News

January 8, 2026 | From City Council

New Orleans City Council and Mayor-Elect Commit to Issuing NOPD Retention Bonuses and to Ensure that Payments are Accurate with Assistance from State Legislative Auditor

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Today, the New Orleans City Council adopted Resolution R-26-3, reaffirming the City’s commitment to issuing previously promised retention bonuses to eligible New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers and pledging to work collaboratively with the incoming-Mayoral administration to ensure payments are made as promptly and responsibly as possible.

January 8, 2026 | From City Council

City Council Regular Meeting Summary

NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Council unanimously overruled the Mayor’s veto of Ordinance No. 35,324, which temporarily prohibits the expenditure of funds from certain revenue sources, including any new sources. The Council also voted to direct the City Planning Commission to hold a public hearing to consider renaming certain land to Zephyr Court. Additionally, the Council adopted Resolution R-26-18, which urges the Council to formally recognize certain service and community leaders, and more.

Before the meeting began, the Council issued two proclamations. The first went to George “Geordie” Huguley for his achievements as a Special Olympics gold-medal swimmer. In 2025, Huguley won three Gold medals and one silver medal, bringing his total to nearly 50 medals over his swimming career.

January 8, 2026 | From City Council

Councilmember Lesli Harris Issues Statement on the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Councilmember Lesli Harris released the following statement in response to fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis and the continued presence of CBP and ICE in New Orleans.

January 7, 2026 | From City Council

Uptown Railroad Quiet Zone Nearing Finalization; Awaiting Final Signatures to Begin Construction

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Since 2019, District A Councilmember Joe Giarrusso has been working with neighbors, the current Administration, and the New Orleans Public Belt to complete the Uptown Railroad Quiet Zone. The Railroad Quiet Zone will run along the River from the Oak Street crossing to Nashville Avenue, crossing through Audubon Park and Children’s Hospital campus. Quiet Zones allow trains to pass through intersections without being obligated to sound their horn, barring an emergency.

January 7, 2026 | From City Council

Councilmember Oliver Thomas Issues Statement on Merger of Youth and Family Services into Health Department

NEW ORLEANS, LA — District E Councilmember Oliver M. Thomas released the following statement regarding the Office of Youth and Family Services being absorbed into the New Orleans Health Department:

December 19, 2025 | From City Council

City Council Regular Meeting Summary

NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the City Council unanimously overruled Mayor LaToya Cantrell's veto of the 2026 Operating Budget of Expenditures and Revenues. The Council also voted to temporarily prohibit the expenditure of funds received from various revenue sources, including the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO), the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and others.

December 17, 2025 | From City Council

Public Works Committee Meeting Summary

NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the Public Works Committee met with representatives from the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to discuss updates on the Lead Service Line Replacement program.

December 17, 2025 | From City Council

Councilmember Oliver Thomas to recognize Pastor Andy Pellerano at City Hall for Service to Underserved Communities

December 16, 2025 | From City Council

Mayor-Elect Moreno Announces Launch of New Orleans’ First Distributed Energy Resource Program, Investing $28 Million in Community-Centered Grid Reliability

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Today, Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno announced the launch of New Orleans’ first Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Program, a $28 million investment that will place hundreds of solar-tied batteries across the city to dramatically improve grid reliability, sustainability, and community resilience, without placing additional costs on ratepayers.

The initiative marks a major milestone in a new approach to grid reliability that began after Hurricane Ida exposed the devastating consequences of widespread power failures. In the wake of that storm, the Council committed to doing things differently by redefining what reliable electricity means by investing not only in poles and wires, but directly in our communities.