Public Meetings - New Orleans, Louisiana

On October 21, 2026, the New Orleans City Council held Day 7 of its 2027 Proposed Budget Hearings. The agenda scheduled the hearing for 9:15 a.m., the minutes listed 9:00 a.m., and the chair opened at approximately 9:30 a.m.; proceedings continued into the afternoon. Five public safety and criminal justice agencies presented their proposed 2027 budgets: Criminal District Court, Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office, Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, Orleans Parish Public Defender's Office, and the Office of Public Safety and Support. Criminal District Court - Chief Judge Wanna Marine Lombard, Judge Tracy Fleming Daverlier, and staff presented. The court said the city did not cut its budget this year but projected a $4,289,978 deficit because it depleted reserves covering last year's roughly $3 million shortfall and because state/Supreme Court funding is committed only through June 30, 2027. - The court had already subtracted $1.1 million in savings from three eliminated judgeships. Judges argued the current proposed budget of about $6.1 million versus more than $10 million needed would leave the court able to recover only about 60 percent of its budget and would make the court inoperable in the second half of 2027. - They identified constitutionally or statutorily required services at risk: jury commission, pretrial services, sanity commission, domestic violence monitoring, indigent transcripts, and compliance with the federal consent judgment on fines and fees. They said the consolidated Judicial Expense Fund currently lacks money, the clerk's office is not obligated to fund criminal court, and a meeting with the clerk has not yet occurred. - Councilmember Harris told the court the city would not provide the full $4 million request and asked for a minimum operating number; the court said it needed to reassess. Councilmember Morrell said the legislature created the problem by eliminating the criminal clerk without requiring the Orleans Parish clerk to fund criminal court, and he called on the clerk to use surplus funds to help the court. District Attorney's Office - District Attorney Williams said the city is in a devastating fiscal crisis, credited council investments with public safety gains, and asked the council to make his office whole. He said the proposed 2027 allocation of $6.94 million is a 56 percent decrease from 2025 and would require eliminating entire divisions, including the homicide unit, special victims unit, adult diversion unit, most investigators, and most victim advocates. - He compared Jefferson Parish's DA budget of $16 million in 2025 and $17 million in 2026, plus a millage generating about $4.8 million, while noting Jefferson held about 22 trials last year and New Orleans' homicide team alone handles more trials. - The DA said the parish jail held about 1,475 people and set a system goal of reducing that to 900, which he said would save the city millions. He outlined a plan with the public defender for faster screening, early allotment, case resolution days, and targeted review of aging and resource-intensive cases. He identified parole and probation processing delays as needing legislative fixes. - Councilmember Harris spoke strongly in favor of treating criminal justice as an essential service and committed to advocating for as much funding as possible. Councilmembers also asked the DA to identify any remaining strategic cuts. Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office - Sheriff Woodfork presented with her leadership team. She said this was the most critical budget year in recent history and that the office inherited significant financial strain. The OPSO request was for approximately $17 million in additional funding including the medical contract, or about $10 million without it. - The sheriff stated the jail population was 1,430 that morning, above the city-mandated cap of 1,250 and above the average of 1,420 for much of 2026. There were 254 DOC inmates, 122 awaiting transfer; DOC pays only $29 per inmate per day while general population costs about $160 per day and special populations about $250 per day. She said OPSO needs the population near 1,000 to operate on its current budget. - Phase 3 requires 27 additional deputies, estimated at about $1.2 million, and a federal judge described it as a necessity. The sheriff proposed transferring 18 youthful offenders to JJIC with a January 1 target, which would free a 60-person block. - About 40 percent of budgeted positions are unfilled; an OPSO official clarified that figure reflects being below optimum staffing, with actual budgeted vacancies lower. Monitor costs provided included $609,377 last year and $539,941.33 through September this year. - The sheriff stressed that OPSO cannot reduce the jail population alone and depends on the courts, DA, DOC, and probation/parole. Councilmembers noted the federal consent decree creates mandatory costs and that funding