News

October 23, 2025 | From City Council

Councilmember Lesli Harris Responds to Emergency Budget Hearing and Calls for Long-Term Fiscal Planning

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Following yesterday’s emergency budget hearing, Councilmember Lesli Harris expressed deep concern over the City’s worsening fiscal crisis and called for stronger long-term financial planning and safeguards to prevent future shortfalls.

The New Orleans City Council was informed that these latest budget gaps stem in part from delayed federal reimbursements and advancement of JIRR funds due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has stalled critical payments to local governments across the country. The shortfall is coupled with the already expected budget issues related to the extraordinary overtime costs related to the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack and heightened security demands during this year’s Super Bowl.

October 20, 2025 | From City Council

Budget, Audit, and Board of Review Committee Summary

NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Monday, October 20, 2025, the Budget, Audit, and Board of Review Committee met to discuss Amendment No. 1 of the Master Services Agreement with OpenGov, Inc., as well as take a vote on Motion M-25-544.

October 17, 2025 | From City Council

2026 Proposed Budget Hearings Week One Summary

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Beginning on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the City Council held the first of several 2026 Proposed Budget Hearings. The Council conducted two additional hearings on October 15 and 16 during the first week of the 2026 budget season. Throughout this initial week, Council members met with representatives from the Department of Finance, the Chief Administrative Office, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, Michael J. Waguespack, and others.

The Council also received presentations on the Capital Budget and the Five-Year Capital Plan, beginning on the third day of hearings.

October 16, 2025 | From City Council

Councilmember Lesli Harris Celebrates Opening of Barbara Lacen-Keller Park in Central City

NEW ORLEANS, LA — District B Councilmember Lesli Harris joined city officials, community partners, and the family of the late Barbara Lacen-Keller on Friday, October 10, to celebrate the grand opening of Barbara Lacen-Keller Park, a new green space honoring one of Central City’s most beloved community leaders.

Once a vacant, unused concrete lot near the Keller Community Center, the space has been transformed through funding secured by Councilmember Harris in the City’s capital budget. The new park features lush landscaping, benches, shade trees, and gathering areas designed to bring joy, connection, and recreation to Central City residents.

October 15, 2025 | From City Council

Governmental Affairs Committee Summary

NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the Governmental Affairs Committee met to review several personnel appointments, discuss a Professional Service Agreement with Aptim Environmental and Infrastructure, LLC, and consider three amendments to previous Professional Service Agreements. The Committee also reviewed and approved two ordinances regarding the City Code.

October 10, 2025 | From City Council

City Council Regular Meeting News Summary

NEW ORLEANS, LA – At the regular meeting today, Thursday, October 9, 2025, the Council authorized an amendment to an existing CEA between the City and the Audubon Commission for the design and construction of improvements to the Audubon Riverview, Audubon Park, and Waldenberg Park. The Council also identified several organizations selected to receive funds under various Grant Programs, including the Caesars Community Support Grant Program and the City Council/Cox Communications Louisiana Grant Program. Additionally, the Council adopted a resolution to designate October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New Orleans.

October 9, 2025 | From City Council

Councilmember Oliver Thomas’ Ordinance Protecting the Release of Crime and Accident Scene Victim Images Passes By New Orleans City Council

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Today the New Orleans City Council passed Ordinance No. 35,229 authored by District E Councilmember Oliver M. Thomas to establish the city’s policy governing the release of photographs and video footage from crime and accident scenes involving death and serious bodily injury. The ordinance provides privacy protections for victims and their families while ensuring that law enforcement and judicial processes are not hindered.

October 9, 2025 | From City Council

Councilman Eugene Green Issues a Statement on the Pending End of the Consent Decree in New Orleans

October 6, 2025 | From City Council

Public Works Committee Summary

NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Public Works Committee met to consider Resolution R-25-524. The resolution amends the City Infrastructure Project List included in Resolution R-25-427 to add the construction of a multi-sport venue in the Ninth Ward. The proposed stadium will support and expand opportunities for youth athletics, serving public middle and high school students across Orleans Parish.