The Department of Public Works recently visited a local elementary school to help a kindergarten class learn how cities function, with a focus on streets, signs, and traffic safety. Deputy Director Shannon Oldfield-Blanks explained how streets are built and maintained, demonstrated safety gear, and answered students’ thoughtful questions about infrastructure above and below ground. The visit encouraged curiosity about public service and showed how teamwork and planning keep city streets safe and functional.
The City of New Orleans has brought streetlight operations fully in-house, improving efficiency, accountability, and cost control for more than 51,000 lights citywide. With staff trained on a new Asset Management System and automated workflows now in place, DPW has streamlined inspections, repairs, and real-time tracking of outages across all neighborhoods. These advancements lay the groundwork for the 2026 Streetlight Master Plan, which will guide long-term upgrades and identify sustainable funding strategies.
