New Orleans City Council Meeting and Mardi Gras Ordinance Discussion - July 22, 2026

On July 22, 2026, the New Orleans City Council convened to consider appointments to various boards and commissions and to discuss proposed amendments to the Mardi Gras ordinance. The meeting included public testimony and forwarded several items to the full council for final approval.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved minutes from the June 11 meeting.
• Appointments (all approved or forwarded to full council):
  • Delgado Albania Plantation Commission: Michael Kerrigan and Charles Richard (reappointment) forwarded.
  • Industrial Development Board: Calvin Lawrence forwarded.
  • Fairground Citizen Advisory Committee: Andrew Ryan appointed; Mr. Nesbitt’s waiver approved.
  • French Quarter Management District: Michael Lowethal forwarded.
  • Alcohol Beverage Control Board: Craig Mitchell and Nissan Patel forwarded; Molly Pond reappointed directly.
  • Downtown Development District: Edwin Murray forwarded (waiver received).
  • New Orleans Recreation Development Commission: Kevin Kimbrough Sr. appointed directly.
  • City Planning Commission: Anthony Jackson forwarded.
  • Board of Zoning Adjustments: Miss Carlisle’s appointment withdrawn.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brett Davis (Executive Director, Grounds Crew): Supported use of local, functional throws and urged caution against commercial branding. Expressed willingness to work with the council on throw regulations.
• Morgan Clevinger (Rider with Zulu and FemmeFitel): Supported safety improvements, including limits on plastic beads and enforcement of no-parking rules. Raised concern about identifying out-of-town violators but commended the overall effort.
• Ken Beck (Captain, Sparta Crew): Opposed the proposed route change that eliminates Sparta’s Magazine Street portion. Argued it is the crew’s favorite section and that members have already paid dues expecting that route. Sought further dialogue before a final decision.

Discussion Items

• Mardi Gras Ordinance Amendments: Presented by Buddy (NOPD) and Julia Zuckerman (Council staff). Key changes included:
  • Float rider safety: Two feet on float, safety harnesses for all riders (previously only children).
  • Throw regulations: Pre-approval by crews; weight limits (glass necklaces ≤220g, total throw ≤3.5 lbs); prohibition of heavy items like TVs and appliances.
  • Branded throws: Allows crews to approve branded food and small personal items (≤12 inches, ≤0.5 lbs) with manufacturer logos.
  • Alcohol: Riders may drink but cannot dispense alcohol to the crowd; glass containers prohibited (except bead necklaces).
  • Smoking: Extended ban to include cigars, vapes, hookahs; violators removed from parade.
  • Marching bands: Bands cannot stop independently while parade is moving; must stop only when floats stop.
  • Support vehicles: Must travel with their element without stopping.
  • Car clubs: Must ride two abreast; limit of three vehicular elements per parade.
  • Route and timing changes: Parade start times moved earlier to reduce late-night operations; consistency in formation areas; Sparta route change eliminates Magazine Street, aligning with other parades that night.
  • Ladder/tent enforcement: Tying ladders together, enclosing public space, open flames become misdemeanor criminal offenses; civil fines raised to $1,000 (first) and $2,000 (subsequent). Property may be confiscated.
  • No-parking enforcement: Formation areas cleared 4 hours before parade (previously 2 hours); towing strictly enforced.
  • Councilmember Hughes emphasized budget constraints and the need for crews to share costs or accept route changes to manage police overtime.
  • Council President noted that the route changes are driven by NOPD superintendent for safety and efficiency, and the proper forum for Sparta’s concern is the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Advisory Committee meeting the following day.

Key Outcomes

• All board and commission appointments were approved (either directly or forwarded to the full council).
• The Mardi Gras ordinance amendments were forwarded to the full council for consideration without a final vote in this committee. An amendment to the ordinance was noted but not voted on.
• The meeting adjourned after handling the last item (Edwin Murray’s appointment).