New Orleans City Council Inaugural Meeting - January 12, 2026

The New Orleans City Council convened for its inaugural organizational meeting on January 12, 2026, marking the start of the 2026–2027 term. The session began with a ceremonial introduction of the seven council members, followed by the administration of oaths of office and a musical performance by the Warren Easton High School Marching Band. The meeting focused on organizational elections, committee assignments, and the adoption of key motions to structure the new council's operations, culminating in a collaborative moment led by Mayor Helena Moreno.

Consent Calendar

• Motion M2623: Council elected JP Morell (At-Large Division 2) as President and Matthew Willard (At-Large Division 1) as Vice President for the term January 12, 2026, to January 7, 2027. (Vote: 7 Yes, 0 Nays)
• Motion M2625: Council appointed Ashley J. Becknell as Executive Counsel with a base salary of Grade 109, Step 56. (Vote: 7 Yes, 0 Nays)
• Motion M2624: Council elected Aisha R. Collier as Clerk of Council for a term beginning January 12, 2026, with a base salary of Grade 99, Step 20. (Vote: 7 Yes, 0 Nays)
• Motion M2622: Council confirmed appointments to all standing committees, including Budget Audit, Climate Change, Community Development, Criminal Justice, Economic Development, Governmental Affairs, Public Works, Quality of Life, Transportation, and Utility Cable. (Vote: 7 Yes, 0 Nays)
• Motion M2626: Council selected Leslie Harris as the voting representative and JP Morell as the non-voting representative on the Revenue Estimate Conference for the 2026 term. (Vote: 7 Yes, 0 Nays)
• Motion M2627: Council authorized the President to execute documents waiving conflicts for Mr. Swisnik regarding representation of the Mayor in various pending civil cases involving the City. (Vote: 7 Yes, 0 Nays)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilmembers' Moments of Personal Privilege: Seven minutes were allocated for each member, though actual speaking times varied:
  • Councilmember Amy McCarron (District A): Expressed gratitude for her family and incoming staff. She noted the sacrifices required for the role and affirmed her commitment to working closely with Mayor Moreno. She highlighted that her team has successfully housed 1,500 people off the streets and encouraged donations to "Home for Good."
  • Councilmember Leslie Harris (District C): Thanked her family, incoming staff, and the new administration (Mayor Moreno, CAO Jeruso). She emphasized the need for collaboration with district attorneys, the Sheriff, and the courts to ensure New Orleans becomes a "first-class city." She expressed a commitment to communication and mutual respect among colleagues.
  • Councilmember Eugene Green (District D): Acknowledged his family, staff, and state officials. He highlighted that his district includes six higher education institutions and noted significant progress in blight reduction (175+ properties demolished) and homelessness transition. He expressed pride in his district's youth and announced his service on eight committees.
  • Councilmember Freddie King (District E): Thanked his family and predecessors, specifically acknowledging former Councilmember Cynthia Willard Lewis for her work during Hurricane Katrina. He stated that residents have regained hope and declared that he is "equipped for this moment" to deliver results. He encouraged the team to embrace the magnitude of the role.
  • Councilmember JP Morell (At-Large): Expressed weariness with the city "kicking the can" and emphasized immediate priorities: fixing streets, improving infrastructure, creating retention plans for graduates, and restoring faith in City Hall. He pledged to turn things around block by block to ensure people are excited to live and work in New Orleans.
  • Councilmember Jason Hughes (At-Large): Thanked his family, political mentor (Cousin Joe), and staff. He stressed that public service is a collective sacrifice. He quoted a principle about standing firm for one's beliefs regardless of opposition, affirming his commitment to raising the bar on accountability and holding the city to its highest standards.
  • Mayor Helena Moreno: Addressed the council as the first mayor in attendance for a confirmation. She acknowledged the severe financial crisis facing the city but stressed that the previous council's actions prevented collapse. She expressed a commitment to protecting city jobs while collaborating with the council to find solutions, emphasizing that recovery requires a unified, non-one-sided approach.

Discussion Items

• Organizational Proceedings: The meeting primarily consisted of the administration of oaths of office by various judges and officials, followed by the formal election of leadership and staff. Council members utilized their "moment of personal privilege" to set the tone for the new term, discussing themes of accountability, infrastructure, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. No formal debate on policy legislation occurred during this organizational session.

Key Outcomes

• Leadership Elected: JP Morell (President), Matthew Willard (Vice President).
• Staff Appointed: Ashley J. Becknell (Executive Counsel) and Aisha R. Collier (Clerk of Council).
• Committee Structure: Seven standing committees established with members and chairs assigned by Motion M2622.
• Revenue Representation: Leslie Harris appointed as voting representative on the Revenue Estimate Conference.
• Legal Authorization: The President was empowered to waive conflicts of interest for specific legal matters involving the Mayor.
• Adjournment: The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn.