Public Meetings - New Orleans, Louisiana

This was the tenth and final day of the 2027 Proposed Budget Hearings for the City of New Orleans, held on October 29, 2026. The council heard presentations from the City Planning Commission (CPC), Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC), Vieux Carre Commission (VCC), Parks and Parkways, New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD), and received updates on the Parks Millage from Audubon Nature Institute and City Park. Discussions focused on budgetary constraints, staffing levels, enforcement of fines, and service delivery. Public comments were received on urban agriculture, historic preservation, parks maintenance, and recreation funding. Public Comments & Testimony - Dr. Felicia Stoller (Jazz Ferdinola) urged continued funding for the urban agriculture liaison, highlighting the public health, educational, and community benefits of urban agriculture. - Dimitri (Research Farms) expressed support for the urban agriculture liaison, noting assistance with navigating city processes and securing funding for the city's first food and agriculture plan. - Michael (Recirculating Farms, Central City) thanked the council for supporting urban agriculture, citing its role in food security, green infrastructure, youth engagement, and mental health. - Morgan Clevinger (on HDLC) defended the importance of the HDLC in preserving historic architecture, arguing against eliminating an inspector position that pays for itself through fines. - Bert Lodrig (3438 Annette St.) urged the VCC to develop a museum or building in the French Quarter representing the contributions of enslaved people and immigrants who built the city. - Morgan Clevinger (on Parks and Parkways) praised recent improvements but called for increased resources given the department's expanding responsibilities and the need for dedicated maintenance funding from the parks millage. - Morgan Clevinger (on NORD) advocated for increased funding for NORD, citing persistent deferred maintenance at facilities like Stallings Gentilly Playground, and asked that millage funds be more equitably allocated to NORD and Parks and Parkways rather than primarily to Audubon. Discussion Items City Planning Commission (CPC) - Deputy Director Larry Massey and Executive Director Bob Rivers presented the CPC's 2027 budget. The mayor's proposed budget retains 24 positions and includes a $500,000 allocation for professional services to begin a three-year effort to develop a new citywide master plan (the current plan dates to 2010). The CPC aims to streamline regulatory processes to free up staff capacity for long-range planning. - The urban agriculture liaison position was transferred from the Office of Resilience; the CPC is completing a citywide urban agriculture and food access master plan. - Councilmember Harris asked about the liaison's responsibilities and whether the food access plan addresses food deserts in her district (Central City, Hoffman Triangle, Gert Town). Bob Rivers confirmed it does and that outreach will begin in early 2027. - Councilmember Green encouraged strengthening ties with the Regional Planning Commission for transportation and infrastructure funding. - Councilmember Morel thanked CPC for its work on the transitional lodging study and the data center request, noting the council will act on data centers due to time constraints. Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) - Executive Director Brian Block presented the HDLC budget, which decreases total funding by $104,453, partially due to the elimination of one inspector position (salary $53,000). HDLC generated $723,938 in fines and fees in 2026. - Councilmember Willard asked about fine collection rates; Block said the department assesses fines but the City Attorney's Bureau (CAB) handles collection. He committed to providing data on amounts collected. - Councilmember Harris questioned the cost-effectiveness of eliminating the inspector, noting that reducing inspections could lower fine revenue and that the position likely pays for itself. She requested a cost-benefit analysis by the following Tuesday. - Councilmember Green urged avoiding layoffs of productive staff and finding resources elsewhere. Vieux Carre Commission (VCC) - Brian Block (also VCC director) presented the VCC budget, which increases by $132,855 due to the correct placement of the deputy director position. The budget proposes eliminating one office assistant position. VCC generated $225,400 in fines and fees in 2026. - Councilmember Harris asked the same question about fine collection responsibility; VCC also relies on CAB for collections and she requested historical collection data from 2024-2026. Parks and Parkways - Interim Director Sharon Franklin Brown presented the budget, reflecting a $1.3 million reduction in general funds and $2.4 million reduction in non-general funds (primarily from expiring ARPA funds). The department has 124 positions with three vacancies. - Councilmember Harris raised concerns about illegal tree removal, noting that fines (up to $5,000 for protected species) are often not collected. Ernest (from the administration) responded that existing ordinances are sufficient but enforcement processes with CAB need streamlining. - Councilmember McCarron discussed grass-cutting schedules (currently 3-4 weeks, down from 6 weeks in summer), contractor costs, and tree trimming backlog (2,066 open work orders). Director Brown said the department has added 10 more field workers by having supervisors work alongside crews. - Councilmember Green requested enhanced landscaping along Downman Road and Johnny Jackson Boulevard. New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) - Interim CAO Natasha Robinson and new CEO Patrice Bell presented the NORD budget of $19.3 million, a modest decrease of $96,000. The budget maintains 202 FTEs and 141 seasonal hires. NORD manages 14 recreation centers, 5 natatoriums, 12 outdoor pools, 9 stadiums, and 122 parks/playgrounds. - NORD plans to open a sixth natatorium in Cutoff without additional FTEs, restore limited FIT NOLA programming, and address deferred maintenance. It also intends to update facility rental fees (unchanged since 2014) and implement an online payment system. - Councilmember McCarron asked about the rental fee update, online registration, and partnership with the NORD Foundation. Patrice Bell committed to district-specific listening tours starting December 1. - Councilmember Willard questioned revenue projections (self-generated revenue was $446,000 in 2025, expected to be $100,000 less in 2026), esports programming costs ($323,000), and maintenance contracts. Bell said she would review all contracts. - Councilmember Morell discussed the esports program (leader in the South), the boxing program at Milne, the need to reassess the portfolio of over 100 properties to focus resources, and the importance of a transparent background check policy for coaches that balances safety with rehabilitation. Parks Millage: Audubon Nature Institute and City Park - Audubon Nature Institute: Vice President Shimann Grant Saloy reported receiving $8.7 million in millage funds in FY26. In FY27, $5.3 million will go to operations at Audubon Park, Louisiana Nature Center, and Riverfront Park; $2.6 million for debt service; the remainder for deferred maintenance. Audubon provided over 40,000 free or reduced admissions to Orleans Parish residents in 2026. - City Park: CEO Rebecca Deeds reported receiving about $2 million in millage funds (9% of operating budget). Funds supported tree canopy preservation, stadium upgrades (Pan American, Tad Gormley), infrastructure repairs, and free community programming. City Park generates 85% of its revenue independently. - Councilmember Green praised both parks for their regional importance and programming. - Councilmember McCarron thanked them and remarked on the quality of City Park's master plan execution. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on budget items during this hearing; the sessions were informational. The council will use the information to prepare the final 2027 budget. - The council requested additional data from HDLC and VCC on fine assessment and collection history (2024-2026) and from HDLC on the cost-benefit of retaining the inspector position (due by the following Tuesday). - The council directed NORD's new CEO to review all contracts, update facility rental fees, develop a transparent background check policy, and conduct a facilities inventory. - The hearing concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and passed. The meeting adjourned. Budget deliberations will continue before final adoption.

