum May 4, 2019.

All meetings will run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The schedule is as follows:

DISTRICT A MEETING -- FEB. 12

City Park, Parkview Terrace Room

DISTRICT B MEETING -- FEB. 7

Lyons Recreation Center

DISTRICT C MEETING -- FEB. 13

Algiers Regional Library

DISTRICT D MEETING -- FEB. 19

Corpus Christi Community Center

DISTRICT E MEETING -- FEB. 25

East New Orleans Regional Library

Here's how each of the Park Partners would benefit from the proposal:

• City Park, which will receive City funding for the first time, will be able to provide security patrols that can operate 24/7 to ensure park safety. Additional funding will also help with repairs to its aging infrastructure while improving its stormwater drainage, among many other benefits.
• NORDC, meanwhile, can leverage its increased funding to expand its programming and open up opportunities to partner with outside entities to provide other services – whether it’s for young children, teens or senior citizens.
• Audubon Commission, with its dedicated funding in place, can enrich recreational programming for our kids, while making capital improvements and increased programming at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center and the Wilderness Park on the West Bank. Audubon also has committed itself to expand access and programs for the community, including free and discounted days, a library pass partnership, and more opportunities that connect New Orleanians to nature.
• Parks and Parkways can use its increased funding to pay for two additional grounds maintenance crews, one additional forestry crew and all of their supporting equipment to continue beautifying our public green spaces, neutral grounds and corridors.

Mayor Cantrell also will set up an inter-agency coordinating group, which is in line with the City's Master Plan to create more collaboration among the managing agencies of four of the city's most important park spaces.

April 3, 2017 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor's Interfaith Prayer Breakfast

On Friday, March 31, 2017, Mayor Mitch Landrieu hosted faith leaders from across the parish at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant to discuss pressing issues in the spiritual community. After a few words and a blessing from Archbishop Gregory Aymond, attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by New Orleans’ own Leah Chase and family.

 

After the meal, Mayor Mitch Landrieu addressed the attendees. Mayor Landrieu encouraged faith leaders to remain steadfast in their commitment to inclusivity and diversity as we lift up New Orleans as a welcoming and equitable city.

 

Following questions from faith leaders, the Mayor yielded the podium to Bishop Darryl S. Brister to offer remarks and a closing prayer.

 

As bishops, pastors, rabbis, and imams from throughout the City ate breakfast Friday morning, we were truly reminded what it means to be one team, one fight, one voice, one city.

 

Special thanks to all who attended, and to the wonderful Leah Chase for her warm hospitality. 

July 31, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor's Neighborhood Engagement Office Resumes Community Office Hours

The Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office (NEO) is excited to announce the return of Community Office Hours (COH), effective Monday, Aug. 5, 2019. Come out to one of our seven COH locations and meet your Neighborhood Liaison! Bring your questions, comments and concerns; NEO looks forward to working with you. See you soon!

What: City Hall Hosts Community Office Hours

When: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Locations

District A: Community Commitment Education Center (8540 Spruce St.)

            August            5-7; 12-14; 19-21; 26-28

            September      3, 4, 9-11, 16-18; 23-25; & 30

            October           1, 2; 7-9; 14-16; 21-23; 28, 29 and 30

            November       4, 6, 12,13; 18-20

District B: Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center (4300 S. Broad Ave.)

            August              5-7; 12-14; 19-21; 26-28

            September        3, 4, 9-11, 16-18; 23-25; & 30

            October             1, 2; 7-9; 14-16; 21-23; 28, 29 and 30

            November         4, 6, 12,13; 18-20

District C: Eastbank: Treme Coffeehouse (1501 St. Phillip St.)

            August            6, 12, 14, 20, 26 and 28

            September      3, 9, 11, 17, 23 and 25

            October           1, 7, 9, 15, 21, 23 and 29

            November       4, 6, 12, 18 and 20

District C: Westbank: Arthur Monday Multi-Service Center (1111 Newton St.)

            August            5, 7, 13, 19, 21 and 27

            September      4, 10, 16, 18, 24 and 30

            October           2, 8, 14, 16, 22, 28 and 30

            November       13 and 19

District D: Pontilly Coffee (4000 Chef Menteur Hwy.)

            August          5-7; 12-14; 19-21; 26-28

            September    3, 4, 9-11, 16-18; 23-25; & 30

            October         1, 2; 7-9; 14-16; 21-23; 28, 29 and 30

            November     4, 6, 12,13; 18-20

District E: New Orleans East: East New Orleans Regional Library (5641 Read Blvd.)

            August            6, 12, 14, 20, 26 & 28

            September      3, 9, 11, 17, 23 & 25

            October           1, 7, 9, 15, 21, 23 & 29

            November       4, 6, 12, 18 & 20

District E: Lower Ninth Ward: Sanchez Multi-Service Center (1616 Caffin Ave.)

            August            5, 7, 13, 19, 21 & 27

            September      4, 10, 16, 18, 24 & 30

            October           2, 8, 14, 16, 22, 28 & 30

            November       13 and 19

October 11, 2018 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor's Office of Economic Development - 4th Quarter Business Information Sessions

 

Please see the flyer for more information about Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s Office of Community and Economic Development’s 2018 4th Quarter Business Information Sessions. There will be five sessions, one in each City Council District.

