News

September 3, 2025 | From City Council

Councilmember Oliver Thomas Issues Statement on President Trump Considering Sending National Guard to New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Today, District E City Councilmember Oliver M. Thomas Jr. issued the following statement:

“As a city that just recently observed the 20th anniversary of Katrina, we know what it means to see the National Guard on our streets. We’ve lived through that, and it was a scary time. What we learned then and must remember now is that safety comes from partnership with our community, not policing over it. We need partnerships like we do for special events, and that’s not the case now. The message this sends is that this is being done to our people, not with us.

September 3, 2025 | From City Council

Councilmember Oliver Thomas Issues Statement on the Fire At Gentilly Ridge Apartments

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Today, District E City Councilmember Oliver M. Thomas Jr. issued the following statement:

My thoughts and prayers are with the residents of the Gentilly Ridge Apartments who were impacted by this morning’s devastating five-alarm fire. I am deeply grateful to the New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans EMS, the American Red Cross, the Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, the Office of Homeless Services & Strategy, and all of our first responders for their swift and courageous actions to save lives and prevent further tragedy.

September 3, 2025 | From City Council

Councilmember Lesli Harris Responds to Trump’s Threat to Send Troops to New Orleans

New Orleans, LA – Councilmember Lesli D. Harris (District B) today issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s recent threat to deploy U.S. troops to New Orleans

September 3, 2025 | From City Council

Councilmember Moreno Issues Statement on President Considering Sending National Guard to New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS - “We have had unprecedented reduction in crime and violence in New Orleans. This is an attack on certain cities. There are many cities with mayors aligned with this President whose crime issues are severe, but they’re not targeted. That clearly shows that this is about scare tactics and politicizing public safety. Ultimately leading to the misuse of public funds and resources to attempt to score political points. We cannot allow this and I will fight to prevent any federal takeover of New Orleans.” 

August 27, 2025 | From City Council

New Orleans City Councilmembers Joe Giarrusso and JP Morrell release statement on temporary restraining order for OPSB fees

NEW ORLEANS - Today, New Orleans Civil District Court granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) filed by several Orleans Parish schools preventing the City of New Orleans’ Finance Department from continuing to collect millions of dollars in fees in violation of the law.

August 26, 2025 | From City Council

Public Works Committee Summary

NEW ORLEANS - On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Public Works Committee met to consider two contracts per Council Rule 57 and to discuss with representatives from the Department of Public Works the ongoing issue of streetlight outages throughout neighborhoods and along interstates.

August 26, 2025 | From City Council

Councilmember Oliver Thomas Issues Statement on the Passing of Bryan Vasquez

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, District E City Councilmember Oliver M. Thomas Jr. issued the following statement:

“Our hearts are heavy upon learning the news of the passing of Bryan Vasquez, the 12-year-old boy who went missing in his neighborhood,” said Thomas. “This tragedy affects not just the residents of New Orleans East or even District E, but all of our neighborhoods in the city of New Orleans.

August 26, 2025 | From City Council

Council Vice President Moreno Statement on Passing of Bryan Vazquez

The news about Bryan Vazquez is devastating and certainly not the outcome we hoped for. I will honor my commitment to his family, advocates, and volunteers to create an improved alert system for vulnerable people in New Orleans and then push for a statewide system. Thank you to everyone who helped search for Bryan and offered assistance to his family. They will continue to need all of our support during this difficult time. 

August 22, 2025 | From City Council

City Council Regular Meeting News Summary

NEW ORLEANS – At its regular meeting on Thursday, August 21, the Council adopted an ordinance to waive certain temporary fees and requirements surrounding the NOLAKEYS 5 Annual Stop the Violence Youth Bike Ride and School Supply Giveaway that took place on August 2, 2025. The Council also authorized several amendments to ongoing Cooperative Endeavor Agreements (CEAs), one being between the City and Hyfi, LLC, as well as between the City and the Build America Bureau within the United States Department of Transportation. Additionally, the Council adopted a motion authorizing the Council President to execute the Settlement Agreement between the City Council, LSU Board of Supervisors, and Edwin Murray as a member of the Wisner Trust Management Board.