The City Planning Commission met at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Council Chambers. The Commission heard a deferred conditional-use request for an auto repair facility in New Orleans East and a lengthy citywide text amendment to overhaul transient lodging regulations based on the Transient Lodging Study. After public testimony and discussion, the Commission approved the auto repair use 5-3 and adopted the transient lodging package unanimously with amendments that removed the French Quarter's VCE1 district from proposed short-term rental expansion and added restrictions on small hotels. Consent Calendar - There were no subdivisions on the ratification list, and none were ratified. - The agenda included adoption of the October 13, 2026 minutes, but the minutes are not available and the transcript does not reflect a separate vote on them. Public Comments & Testimony – Zoning Docket 095/26 - Applicant representative Jimmy Brown said the proposed shop would occupy approximately 936 square feet with two service bays and four parking spaces; he said the owner met city requests, addressed outside-aesthetics concerns, and wants to be a good neighbor and work with community organizations. - Roland Barthay, president of the Pines Village Association, opposed the conditional use. He said the neighborhood's opposition was unchanged, disputed the applicant's characterization of earlier meetings, described Downman Road as an eyesore, said the city has not enforced code violations, presented opposition signatures, and recommended denial. - Madeline Trapanier, a Pines Village resident, opposed the application, citing existing illegal body shops and tire shops on the corridor, lack of business participation in the Downman Road Business Alliance, and the need for quality-of-life enforcement. - Kenya Smith, interim president of the Eastern New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Committee, said the group represents more than 80,000 residents and 60 percent of the city's land mass; he supported residents' concerns and noted at least eight to ten repair shops already along the Downman Road corridor. - Commissioner Jackson, who lives in District E, said she did not want the business to leave but was alarmed by lack of compliance and wanted the issue rectified. Public Comments & Testimony – Zoning Docket 082/26 - Supporters of allowing commercial short-term rentals in the VCE1 district included Suzette Taladano, Clark Gray, Craig Brewerette, Jennifer Wickham, Christina Jones, and Bert Lodrig. They argued that VCE1 is a heavily commercial district, that many buildings and units are vacant or too small for long-term residents, that real estate demand is weak, that short-term rental income would finance renovations, and that 45 property and business owners signed statements of support. - Sylvia Patterson, a Frenchman Street property owner and short-term rental operator since the 1990s, asked the Commission to distinguish long-standing hospitality businesses from speculative conversions and to protect lawful operators. - Opponents included VCPORA executive director Aaron Holmes and president Nathan Chapman, Preservation Resource Center representative Marionelle Nolan Wheatley, Louisiana Landmark Society's Sandra Stokes, Neighbors First for Bywater leaders Eleanor Graham and Julie Jones, French Quarter residents, and members of the Strong coalition. They opposed expanding short-term rentals into VCE1 and, in many cases, opposed commercial short-term rentals citywide. They cited loss of permanent housing, unsafe and unmanaged properties, enforcement failures, fraudulent permits, the fragile residential character of the French Quarter, and concerns about new small and large hotels in historic mixed-use districts. - VCPORA's Aaron Holmes said 89 of 119 written comments on the study opposed expansion in the French Quarter and that the written record contained only two letters in support of VCE1 expansion. - Alan Johnson of the Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association said the Marigny lost 20 percent of its resident-occupied housing from 2000 to now, from 83.3 percent to 64.2 percent, and warned that allowing small hotels in HMC2 could convert residential structures. - Garden District Association's Ron Babin asked for deferral or rejection, citing pending Magazine Street overlay work and concerns about small hotels. - Rhonda Finley opposed the French Quarter expansion on economic grounds, citing declining hotel occupancy and arguing the city should not expand short-term rentals while investing in hotel rooms. Discussion Items - Zoning Docket 095/26: Staff reported the proposed auto repair use is consistent with the Master Plan and the S-B1 district. The property currently contains a gas station and convenience store; past occupational licenses for similar uses had lapsed more than six months, so no active permit existed. The Commission approved the conditional use with a 5-3 vote. - Zoning Docket 082/26: Staff presented the Transient Lodging Study, adopted by the CPC on January 27, 2026, and proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Major recommendations included converting commercial short-term rentals to temporary uses, creating three CSTR categories called small, medium, and whole, limiting CSTRs, NSTRs, and bed-and-breakfasts to one per square block, restricting hotels by splitting them into small and large categories, consolidating bed-and-breakfast types, and removing CSTRs from HMC2, HMMU, and HUMU districts. - As of March 2025, short-term rentals made up 88 percent of licensed transient lodging uses, and CSTRs were about 40 percent of all licenses. Staff noted HMC2 and HUMU districts together account for 39 percent of current CSTR activity. - During commissioner discussion, staff clarified that the one-per-square-block limit would not apply to hotels, that Canal Street between the Mississippi River and Claiborne Avenue would be exempt from the density cap, and that the recommended licensing period remained one year, not two. - The VCE1 district contains about five square blocks, so the original staff recommendation would have allowed at most five small CSTRs there; the final motion removed VCE1 from the CSTR allowances entirely. Key Outcomes - Zoning Docket 095/26: Motion to approve per staff recommendation carried 5-3. Voting yes: Commissioners Jackson, Poche, Kepper, Flick, and Steag. Voting no: Commissioners Josie Gupta, Whitries, and Jordan. Commissioners encouraged the applicant to continue neighborhood engagement and address beautification, trash, and related complaints. - Zoning Docket 082/26: The Commission adopted a motion approving the staff recommendations with amendments, by a vote of 8-0. The amendments: - Removed VCE1 from all proposed commercial short-term rental allowances, meaning no new CSTRs would be allowed in that French Quarter district. - Made small hotels in HUB1 districts a conditional use rather than a permitted use. - Added small hotels to the list of uses subject to the one-per-square-block limit. - The Commission will transmit Zoning Docket 082/26 to the City Council. Under the process, the City Council has 60 days to act by motion and 90 days to adopt an ordinance, and the Council may modify the Commission's recommendations. - The meeting adjourned after the Commission ratified no subdivisions.

