News

April 29, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Announces Key Wins in Safety & Permits and Introduces the First Phase of PermiSTAT

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans is delivering major improvements across the Office of Safety and Permits (OSP), including faster approvals, better customer service, and new tools that will make the permitting process clearer and more predictable for residents and businesses.  

At today’s City Council meeting, interim Director of the Office of Safety and Permits, Susannah Kirby and Cameron MacPhee highlighted their wins in the first quarter of 2026 and their plan to continue to improve service and efficiency.  

April 28, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

Proposed Agreement to Deliver Over $100 Million Cash Infusion to Stabilize City Finances

NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Moreno Administration announced a proposed deal to infuse over $100 million net in cash to the city’s bottom line from the sale of future lease revenue, dramatically advancing its efforts to stabilize the city’s finances and undo years of mismanagement.  

“Our team continues to work urgently to stabilize the city’s finances and deliver dependable basic services. This deal is more evidence of our team’s relentless work to solve these issues creatively and sustainably,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “At no cost to the people of New Orleans, this deal doesn’t just help us right our fiscal ship, it also allows us to focus our resources on real, substantive improvements to our services and infrastructure – and brings us closer to solving the budget crisis we inherited than ever before.” 

April 24, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

EPA Denies City of New Orleans No-Cost SWIFR Grant Extension

NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans’ request for a no-cost extension from the EPA for its Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant has been denied. City leaders aimed to better support efforts by shifting the focus of the funding toward education, outreach, and long-term planning instead of a massive cart deployment throughout New Orleans. Additionally, residents can already request a free recycling cart by calling 311.

“We are disappointed that the EPA has decided to deny our reasonable request to extend the SWIFR grant,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “The City timely submitted a request for extension in order to execute on a solid waste master plan and increase education around recycling presented in the grant. Unfortunately, the EPA did not provide the City enough flexibility to continue to pursue this initiative. We will nonetheless continue to work on strategies to reduce waste and build a cleaner, more environmentally friendly New Orleans."

April 23, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

Sewerage and Water Board Reform Legislation Overwhelmingly Passes House of Representatives

NEW ORLEANS – Today, the Louisiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1243, formerly HB 573, sponsored by state Rep. Stephanie Hilferty of New Orleans. This bill gives the New Orleans City Council broader authority over the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) and has been a priority for Mayor Helena Moreno as she looks to address recurring issues with SWBNO. If the bill becomes law, the legislation will allow the city council to pass ordinances to gain oversight over SWBNO on matters like budgets, project priorities, and contract approval.

“We can’t keep doing things the same and expect different results that’s why this reform is necessary,” Mayor Moreno said. “Giving the city more local control will begin to put us in line with other parishes and will bring the level of transparency, accountability and outcomes the people of New Orleans deserve.”

April 22, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor Helena Moreno Celebrates 100 Days in Office, Releases "All In for New Orleans 100-Day Report”

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Today, Mayor Helena Moreno gathered with civic leaders whose work shaped her administration's first 100 days at a celebration held at Gallier Hall, releasing the All In for New Orleans: 100-Day Report and laying out her priorities for the term ahead.

"The mandate came from 5,800 residents," Mayor Moreno told the audience. "The plan is in your hands. The work continues tomorrow."

April 16, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans CAO Sees Early Success Managing Chaotic, Complex Budget Deficit

NEW ORLEANS – Today, the Moreno Administration highlighted early progress in stabilizing the city’s financing after inheriting a chaotic and complex budget deficit. Initial results include improved tax revenue collection, improved cash flow management, and reduced overtime spending. 

April 16, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

State Legislative Committee Unanimously Advances Major Sewerage and Water Board Reform Bill

Wednesday, April 15, House Bill 573, the centerpiece of Mayor Helena Moreno‘s legislative agenda was unanimously approved by the Legislature’s House Local and Municipal Committee.

“For decades, the people of New Orleans have grown increasingly frustrated with the problems at Sewerage and Water Board. Today, we finally have light at the end of the tunnel and a pathway to significant reform through local control and massively enhanced transparency and accountability,” said Mayor Helena Moreno.

April 13, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Announces Public Safety Preparations for French Quarter Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today announced public safety preparations for the upcoming French Quarter Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which are expected to bring large numbers of residents and visitors to the city.  

April 7, 2026 | From City of New Orleans

Mayor Moreno Signs Three Executive Orders to Advance Administration Priorities

Mayor Helena Moreno has signed three executive orders to help ensure that city government can best deliver for the people of New Orleans.

“We are moving with urgency to ensure every city department can reach its full potential,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “We can’t keep doing things the same and expect a different outcome. Change can be hard, but I won’t tolerate the saying ‘this is how it’s always been done’ as an excuse to continue inefficient practices that fail to deliver for the people of New Orleans.”