New Orleans City Council Regular Meeting - August 20, 2026
New Orleans City Council Regular Meeting - August 20, 2026
The New Orleans City Council held its regular meeting on August 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM in City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, a consent agenda adoption, public comments, and action on numerous zoning, budget, and policy items. Key matters included funding for the Right to Counsel program, approval of community solar consolidated billing, a text amendment for adaptive reuse, and several servitude ordinances. The meeting also featured presentations honoring the 21st anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the retirement of a 38-year city employee, and the 40th anniversary of the Young Leadership Council.
Consent Calendar
- Utility Reports Received: Entergy New Orleans quarterly reports and other communications from the Council Utilities Regulatory Office were received.
- Encampment Report: The July 2026 documentation of encampment clean-up efforts was received.
- Polling Location Changes: The Clerk of Court's recommended polling place changes were received.
- Legal Contract Referred: A proposed agreement with Canales-Rojas Law, PLLC was received and referred to the Governmental Affairs Committee.
- HDLC Appeals: Communications from Charles Anderson (906 Philip Street) and Ciara Green (111 Tchoupitoulas Street) were received with hearing dates set.
- City Planning Commission Reports: Zoning Docket 73/26 and other CPC reports were received.
- Budget Reports: Monthly budget reports from Orleans Parish Communication District and Orleans Public Defenders Office were received.
- HDLC Staff Reports: Reports on HDLC denials at 906 Philip Street and 111 Tchoupitoulas Street were received.
- Zoning Ordinances (First Reading): Cal. Nos. 35,512 (Data Center Interim Zoning District), 35,513 (Park Concession Facility definition), 35,514 (conditional use for restaurant at 4807 Magazine Street), 35,516 (conditional use for office at 5325 Canal Boulevard), 35,517 (conditional use for reception facility at 1701 St. Bernard Avenue), and 35,519 (signage regulations for retail centers) were adopted on consent.
- Mayoral Appointments: Motions M-26-326 through M-26-339, M-26-341, M-26-342, M-26-343, M-26-348, and M-26-349, and Resolutions R-26-346 and R-26-347 were approved, including appointments to the New Orleans Public Library, Redevelopment Authority, Board of Zoning Adjustments, Historic District Landmarks Commission, Sewerage and Water Board, Vieux Carre Commission, Fairgrounds Citizen Advisory Committee, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and Downtown Development District.
- Furlough Exemption: Motion M-26-345 exempting the CURO Chief of Staff and Counsel from furlough was approved.
- Employee Appeals: Resolutions R-26-346 and R-26-347 regarding appeals of Mark Moeller and Sabrena Williams were approved.
- Legal Contract Signatory: Motion M-26-349 added the Council President as a signatory to the Canales-Rojas Law agreement.
- The consent agenda was adopted unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Dan Feliciano spoke on the consent agenda, warning of past corruption at the Sewerage and Water Board, referencing a former board member's indictment and urging new board appointees to be vigilant. Councilmembers responded by noting the appointment process and plans for a legislative audit of the S&WB.
- Monique Wasson (Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center) spoke in support of the Right to Counsel program, stating that tenants are often one missed workday or life event away from eviction, and that the program corrects power imbalances in eviction court. She noted that the program provides cost-free eviction defense to those who do not qualify for other services.
- Y Frank Southall (Jane Place) expressed support for the Right to Counsel program, stating that over 85% of tenants facing eviction in Orleans Parish are Black, and over 55% are Black women. He thanked the council for continuing funding and urged full funding for future years.
- Laura Tuggle (Southeast Louisiana Legal Services) thanked the council for supporting the Right to Counsel program, noting that it is cost-effective (approximately $350 per person served). She highlighted that rents have not come down since Hurricane Katrina, making tenant protections critical.
- Elizabeth Harvey (Southeast Louisiana Legal Services) testified that eviction and displacement lead to homelessness, educational disruption, job loss, and trauma. She stated that the program has reduced disruptive displacement and helps landlords and tenants reach payment plans, calling it a smart solution.
Discussion Items
- Pre-Proclamation – Hurricane Katrina 21st Anniversary: Councilmembers presented a proclamation to Seth (representing the Hip Hop Caucus and Hurricane Katrina Commemoration K21 Committee). Councilmembers shared personal reflections, emphasized the need to remember and rebuild, and noted Katrina's lasting impact on the Lower Ninth Ward and the city's culture. They thanked the group for year-round commemoration and community service.
- HDLC Appeal – 111 Tchoupitoulas Street (M-26-350): Councilmember Willard moved to reverse HDLC's denial of retaining a mural painted on previously unpainted masonry. HDLC staff noted the mural was on a non-street-facing elevation with no openings, and the exposed brick differed in color. The applicant, Ciara Green, stated the artist acted in good faith under the New Orleans Mural Project guidance and was not paid. The motion passed 6-0.