Phase 3 now may prevent a later court order. Orleans Parish Public Defender's Office - Chief Public Defender Danny Engelberg and staff said the proposed 2027 cuts compound a 31 percent cut last year and the loss of over $1 million in traffic camera funds, a total decline of over 40 percent. The office cut 27 contract attorneys, eliminated the bond attorney division, froze hiring leaving nearly 40 positions unfilled, and began furloughs. - They asked the council to restore the cuts, noting the office represents nearly 20,000 cases. The proposed budget is about $7 million; OPD requested $12.38 million including LCCR and said $11.44 million would enable a commitment to get the jail population under 1,000. They argued underfunding public defense would increase jail population and overall city costs. - Meg Garvey estimated the current jail population costs $261,660 per day and $1,831,620 per week using the sheriff's cost figures. Mental health unit director Lindsay Hortenstein described diversion and wraparound services that keep people out of jail. - Kristen Rome of LCCR said LCCR represents about 90 percent of arrested youth, 500 last year and 387 so far this year; an additional 8 percent cut would force more cuts. LCCR asked for $525,000 and said every city dollar leverages three additional dollars. - Councilmember Morrell recalled the previous PD funding crisis that nearly halted the justice system and said public defense is constitutionally essential. Councilmembers asked OPD to identify minimum needed funding and noted the city cannot make every agency whole. Public Safety & Support - Director Ross Bourgeois presented the Office of Public Safety and Support budget. The proposed 2027 budget totals about $5.559 million, a reduction of about $2.36 million from 2026's $7.921 million. Personnel funding drops from $3.560 million to $3.367 million, and other operating from $4.361 million to $2.193 million. - The largest cut is elimination of $1.8 million in private security contracts at City Hall, the VA hospital campus, juvenile court, and Armstrong Park, which means no front-door screening at those locations. Nine grounds patrol positions are cut: three at Lafitte Greenway, three at cemeteries, two at Joe Brown Park, and one supervisor. The cut is partially offset by adding one IT specialist and losing ARPA-funded positions. - The budget includes $250,000 for five additional cameras per council district, $900,000 for Cox network backhaul, and $125,000 for audio/video repairs and maintenance. Bourgeois said the office is reducing network costs, transitioning to a new video platform, and seeking grants to replace dispatch consoles before 2030. - Councilmembers asked about drone operations; Bourgeois said there has been preliminary discussion about the real-time crime center becoming more involved, as in other jurisdictions. Public Comments & Testimony - Nadia Muhammad, an unpaid human rights advocate, expressed support for the OPSO budget and questioned juvenile justice practices, urging services for detained youth rather than solitary confinement. - Press Kabakov of the City Service Coalition called for coordinated criminal justice action, quality-of-life investments, and safe jail population reduction, saying the system cannot be solved by police alone. - Will Snowden, a Loyola law professor and director of the Jura Project, said the sheriff has little control over the jail population and urged support for public defender access to clients. He noted the jail's capacity is about 1,438 and the council-set target is 1,250. - Lisa Marie Rhodes of ALAS described positive outcomes for young people connected through LCCR and OPD wraparound services. - Sierra Cheney of LCCR read young people's responses to the proposed budget and urged continued youth programming and public defense investment. - Judge Calvin Johnson said aggressive coordination among judges, DA, and public defenders could get the jail below 1,000 while maintaining public safety. He noted low-risk releases represented by public defenders have a rearrest rate around 6.5 percent. - Sarah Mosla of Louisiana and the Big Easy Budget Coalition said underfunding prevention and defense means paying $43,000 to $91,000 per person per year for jail. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken during the hearing. Councilmembers did not commit to full funding requests and asked agencies to return with minimum operating figures. - The Criminal District Court will provide separated capital and maintenance numbers and await a meeting with the clerk. The CAO is expected to continue legislative work on the clerk funding obligation. - OPSO will proceed with RFPs for medical and food services and work toward a January 1 transfer of youthful offenders to JJIC. - The District Attorney and Public Defender plan to present their jail reduction plan to the administration. LCCR asked for $525,000 to avoid further staff cuts. - The council will continue budget hearings on subsequent days.