April 13, 2016 | From City of New Orleans

Meet Lt. Williams, NOPD's New Citywide Community Coordinator

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September 4, 2017 | From City of New Orleans

Movies in the Park Set to Begin on Friday, September 9th

Every Friday night, beginning Friday, September 8, 2017, until Friday, November 10, 2017 NORD will host its fall Movies in the Park series, featuring family-friendly, outdoor movie screenings. The series is once a week at different parks across the City of New Orleans. Movies begin at dusk. Site locations rotate each week. Park and playgrounds booster clubs host the series along with NORD and start promoting the screenings in the community in August 2017.  NORD does its best to minimize noise spill over outside the park’s boundaries, however; sound effects of each movie are different, so we ask community patience as we fine-tune the presentation. NORD looks forward to a safe and fun fall Movies in the Park season. 

March 26, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

MSY Career Fair

The Mayor's Office of Workforce Development is hosting a career fair for employment opportunities at the new MSY. 

Click this link to visit the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development. 

August 9, 2017 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Leader Spotlight on Cynthia Wiggins

This month's Neighborhood Spotlight features Cynthia Wiggins, community advocate and organizer for over 30 years in the Central City neighborhood. The Neighborhood Engagement Office wishes to express our appreciation for her tireless work for the betterment of our communities.

How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

 

 I've lived uptown since I was ten years old, so 40 yrs.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

What I love most is the location. The fact that most of the people that live in this area have lived here just as long as I have. For the most part its sought of generation/family oriented.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

Being that I've been involved in the community for over 30 plus years my/our greatest success is the redevelopment of Guste Homes and that it remain a low income complex. The fact that we were able to make the complex a safe community for the families that live here, created job opportunity and now working toward creating home ownership for families that live in the complex who want to own their own home within this community.  

Based on your success in Guste Homes, what advice would you give to other neighborhood leaders?

Our advice is stay true to the community in spite of the negativity that comes with being a community leader. Effective leaders will always encounter individuals who question your positions, actions and decisions. However, effective leaders always must remember that everything they do matters and the decisions and actions they take should never be without thought but should be taken with a little perspective and with that careful thought and perspective the community can have a permanent purpose that benefit all that live in it.   

Why do you love New Orleans?

I love New Orleans because I am New Orleans born and raised. I love our culture, our music, our food, our spirit. 

November 15, 2016 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Leaders Nominated for the 2016 Mayor's Community Excellence Awards

We'd like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate a neighborhood or community leader for the 2016 Mayor’s Community Excellence Awards. We received over 100 nominations in 7 different categories, highlighting some of the amazing work and contributions our neighbors are making to the city of New Orleans. Please join us in congratulating these community leaders for being nominated for their work and dedication to their communities:

• Alfred Marshall of Stand with Dignity
• Arthur Busby of Edgelake Neighborhood Association
• Betty DiMarco of Carrollton Riverbend
• Brenda Lomax-Brown of Hollygrove-Dixon
• Burnell Cotlon of the Lower 9th Ward
• Calvin Spears of Lakewood East
• Connie Uddo of Lakeview
• Constance Fowler of Lower 9th Ward
• Cyndi Nguyen of Viet
• Cynthia Harris of New Zion City
• Daesy Behrhorst of the Latino Forum
• Dawn Hebert of Lake Willow
• Derek Bardell of Audubon Charter School
• Derrick Francis of Lake Bullard Neighborhood Improvement District
• Donna Johnigan
• Donna Schmitt of Edgewood Park Neighborhood
• Dr. Ansel Augustine of Treme
• Dr. Patrice P. Sentino of Center for Hope Children and Family Services
• Dyan French Cole
• Ed Blouin of Village de’Lest
• Fred Radtke of Operation Clean Sweep
• Freddy Yoder of Lakeview
• Gloria DeCuir-Robert
• Gretchen Bradford of Pontchartrain Park
• H.V. Nagendra of Carollton Area Network
• Jeannie Tidy
• Jeff Supak of Global Green
• Jeremy D. Smith of Irish Channel Neighborhood Association
• Jeremy Smith of the Irish Channel Neighborhood Association
• Jerome Smith
• Jim Olsen of Mid-City Security District
• Jonathan Wilson of 100 Black Men of New Orleans
• Juan Gershanik
• Justin Pitard of Tulane Canal Neighborhood Association and Avery’s Restaurant
• Karla Sikaffy duPlantier of the Louisiana Language Access Coalition
• Katherine Hutton of Open Hands Restaurant
• Kaylin Magnolia Lynch
• Keisha Tilton of First Priority
• Lisa Stafford of Lake Bullard
• Liz Shepard of LifeCity
• Lyle Henderson
• Marcia McWilliams of North Kenilworth
• Mary Kellly-Swafford
• Michael Robinson of Fabourg Delassize Neighborhood Association
• Michelle Ingram of Freret Improvement District
• Mona Lisa Saloy
• Nadine Robertson
• Nga Nguyen
• Nick Harris of Dillard University
• Pastor Dennis Watson and Celebration Church
• Patrick Armstrong and the NOLA Trash Mob
• Phyllis Cassidy and GoodWork
• Rear Bienemy
• Rev. Willie Calhoun of the Lower 9th Ward
• Rita LeGrand of Lakeview
• Robert Lynn Green, Sr.- the “Mayor of Tennessee Street”
• Rock-n-Bowl
• Rosa Herrin
• Ruth Kennedy of Hollygrove Neighborhood Association
• Sandra Thompson Herman
• Ted LeClerq
• The Green Clean Neighborhood Effort
• Tim Levy of Mid-City Business Association
• Tom Lowenburg of Octavia Books
• Troi Bechet
• Troy Glover of St. Roch
• Una Anderson
• Vanessa Gueringer of A Community Voice
• Warrnetta Banks