- Zoning Docket 72/26 – Adaptive Reuse Text Amendment (M-26-351): City Planning Commission staff explained that the amendment explicitly allows new structures as part of adaptive reuse in planned developments. CPC recommended language ensuring new construction does not overwhelm the original design. Councilmember McCarron noted the amendment stemmed from the Port Claire Monastery redevelopment and does not alter neighborhood notification. The motion passed 6-0.
- Right to Counsel Funding (Cal. Nos. 35,528 and 35,529): Councilmembers Morrell, Willard, McCarron, Harris, King, Green, and Hughes sponsored ordinances to fund the Right to Counsel program with $35 million reallocated from Habitat for Humanity funds. Councilmember Green expressed disappointment with Habitat for Humanity but praised council unity. Councilmember Hughes valued the program's impact in District E, where 30% of cases originate. The ordinances passed 7-0 each.
- Community Solar Resolution (R-26-275 Substitute): Councilmember McCarron presented a compromise resolution directing Entergy New Orleans to implement consolidated billing for the community solar program. Key provisions include a lower administrative fee based on a joint proposal, ratepayer protections, and annual reporting. Implementation is required by March 30, 2027. The resolution passed 6-0.
- Magazine Street Text Amendment (M-26-344): Councilmember Harris introduced a motion to direct CPC to consider relaxing restrictions on Magazine Street between Washington Avenue and Napoleon Avenue to facilitate development of retail and restaurants. The motion passed 5-0.
- Budget Adjustments and Fund Transfers: Several ordinances were approved, including Cal. No. 35,531 (reallocating $35 million in capital funds to the CAO's office), Cal. No. 35,532 (extending energy benchmarking deadline to January 31, 2027), and Cal. Nos. 35,534 and 35,535 (returning unused council office funds to the general fund).
- Servitude Ordinances: Ten servitude ordinances were approved authorizing the mayor to grant encroachments on public rights-of-way for properties including 145 Roosevelt Way ($11,000 annual revenue), 1525 Prytania Street, 1010 Girod Street, 2816 St. Louis Street, 6 Newcomb Boulevard ($1,600 annually), 10 Newcomb Boulevard ($870 annually), 1660 North Roman Street ($440 annually with 15% increase every 5 years), and 221 Royal Street. The servitudes are subject to continued public use of the right-of-way.
- Election Results Tabulation: Motions M-26-352 and M-26-353 tabulated the June 27, 2026 elections for the Garden District Security District (478 for, 90 against) and Lake Forest Estates Improvement District (72 for, 46 against). Both passed.
- Polling Place Changes (M-26-340): Councilmember Hughes presented changes for the November 3, 2026 general election due to school closures. The motion passed 5-0.
- Executive Session: The council entered executive session to discuss litigation in Stanton Square, LLC v. City of New Orleans and Council of the City of New Orleans v. Edward Wisner Donation. The session lasted until approximately late morning, and upon return, several Sewerage and Water Board appointments were processed.
- S&WB Board Appointments: Substitute motions confirmed the mayor's appointments of Kimberly Thomas (District C), Jonathan Stewart (District B), Leslie Bouie (District D), David Gallo (consumer advocate), and Kathryn Walmsley (District A) to the Sewerage and Water Board. All appointments passed with 6-0 votes.
Key Outcomes
- HDLC Appeal Granted: Motion M-26-350 to reverse HDLC denial at 111 Tchoupitoulas Street passed 6-0, allowing retention of the mural.
- Adaptive Reuse Text Amendment Approved: Motion M-26-351 passed 6-0, amending the CZO to allow new structures as part of adaptive reuse in planned developments.
- Right to Counsel Funded: Cal. Nos. 35,528 and 35,529 passed 7-0 each, appropriating funds for tenant legal representation.
- Community Solar Consolidated Billing Ordered: Substitute R-26-275 passed 6-0, requiring Entergy to implement consolidated billing by March 30, 2027.
- Servitude Ordinances Approved: All 10 servitude ordinances passed unanimously (7-0 or 6-0).
- Capital Budget Reallocation: Cal. No. 35,531 passed 5-0, moving $35 million.
- Energy Benchmarking Deadline Extended: Cal. No. 35,532 passed 6-0, moving deadline to January 31, 2027.
- Council Funds Returned to General Fund: Cal. Nos. 35,534 and 35,535 passed 6-0.
- Magazine Street Study Referred: Motion M-26-344 passed 5-0, directing CPC to hold a hearing.
- Election Results Certified: Motions M-26-352 and M-26-353 passed.
- Polling Place Changes Approved: Motion M-26-340 passed 5-0.
- S&WB Board Members Confirmed: Substitute motions for Thomas, Stewart, Bouie, Gallo, and Walmsley passed 6-0.
- Presentations Recognized: Councils recognized James Mayes and the Designer Kids 2 LA Fellowship cohort, Tanya Wilson for 38 years of service (with proclamations), and the Young Leadership Council for its 40th anniversary.