The Community Development Committee met on October 20, 2026. A quorum was present (Councilmembers Morel, Harris, King, and Green). The committee approved previous meeting minutes and a Workforce Development MOU before debating an ordinance to regulate obstructions in public rights-of-way and receiving a presentation on the new Office of Population and Demographics. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (July 7, 2026): Councilmember Willard moved for adoption, seconded by Councilmember Harris. Approved unanimously (3 yeas). - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with WIOA One Stop System Partners (JOB1): A three-year agreement with no general fund impact, required for a federal grant. Councilmember Willard noted the item was understood, moved for adoption, and it was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy Singleton (mother of former councilmember Stacey Head): Recounted her experience eight years ago attempting to secure permits for dumpsters. She reported that the permit office cited being "too busy" to enforce permitting. She provided addresses on three occasions with no follow-up. She expressed full support for the new ordinance, calling it a "quality of life issue" and noted the city missed out on "tens of thousands of dollars" in uncollected fees. Discussion Items - Cal. Ord. No. 35,576 – Obstructions in the Public Right-of-Way - Courtney Fleming (Chief of Staff for Councilmember Willard) presented the ordinance. She stated that 311 has received 340 complaints since 2022, two-thirds of which involved blocking the right-of-way. Currently, a complaint can go to one of five city departments, and resolution can take over a year. - The ordinance streamlines enforcement by adding NOPD to DPW and Safety & Permits. It expands the definition of items requiring a permit, raises the application fee from $40 to $80 and the daily fee from $10 to $20, establishes a $500 fine for violations, and adopts Louisiana Public Service Commission rates for towing and storage. - Capt. Mishu (NOPD) expressed support, stating the initiative will make streets safer and inform citizens there are consequences for obstructing roadways, noting accidents have occurred as a result. - Director Kirby (DPW) supported the effort, emphasizing it puts "teeth" behind safety violations. - Director Nelson (Safety & Permits) supported the legislation, stating it provides clear guidance on responsibility, improving safety and convenience. - Councilmember Harris asked about shipping containers on Washington Avenue and Teledano. Capt. Mishu confirmed the city currently lacks the in-house equipment to tow shipping containers, though similar work has been contracted out. - Councilmember Willard framed the issue as both a safety concern (citing an example of a dumpster in a bike lane on Broad Street) and a quality of life issue. He noted the next step is for DPW to promulgate rules with Safety & Permits and NOPD, and to conduct a cost-benefit analysis on bringing towing equipment in-house. - Presentation – Office of Population and Demographics (Exec. Order HM 26-23) - Christopher Ard, Director, presented the office's mission to prepare for the 2030 U.S. Census, the first digital census. He stated that currently, "not one entity in New Orleans knows where all the addresses are." - Key activities include the LUCA program (Local Update of Census Addresses) starting April 2027, creating a single Master Address Database (NOMAD) for the city, and building addressing governance. He noted his office is working with a Paragon Fellowship (students from MIT, Emory, etc.) to interview city departments on address usage. - Ard outlined significant threats to an accurate count: proposed federal rule changes to remove race and ethnicity questions, a rule using tax documents to determine residency (which would harm part-time residents and low-income individuals), and general fear among immigrant communities. He noted that Governor Landry is part of a lawsuit to exclude non-citizens from the count. The city has a deadline of November 2 to submit a response to the proposed rule changes. - Councilmember Willard expressed full support for Ard's work, emphasizing that federal funding is tied directly to the census count. Key Outcomes - Cal. Ord. No. 35,576: Adopted with 4 yeas, 0 nays. A verbal vote was conducted because Councilmember King's voting machine was inoperable. - Presentation: The committee received the presentation from the Office of Population and Demographics. No formal action was taken, but the committee expressed support for the office's mission to ensure an accurate census count. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by motion.