The Joint Economic Development and Climate Change and Sustainability Committees met on October 27, 2026, to consider two resolutions: the Community Solar Contract Summary Disclosure Form and a Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) agreement for the Omni Hotel project. Both items were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Community Solar Contract Summary Disclosure Form (R-26-464): The committee considered a resolution approving a standardized disclosure form for community solar subscriptions to promote transparency. The form was presented as a routine procedural step. The motion to approve passed with 3 yeas and 0 nays. - Omni Hotel PILOT Agreement (R-26-463): The Office of Economic Development and representatives of the Convention Center Headquarters Hotel project team presented the proposed Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes agreement. The presentation highlighted the project's economic benefits and described the approval as a procedural step in the process. The committee voted 3-0 to approve the resolution. Key Outcomes - Resolution approving the Community Solar Contract Summary Disclosure Form (R-26-464) passed unanimously (3-0). - Resolution authorizing the Omni Hotel PILOT agreement (R-26-463) passed unanimously (3-0). - Both items were placed on the consent agenda for the next full City Council meeting.

Date: October 23, 2026 Time: 1:00 PM - 1:22 PM Location: City Council Chamber, New Orleans This meeting of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABCB) addressed a single nuisance hearing concerning Stuph'd Beignets and Burgers. The board heard testimony from the city attorney regarding a 30-month delinquency in alcoholic beverage licensing and a failure to pay a prior judgment. The board voted to grant a 30-day continuance for the permittee to resolve the outstanding debt. Discussion Items - Stuph'd Beignets and Burgers (Hearing 001-26(A)) The city attorney summarized the allegations: The permittee had operated for 30 months without an Alcoholic Beverage Outlet (ABO) license, covering 12 months (2022–2023), 12 months (2024–2025), and 6 months (2025–2026). A prior judgment of $4,500 was issued on March 31, 2026, during a hearing before hearing officer Molly Ponds, with 180 days to pay. The permittee had not paid the judgment, leading to the nuisance hearing. The city attorney noted that since the nuisance notice was issued, the permittee explained they attempted to pay the judgment but mistakenly paid the Treasury Department, which applied the payment to business personal property taxes instead. The Treasury was unable to refund the payment. The city attorney stated the city would be amenable to granting an additional 30 days for the permittee to pay the $4,500 judgment to Safety and Permits. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The board voted unanimously (5–0) to approve the motion. - Continuance Granted: The board effectively granted a 30-day continuance for Hearing 001-26(A), moving the next hearing to December 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM, to allow the permittee additional time to pay the $4,500 judgment. - No Other Business: No sales tax hearing or other agenda items were addressed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received during the meeting.