Meeting Transcript
All right, good morning, everyone. Can we ask everybody to take their seats? We have a uh brief pre proclamation. Um, Sus, I'm gonna ask if you all want to come to the table really quick. As we all know, we are uh on a cusp of um commemorating the twenty first of Hurricane Katrina. And um, we have a a group of individuals uh led by our brother Susphive, uh, the Hurricane Katrina commemoration K twenty one committee who has been doing some extraordinary work uh over the years. Um, on behalf of our council president, he certainly apologizes that he's not here, he's in route, uh, had some uh matters that came up this morning that he needed to handle. Um, but the city council did want to acknowledge the extraordinary work, Seth that you uh and all of um you all are doing um to um commemorate uh the devastation, the challenges um of Hurricane Katrina. And so uh I I will give my colleagues the opportunity to say a few words. I'll start with Councilmember Green and then we'll uh go down the line. And um before we do that, Seth, why don't we just let you say a couple brief words and tell us about your work and and then we'll let the council members jump. Uh so of course I want to thank like this wonderful team that we have who work year in, year out uh on the particular work, also the hip hop compass uh who is present, who always support the work of New Orleans and the New Orleans Katrina commemoration. Uh, we appreciate the council for all the support that y'all do, everything y'all have done in these past couple of years that we've been uh collaborating on this uh Katrina anniversary. I also look forward to the future work that we are doing in this city to recognize the Katrina anniversary. Of course, uh making it a city holiday is uh always good for the city workers of New Orleans. Our goal is to make it a state holiday so that the citizens get the day off as well. Uh, but that's some future work that we definitely uh want you guys to collaborate with us on uh in the future. But this great body of uh organizers, they do uh some diligent work to make sure that the citizens who lost their lives in 2005 don't be forgotten, and also supporting the citizens who came back in 2005 and beyond to make sure that New Orleans uh is a great city to live in, and one day with the work of us uh collaborating, it'll be a city that is thriving for the citizens of this you know of New Orleans. And so uh we'll be here this year, next year, the next 10 years, the next 20 years, because we are dedicated for this work, and we just appreciate you guys recognizing us for the work that we're doing. Thank you, Susan, you know, you mentioned the um uh city holiday. We do want to acknowledge Council President Morel in his absence who uh was the lead sponsor on uh making that a holiday, but we want to acknowledge this entire council uh for co-authoring that um and and making that become a reality. With that, Councilmember Green. Thank you very much, Seth and the hip hop caucus and everyone who works hard to have us to remember Katrina. It's important to recognize that the work that you do, the many events that I attend, and thank you for those events, whether it be at the Lafite Greenway, whether it be you know at um different places throughout the city, help us to remember that 21 years later, we're still rebuilding in the city of New Orleans, and that Hurricane Katrina still has a permanent impact in many respects on our city. It helps people who are hit hard to remember that there are those out there who are thinking about them all the time, and also recognizes that the government still needs to do a lot to help us to recover from Katrina. My district includes a community, the desire community, for example, the Ninth Ward, which is still feeling significant effects of this storm. Helping us to remember, helps to keep people strong as we as we rebuild. Thank you for the work, and I look forward to celebrating with you for this 21st and for continuing years of observation. Thank you. Thank you, Councilmember Green. Um, our council president has arrived, so we're gonna let him um take the lead on this presentation. Well, thank you very much. I apologize for my tardiness. Um Seth's you and hip hop caucus have been uh fantastic, continuing each year to memorialize this tremendous historic, tragic event that has affected really the trajectory of our city, and not just the city as far as like its economic, but its socioeconomic, its cultural impact on the entire nation. I mean, when you look at what happened during Katrina and what was done to the city, and the lack of attention and effort that was done to bring people back, that has shaped the federal response to every single disaster afterward. Um though it was a horrific, tragic event that has deeply scarred our city. So many other communities around the country have experienced a very different response to federal disasters because of that. I mean even though Jimmy Carter created FEMA, FEMA was not up to the task of Katrina, and that led to people taking FEMA more seriously. With that being said, I think it's very very interesting. When I talk to Bill, they go, Well, we just did 20th. Why are we doing 21? I said, Well, I want to have you look at it a different way. Every single child born during Katrina is now 21 years old. Think about that for a second. So 18 is the age of majority. 21 is recognized not just by the government, but in our culture of really being that period where you fully become an adult, where Katrina has matured. And to that end, your remembrance, your celebration, your acknowledgement of Katrina has matured over the years as well. Because I mean, what one started, where you started versus where you were this year and where you were last year has grown and matured every single year, and you've continued to provide new and different ways to moralize this horrific event to all of us. So I look forward to Katrina 21. I mean, as much as one can look forward to Katrina Remembrance Day, having been through it, but it's just so important to teach generations, and I mean plural, generations of New Orleans about the New Orleans that was pre-Katrina versus the New Orleans that was post-Katrina.
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