The sixth day of the 2027 Proposed Budget Hearings, convened on October 19, 2026, at 12:30 PM, focused on City Services under Deputy CAO Ernest Legier. The agenda included the Department of Safety and Permits, Code Enforcement, and Sanitation; however, the recorded discussion and public testimony exclusively addressed the Sanitation Department. Councilmembers and over a dozen public speakers scrutinized proposed cuts to sanitation services, including Mardi Gras cleanup, recycling, and personnel. Department of Sanitation Presentation - Director Matt presented the 2027 budget, noting reductions in recycling collection contracts resulting from the removal of ineligible service locations, which yielded savings. - Key proposed cuts and costs to restore services: - Restoration of positions: $2.1 million - Mardi Gras cleanup: $1.8 million - Area 5 enhanced services: $628,000 - Recycling activities (drop-off, hazardous waste, glass recycling): $263,000 - Recycling carts (if donations not secured): $60,000–$100,000 (or up to $200,000 for a full year) - The average starting salary for laborers was stated as $30,000 per year. Council Discussion - Councilmember McCarron praised the department’s responsiveness and questioned the cost to restore positions. She stated that cutting the lowest-paid workers ($30,000/year) is “deeply disturbing” and called the proposal to cut Mardi Gras and special event collection “unserious.” She emphasized that residents expect both safe and clean cities. - Councilmember Hughes and Councilmember Willard were noted as sharing similar opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - Pearl Newman (Louisa Street resident): Opposed the $8 fee increase and layoffs; suggested investigating contract services and charging hotels higher fees. - Derek Ridgeley (Sanitation supervisor): Opposed cuts, highlighting the department’s role in Mardi Gras cleanup, storm response (citing Hurricane Ida), tire removal, and blight cleanup. Warned that reductions would harm residents. - Michael Caulfield (Sanitation worker): Stressed the department’s unique duties (street sweeping, trash pickup in heat and cold) and warned of rat problems if cuts proceed. Said the department needs more people, not fewer. - Tareen Buck (Mardi Gras temporary worker): Reported not being paid for six weeks after Mardi Gras cleanup; demanded timely payment to avoid rent issues. - Magali Ortiz (Sanitation Ranger): Noted that in 2026, five active rangers handled 121 adjudication hearings resulting in $615,925 in fines. Asked who would investigate illegal dumping or hold violators accountable if cuts occur. - Morgan Clevinger: Criticized contract overpayments (referencing 21,000 addresses charged but not serviced) and suggested funding from businesses benefiting from Mardi Gras (2.1 million visitors). Urged looking at other city funds (e.g., strike force). - Magali Ortiz (Worker Center for Racial Justice): Described hazards of Mardi Gras cleanup (dust, broken glass). Commended the department for improving PPE but noted workers are routinely underpaid and paid late in violation of city and state law. Reported that Mardi Gras 2026 generated 1,364 tons of waste. Asked that any cuts not harm workers and that recommendations be adopted. - Frank Southall (Jane Clay’s organizing communication manager): Supported timely payment for seasonal workers to prevent evictions. Suggested uptown krewe members (who are often non-residents) could pay higher fees rather than burdening cultural bearers. - Alfred Taylor (Sanitation worker): Said he walks 5–6 miles daily, gives 150%, but cannot afford to live in the city. Warned that cuts would cause the city to “stank.” Asked the council to keep the department funded. - Jameer Otis (Union representative, Local 2349): Opposed the budget, stating the union and members were not involved in the process. Noted the department is already short-staffed (six workers on Sundays). Mardi Gras overtime is critical for workers; cuts could lead to walkouts. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; this was a hearing to gather public and council input. - Councilmembers expressed strong opposition to the proposed cuts, with multiple members calling them unacceptable. - The hearing adjourned with notice that Day 7 would be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

The New Orleans City Planning Commission convened on 2026-10-15 19:30:00 UTC to consider a large agenda including a citywide data center zoning text amendment, multiple zoning changes and conditional uses, a subdivision request, public hearing rules, and ratifications. The agenda header listed the meeting as October 13, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.; this summary uses the meeting timestamp provided with the record. The Commission adopted prior minutes, approved most land-use requests, deferred several contested items, and denied two requests. Consent Calendar - Adopted the September 22, 2026 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. - Approved the subdivision ratifications list presented by staff. Public Comments & Testimony - On the data-center text amendment, public speakers were overwhelmingly opposed. Kenyon Smith, interim president of the East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Commission, said