The New Orleans City Council met on Thursday, October 23, 2026, at 10:45 AM (transcript indicates meeting began at approximately 4:37 AM, likely a transcription error). Five members were present, establishing a quorum. The meeting included a consent agenda, multiple zoning dockets, short-term rental regulations, and recognition of community organizations and an individual. Key actions included reversal of an HDLC decision, several conditional use approvals and denials, an increase in the short-term rental nightly fee, and deferrals of several items to future meetings. Consent Calendar - Received multiple communications and referred some to committees (e.g., community development, governmental affairs, climate and sustainability, economic development). - Approved ordinances 35,587 and 35,588 (by Councilmember Harris) for properties at 727 and 750 Coronda Ledge Street (unanimous 5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Pirates Alley Artist (speaker 1): Expressed concern that removal of a fence behind St. Louis Cathedral would eliminate the artists' exhibition space. Preferred relocation to the 400 block of the courthouse fence; noted that Jackson Square is too crowded. Councilmember Willard acknowledged ongoing work with the Supreme Court, FQMD, and French Market Commission to find a solution. Discussion Items - HDLC Appeal – 3636 St. Charles Avenue (Nicole Weber/Webb Consultants): Applicant appealed the Historic District Landmarks Commission's (HDLC) decision to require option four for facade improvements (four-foot balcony depth) instead of the requested option three and four-foot-seven-inch depth. HDLC staff explained that option four maintains cohesive building appearance; increased balcony depth would be out of scale. Councilmember Harris moved to reverse the HDLC decision and approve option three with the increased depth. The motion passed 6-0. (Notable: Councilmember Harris stated she rarely overturns HDLC.) - Zoning Docket 7526 (withdrawn): Request withdrawn by applicant. - Zoning Docket 8126 (5433 Laurel Street / 509-515 Octavia Street): Request to rezone from HUB-1A to HURD-2 to revert Cafe Maloo's zoning after conditional alcohol use approval. City Planning Commission (CPC) recommended approval. Councilmember McCarron moved to approve. Passed 6-0. - Zoning Docket 8326 (Mississippi River Heritage Park, 350 John Churchill Chase Street): Request to correct maximum building height to 35 feet for an OSN district park. CPC recommended approval. Councilmember Harris moved to approve. Passed 5-0. - Zoning Docket 8426 (deferred): Deferred to November 5, 2026. - Zoning Docket 8526 (901-909 Julia Street / 751 Baron Street): Conditional use for commercial short-term rental (CSTR) at Moto Julia motorcycle dealership. CPC recommended denial, citing general concern about permanent entitlements amid pending STR regulations. Councilmember Harris moved to deny. Passed 7-0. - Zoning Docket 8726 (3157 Chapatula Street): Conditional use for a live performance venue (comedy club) in an MU-1 district. CPC recommended approval subject to one waiver and three provisos. Councilmember Harris moved to approve as recommended. Passed 7-0 (with second by Councilmember McCarron). - Zoning Docket 8826 (814 Poland Avenue): Conditional use for a coffee shop in an HMR-3 district. CPC recommended approval subject to two provisos. Councilmember King moved to approve. Public speakers (Reese Walker, Ali Duffy, Jane Stenjum, Arnold Rivera) all supported the project. Passed (vote not specified in transcript, but approved). - Zoning Docket 8926 (1515 Calarek Street): Conditional use for a third dwelling unit in an HMR-3 district. CPC recommended approval subject to two provisos. Councilmember King moved to approve. Passed. - Zoning Docket 9026 (2404-6 St. Claude Avenue): Conditional use for commercial short-term rental in an HMC-2 district. CPC recommended denial. Councilmember King moved to approve, stating the application had CPC staff support (despite the commission's denial). The motion passed (vote tally unclear; transcript shows "Six years, five years, six years one day." Noted discrepancy: CPC recommended denial but council approved.) - Zoning Docket 9426 (24855 Chef Menteur