the item was added after the public-comment deadline, argued the process was unfair, and urged the Commission to slow down and consult the community. Representatives of the Party for Socialism and Liberation / Take Back the Power campaign, including Ahmed, Cecilia Paz, Deborah Levy, Kendall Barry, Samantha Holland, and Lizzie Pitts, called for a total ban on new data centers, citing environmental racism, strain on water and power infrastructure, noise, heat, and insufficient 500-foot buffers. Roland Barth of the Pines Village Association raised environmental health concerns; Ian Bailey cited boil-water advisories and subsidence; Frederick Bell Jr., speaking for energy advocacy groups, supported ENONAC's recommendations and asked for more time. Other speakers, including Lauren Xander and Keith Grady, also opposed the proposal. - Public testimony on other dockets is summarized under the relevant docket below. Discussion Items Zoning Docket 036/26 – Data Center Text Amendment - Staff presented a proposal defining accessory, small, medium, and large/hyperscale data centers. Small data centers would be up to 20,000 square feet and 5 megawatts; medium up to 100,000 square feet and 20 megawatts; large centers would be prohibited citywide. Conditional uses would be required in certain districts, with a 500-foot buffer from residential zoning, pre-reviews by Entergy and the Sewerage and Water Board, an annual compliance report, and emergency-only backup power. - Commissioner Steeg moved a modified approval that would have increased the buffer to 1,000 feet, lowered the small threshold to 10,000 square feet and 3 megawatts, lowered the medium threshold to 50,000 square feet and 15 megawatts, required noise abatement plans, and restricted undisclosed information. That motion failed 4–3. - The Commission then voted 5–2 to deny the proposed text amendment and transmit recommendations to the City Council. The recommendations included extending the interim zoning district, increasing the residential buffer to 1,000 feet, lowering the small/medium thresholds, requiring noise mitigation plans, ensuring data disclosed to the Commission is not withheld from the public record, and conducting additional community engagement. Zoning Docket 091/26 – West Rigolets Lighthouse - Applicant Vincent Marcelo sought a zoning change from NA Natural Area to M-MU Maritime Mixed-Use and conditional uses for a replica lighthouse and two commercial short-term rental fishing camps. Staff recommended denial because the uses were incompatible with the Natural Area land-use category. Marcelo cited shoreline erosion, community support, and letters from the Lieutenant Governor's office and the Pontchartrain Conservancy. - The Commission voted 6–1 to approve against staff recommendation, with Commissioner Flick dissenting on the commercial short-term rental component. Zoning Docket 095/26 – Downman Road Vehicle Service and Repair - Staff recommended approval with provisos for a minor motor vehicle repair shop at 4901 Downman Road. Applicant Jim Brown said he met with neighborhood associations and had begun property improvements. Opponents, including Mary James, Roland Barth, and Kenyon Smith, raised concerns about community notification and unresolved neighborhood conditions. - The Commission deferred the item to October 27, 2026, to allow further community engagement. Zoning Docket 099/26 – Prytania Street / Melpomene Street Rezoning - Staff recommended approval of a change from HU-RD2 to HU-MU for the historic commercial building at 1431–1435 Prytania Street. Architect David Glasgow explained planned renovations. - Approved unanimously. Zoning Docket 100/26 – Lake Terrace and Lake Oaks Fence Regulations - Staff recommended a technical amendment to consolidate fence-height regulations for Lake Vista, Lake Terrace, and Lake Oaks and delete redundant language. - Approved unanimously. Zoning Docket 101/26 – Freret Street Bar - Staff recommended approval of a conditional use for a bar at 5010 Freret Street. Applicant representatives Laura Barth and architect Eric Hoffman spoke in support. Susan Johnson of Historic New Orleans Neighborhoods requested deferral pending verification of the adjacent social-club zoning. - Approved unanimously. Zoning Docket 102/26 – South Carrollton Avenue Car Wash - Staff recommended denial, finding the car wash inconsistent with the walkable MU-1 district. Applicant representatives Nicole Weber, Laura LeBon, and a landscape architect described local ownership, a mid-century modern design, 40 percent permeable paving, a 34 percent reduction in peak stormwater flow, and expanded landscaping. No opposition was heard. - The Commission voted to approve against staff recommendation, with the staff provisos attached. Zoning Docket 103/26 – St. Charles Avenue Principal Bed and Breakfast - Staff recommended approval with one parking waiver and three provisos for a principal bed and breakfast at 2501–2503 St. Charles Avenue. Applicants John and Candrea Baker Mers said they lived on the property and had been responsive neighbors. Opponents, including Andy Braun of the Garden District Association and multiple Gallery Condo owners and neighbors, cited past illegal short-term rental operation, noise, parking, events, and