Highway): Conditional use for commercial short-term rental in an MU district. CPC recommended approval subject to four provisos. Councilmember Hughes moved to approve. Passed 5-1. - Zoning Docket 9626 (25894 Chef Menteur Highway): Similar CSTR in Lake Catherine area. CPC recommended approval subject to two provisos. Councilmember Hughes moved to approve. Passed 6-1. - Ordinance 35,572 (1137 Esplanade Avenue servitude): Granted servitude for minor encroachments at affordable housing development, with annual payment of $937 to the city. Councilmember King moved to adopt. Passed 7-0. - Ordinance 35,573 (1822 Joseph Gilliam Place CSTR): Implementing conditional use approved September 3, 2026. Councilmember King moved to adopt. Passed 6-1 (Morrell voted nay). - Ordinance 35,574 (Short-term rental nightly fee increase): Increased fee from $12 to $20 per night for both commercial and non-commercial rentals, expected to generate $3–4 million additional revenue. Councilmember McCarron moved to adopt. Passed 7-0. - Ordinance 35,589 (Repeal of erroneous salary ordinance for Sheriff's Office): Corrected calculation error. Councilmember Morrell moved to adopt. Passed 7-0. - Ordinance 35,597 (STR regulation amendments per Fifth Circuit ruling): Amended short-term rental regulations to comply with court decision on corporate ownership. Councilmember Morrell moved to adopt. Passed (vote not specified). - Motion M26438 (Land Use Barrier Study hearing): Directed CPC to hold a public hearing on technical zoning amendments. Councilmember Harris moved to adopt. Passed 7-0. - Motion M26441 (Canal Street Renaissance initiative): Directed CPC to consider zoning amendments based on 2025 Canal Street Progress Report. Councilmember Morrell moved to adopt. Passed 7-0. - Resolution R26446 (Real Timbrous crime prevention district election): Called for an election on April 17, 2027, for voters to approve an annual parcel fee for crime prevention and quality of life. Councilmember King moved to adopt. Seconded by Councilmember Harris. Passed. - Motion M26451 (Emergency temporary polling location): Relocated Ward 7, Precincts 25 and 25A from Beacon Light Baptist Church to Bastion Center (1825 Mirabu) for November and December elections. Councilmember Green moved to adopt. Passed 7-0. - Motion M26453 (SP+ LLC contract amendment): Added Council President as signatory to contract extension through June 2, 2027 (net revenue $2.3 million per year). Councilmember Morrell moved to adopt. Passed 7-0. - Motion M26454 (Professional Account Management LLC contract amendment): Similar extension for parking/photo ticket system through January 31, 2027 (net revenue $5.8 million per year). Councilmember Morrell moved to adopt. Passed 7-0. - Special Order – Studs Club Recognition: Honored the organization for 80 years of civic commitment, including scholarships to Louisiana HBCUs (over $250,000 in contributions since 2015). - Special Order – Retirement of WGNO Chief Photographer Patrick Thomas: Recognized his 30-year career at WGNO, being the first African American chief photographer, and his military service. Key Outcomes - HDLC decision reversed on appeal for 3636 St. Charles Avenue (option three and 4-foot-7-inch balcony depth approved). - Café Maloo zoning reverted to residential (HURD-2) as part of prior compromise. - Mississippi River Heritage Park height limit corrected to 35 feet. - Commercial short-term rental denied for Moto Julia (Julia Street) and for St. Claude Avenue property (though latter was approved despite CPC denial). - Commercial short-term rentals approved in Lake Catherine area (two properties) and for the St. Claude property (controversial vote). - Live performance venue approved on Chapatula Street; coffee shop approved on Poland Avenue; third unit approved on Calarek Street. - Short-term rental nightly fee raised from $12 to $20; expected additional $3–4 million annually. - Several items deferred to November 5, 2026 meeting. - Resolutions passed to initiate Canal Street revitalization and land use barrier study hearings. - Multiple contract extensions approved for parking and ticket collection systems. - Resolution calling for April 2027 special election in Real Timbrous crime prevention district passed.

The New Orleans City Council convened on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at approximately 1:37 AM, beginning with a return from executive session. The meeting proceeded to first readings of multiple ordinances, followed by a presentation from the Young Artivists Club of Trinity City Arts and public testimony. Council members discussed youth engagement and made commitments to meet with the organization. First Readings (Consent Nature) - The Council voted unanimously (5-0) to return from executive session and to proceed to first readings. A series of ordinances were read by the Clerk, covering topics such as a cooperative endeavor for an energy sector business incubator, servitude agreements, a conditional use for a short-term rental, a temporary special event clean zone for the 2027 College Football Playoff Semifinal, repeal of the Edward Wisner Donation Advisory Committee, cooperative endeavors with UNCF and United Way, an increase in the competitive selection threshold for professional services, zoning changes for educational facility expansion and a parking lot, regulations for autonomous vehicles, clarifications to the short-term rental fund, and a biennial renewal period for alcoholic beverage permits with adjusted fees. No discussion or separate votes were taken on these items during first reading. Presentation: Young Artivists Club of Trinity City Arts - Matt Schwartzman, co-director of Trinity City Arts, presented alongside youth interns Reginae Hodges (student at Southern University at New Orleans) and Marley DuPlessis (student at Morris Jeff High School). They described the Young Artivists Club’s eight months of impactful youth engagement and commemorated the first annual Young Artivist Day (September 20, 2026). The program uses art and activism to empower youth, with a curriculum of just 12 hours costing as little as $200 per youth. They reported that 80% of participants experienced a shift in how they see themselves and their community. The club aims to recruit 1,000 youth by 2030 and go citywide in 2027. They requested that each council member or their staff meet with them before December 1, 2026, and attend the 2026 Art of Is Awards on October 24, 2026. - Two youth videos were shown: Reginae Hodges presented on flipping the narrative of waiting until someone dies to celebrate them (addressing gun violence). Marley DuPlessis addressed harmful narratives about hair and the need for inclusive acceptance. Public Comments & Testimony - Dusky Waters (musician, founder of Black Americana Fest): Expressed strong support for Trinity City Arts, emphasizing the value of paying young artists and changing narratives through art. Recognized the youth for their presentation. - Michelle Seymour (Reengagement Center at New Orleans Youth Alliance): Thanked the youth and council, explaining the importance of artivism in providing low-barrier entry points for disengaged youth, promoting healing-centered engagement, and shifting harmful stereotypes. She linked the program to the city’s youth master plan. - Paul Earl (community member): Expressed appreciation for the youth, noting how their work alleviates his feelings of hopelessness. He stated that the young people are becoming leaders and deserve support. Discussion and Council Responses - Councilmember King confirmed he would attend the October 24 event and had already received the proclamation. - Councilmember Morel indicated his office would be present and made a brief comment. - No formal votes were taken on the presentation or requests. Key Outcomes - Council members verbally committed to attending the Art of Is Awards on October 24, 2026, and to scheduling meetings with the Young Artivists Club before December 1, 2026. - The meeting adjourned with a motion by Councilmember McCarron, seconded by Councilmember Willard, without objection.

The Budget, Audit, and Board of Review Committee of the New Orleans City Council convened on October 22, 2026, to review the August 2026 budget reports, hear a detailed proposal on the millage roll forward, discuss a range of civil service pay plan amendments, and receive a presentation on the YouthForce NOLA Summer Internship Program. Voting Items - Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 22, 2026, Joint Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology, Governmental Affairs and Budget Committee meeting. (Motion by Councilmember Harris; Vote 4-0). - Motion M-26-459 (Audit Firm RFP): The committee unanimously approved a motion authorizing the issuance of an RFP for the selection of audit firms for FY2026 and four subsequent years. (Motion by Councilmember Harris; Vote 4-0). CAO/Finance Budget Presentation: August 2026 Reports - Financial Overview: Through August 31, 2026, the city reported $558 million in operating revenues and $482.7 million in expenditures, yielding a $75.5 million year-to-date net operating position. Revenues were $48 million above the year-to-date budget, and expenditures were $50.5 million below the benchmark. - Revenue Details: Property taxes were $174 million, sales tax $188 million. Building permits were only at 47% of their annual forecast. The favorable revenue picture was partially driven by