alleged homestead-exemption issues. The applicants admitted a prior citation and fine but disputed other claims. Commissioner Steeg recused. - The motion to approve carried by a vote of approximately 5–1, with one commissioner voting no. Zoning Docket 104/26 – Old Gentilly Road Packaged Alcohol Sales - Staff recommended approval for packaged alcoholic beverage sales in a planned gas station and convenience store at the former Family Dollar site. Applicant Nicole Weber spoke in support. Opponents, including Pastor Mel Jones, Adam Hughes, and Dr. Lloyd Harsh, opposed adding alcohol near a daycare, church, and recovery ministry. - The applicant requested a deferral to meet with opponents, and the Commission deferred the item to December 8, 2026. Zoning Docket 105/26 – Elysian Fields Avenue Wine Shop - Staff recommended approval for a wine shop with a small tasting area at 1001–1009 Elysian Fields Avenue. Applicant representative Chris Young clarified the use is a wine shop, not a bar. - Approved unanimously. Zoning Docket 106/26 – St. Charles Avenue Bar - Staff recommended approval for a conditional use bar at 1726–1728 St. Charles Avenue, expanding an existing microbrewery operation. Judy Perry Martinez spoke in support. - Approved unanimously with provisos. Zoning Docket 107/26 – Norman C. Francis Parkway Packaged Alcohol Sales - Staff recommended approval with a daycare-related proviso for packaged alcohol sales at a renovated gas station. Applicant Nicole Weber described neighbor meetings and offered additional limits, including Monday–Saturday hours, no single-serve alcohol, and fresh food sales. Kenneth Ratif supported the project. Opponents Melissa Tabi, Tim Martin, and others cited daycare proximity, traffic, crime, and existing alcohol density. - Commissioner Steeg moved to deny the conditional use. The motion carried 4–3, so the request was denied. Zoning Docket 108/26 – Magazine Street Overlay Amendment - Staff recommended approval of an amendment to remove part of the Magazine Street Use Restriction Overlay. Councilmember offices requested a deferral. Shelley Landrieu of the Garden District Association asked for more time to study impacts. - The Commission deferred the item to December 8, 2026. Subdivision Docket 108/26 – Danube Road / Mullet Street Resubdivision - Staff recommended approval of the resubdivision of four lots into one through lot. Applicant Richard Lothian III was present. - Approved unanimously. Public Hearing Rules Update - The proposed update to public hearing rules was deferred to October 27, 2026. Key Outcomes - Denied the data-center text amendment 5–2 and referred detailed recommendations to the City Council, including extending the interim zoning district, increasing buffers, lowering size and power thresholds, adding noise mitigation requirements, and expanding public engagement. - Approved the West Rigolets Lighthouse zoning change and conditional uses 6–1. - Approved the South Carrollton Avenue car wash despite staff denial. - Denied the Norman C. Francis Parkway packaged alcohol conditional use 4–3. - Deferred the Downman Road auto repair, Old Gentilly Road alcohol sales, Magazine Street overlay amendment, and public hearing rules update. - Approved all remaining zoning requests, the subdivision request, minutes, and ratifications.

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Orleans Parish Board of Review met in Council Chambers to receive Hammerman & Gainer, LLC's recommendations on 2027 tax appeals, hear public testimony, and act on resolutions disposing of appeals and certifying adjusted assessments to the Louisiana Tax Commission. All seven members were present: JP Morrell, Matthew Willard, Aimee McCarron, Jason Hughes, Lesli D. Harris, Freddie King III, and Eugene J. Green Jr. The board voted 7-0 on all motions before it. Note: The posted agenda listed the meeting start time as 8:45 a.m., while the minutes list 9:00 a.m. The agenda and minutes also refer to "HDI's report," but the presentation and transcript identify the firm as Hammerman & Gainer, LLC (HGI). Public Comments & Testimony - Tiffany Pounds, representing Housing NOLA, expressed support for immediate action to address inequitable property tax assessments affecting seniors and homeowners with disabilities. She urged four actions: correct the assessments of over 2,700 seniors and homeowners with disabilities who were overcharged for the 2027 tax year; direct the assessor's office to treat the special assessment freeze as a ceiling, not a floor; establish a special extended appeals process for affected homeowners; and pursue a permanent legislative solution. - The council's attorney, Mr. McNell, responded that the appeals process is established by state law (La. R.S. 47:1992), that the City Council has no authority to amend state-law deadlines, and that the appeal deadline had expired on August 20, 2026. Councilmember Willard said the council could have granted relief if affected homeowners had filed timely appeals, but that the council cannot file appeals for taxpayers or grant retroactive refunds. - Morgan Clevinger, a resident, said she was dismissed in under two minutes during the review process, expressed concern for seniors and storm-damaged homeowners, and urged the council to