elevated miscellaneous receipts, including transfers from the NOBC and the Assessor's Office. - Overtime & Controls: August overtime was $1.6 million ($780,000 below projections). Year-to-date overtime was $18 million against a $38.9 million annual budget. The administration continues to enforce spending controls. - Fund Balance: The general fund combined reported balance was $246.3 million ($67.3 million starting balance, $179 million surplus). - Council Q&A: Councilmember McCarron asked about the low building permit revenue. Staff attributed it to timing differences between issuance and collection, expressing confidence in meeting the annual budget. Councilmember Willard asked for updates on sales tax audits and the tax amnesty program, which had generated $1 million in its first three weeks against a $3–5 million target. Millages Proposal & Discussion - Presentation: Abby V. (Chief Performance Officer) and Andrew T. (Special Counsel) presented the millage roll forward as a recurring revenue measure to address a $77 million budget gap for FY 2027. Rolling forward the city's millages would raise an estimated $21.5 million for the general fund and dedicated services. For an average home ($315,700), the annual increase would be $190 ($16/month). - Public Transparency Tool: A new online calculator on nola.gov/millages was demonstrated, allowing residents to calculate the specific impact of different millage scenarios on their property tax bill. - Mayor's Restoration Priorities: The administration outlined $27.4 million in priorities to restore cuts if the millage is rolled forward, including low barrier shelters, sanitation (Mardi Gras cleanup), parks and parkways, fire department staffing, violence reduction and civilianization programs, neighborhood engagement, and maternal health funding. - Council & Administration Discussion: Councilmember Morrell stressed that agencies like the Sheriff, Clerk of Court, and Judiciary must exhaust their own reserves before seeking city funds, citing a potential surplus in the Clerk's office. He noted funding the jail's Phase 3 ($1.2 million) is mandatory. Councilmember McCarron noted the $21.5 million in estimated revenue from the general fund millage would fall short of the mayor's $27.4 million restoration list. - Public Comment: - Morgan Clevinger: Expressed concern about over-assessed properties for residents versus reductions for large commercial properties. Opposed rolling forward millages for Audubon and City Park, arguing they generate their own revenue and compete with local businesses. - Bob Maynard: Representing a client with an unpaid 2008 consent judgment, criticized the budget's $2 million set-aside for outstanding judgments totaling $80 million. - Nellie Katzen (Committee for a Better New Orleans / Big Easy Budget Coalition): Emphasized that tax increases require strong spending transparency to maintain public trust. Civil Service Pay Plan and Rule Amendments - The committee was scheduled to review over 20 Civil Service Pay Plan and Rule Amendments submitted by the Civil Service Commission, covering positions across Property Management, Police, Fire, Sewerage and Water Board, Juvenile Justice Center, Chief Administrative Office, Public Works, Library, Safety and Permits, and the Office of Inspector General. The meeting transcript does not contain debate on this section and transitions directly from the millage discussion to the YouthForce presentation, suggesting the package was advanced without detailed deliberation. The formal meeting minutes do not reflect a recorded roll-call vote for this block of items. YouthForce NOLA Summer Internship Program - 2026 Impact: With a $500,000 city investment, the program placed 224 interns (down 41% from the prior year) from open enrollment high schools. Interns worked over 35,000 hours and earned nearly $500,000 across 76 employers (half led by people of color, 61% women/non-binary owned). - Program Outcomes: Alumni earn approximately $10,000 more per year than peers, and 83% stay in the Greater New Orleans area. The program received 557 applications for 288 spots. - Budget Request: YouthForce requested the city sustain the $500,000 minimum investment for 2027, facing a total budget gap of $685,000. Without it, significant enrollment reductions are likely. - Council Q&A: Councilmember Harris suggested seeking larger corporate partnerships from major local employers (Entergy, Capado) to offset the funding gap. Cate Swinburn responded that corporate support exists but the gap is too large to fully backfill without the city's stake. Councilmember Willard praised the program's soft skills training. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes from the September 22, 2026, joint committee meeting. - Approved: Motion M-26-459 authorizing the RFP for audit firms. - Reviewed/Advanced: Civil Service Pay Plan and Rule Amendments (recorded vote absent from minutes). - Discussed: Millage roll forward proposal; action expected at a subsequent meeting (referenced as November 5th). - Presented: YouthForce NOLA Summer Internship Program update; no formal action taken. - Adjourned: Motion by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Willard, passed 4-0.