fix the process. Councilmembers responded that the board's role is appellate and that process changes would require action by state legislators. Discussion Items - Lou Resweber, CEO of Hammerman & Gainer, LLC (HGI), presented the 2027 tax appeal recommendation process. HGI is a 98-year-old, locally owned, minority-owned firm that has performed third-party property tax appeal services for 14 years. - HGI reported reviewing 531 files this year, compared with 760 in 2026, 608 in 2023, and 6,227 in the prior quadrennial year. HGI hearing officers agreed with the assessor's office on 238 of the 531 cases, or about 44.5%. - HGI representatives addressed Assessor Williams' letter dated October 8, 2026, questioning 41 unique properties. HGI said it first learned of the letter from the Times-Picayune, had reached out to the assessor for a meeting, and was prepared to sit down with the assessor's office. One property representing about 25% of the differential involved a procedural error where the owner was not notified of an assessment change within 30 days of the open rolls period. - Councilmember Willard asked how a property could receive more than one reduction during a four-year reappraisal period. HGI cited changed property character, renovations, new information, and properties like the old Mercy Hospital/Lindy Boggs Center slated for demolition. - Councilmember King asked about a potential conflict raised in the assessor's letter. HGI responded that the individual referenced had previously worked for the assessor's office and the Louisiana Tax Commission, was highly qualified, and did not hear any properties with which she was affiliated. HGI said the assessor's staff was present at the hearings. - Councilmember Hughes questioned HGI's recommendation to grant appeals for some apartment complexes based on vacancies. HGI explained that for multifamily commercial properties, the income approach, including net operating income and vacancy rates, is a standard valuation method. Hughes asked whether landlords were under oath; HGI said it took submitted information at face value, which Hughes said gave him little comfort. - Councilmember McCarron moved to amend HGI's report to change the recommendations to "no change" for the 41 unique properties identified in Assessor Williams' October 8, 2026 letter. Councilmember Willard seconded the motion. Resolutions - R-26-1: Disposition of appeals in the First through Seventh Municipal Districts. Moved by Eugene J. Green Jr., seconded by Aimee McCarron. Passed 7-0. - R-26-2: Certification of Assessments for the First through Seventh Municipal Districts, as adjusted by the Board of Review, to be certified to the Louisiana Tax Commission. Moved by Aimee McCarron, seconded by Eugene J. Green Jr. Passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - The board voted 7-0 to amend HGI's report to recommend "no change" for the 41 disputed properties, without penalizing property owners who had already received relief through the appeals process. - The board approved R-26-1 and R-26-2, both by 7-0 votes. - Councilmembers urged enhanced communication between HGI and the assessor's office, and noted that the 2027 appeals window will be July 15 through August 17, 2027, with online appeals available. - HGI representatives noted that not all 41 properties on the assessor's disputed list involved the potential conflict, and that several residential properties were also included. - Unresolved properties may still pursue an appeal to the Louisiana Tax Commission. - The board adjourned by a 7-0 vote on a motion by Jason Hughes, seconded by Eugene J. Green Jr. The minutes record the adjournment action as "Reconsider," which appears to be a typographical error based on the transcript.

The Civil Service Commission met on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. to consider classification and compensation matters for the Fire Department, approve examination announcements, receive a report on disciplinary training, and handle routine approvals. The meeting included public testimony and extensive discussion on a proposed special rate of pay for firefighters working out of class. Public Comments & Testimony - John Gallagher (Orleans Firefighters Association, Local 632) spoke in support of Item 3A, an amendment to the dual assignment special rate of pay, and asked for clarification on the effective date. On Item 3B, a proposed new special rate of pay for working out of class, he requested that the commission defer the item, arguing it conflicts with Civil Service Rule 5.2 (requiring minimum qualifications for dual assignments) and that the legality of compelling firefighters to work out of class is currently before a civil court. He expressed that employees would prefer not to have the rate increase now to avoid prejudicing future rule‑enforcement investigations. - William Ghost (public commenter) provided information on the fire department’s staffing model, noting that the special rate would apply whether firefighters volunteer or are compelled. He cautioned against setting policy based on a single disciplinary case (the Pierre case) and argued that the pay decision is distinct from the legal question of compulsion. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes (July 10, 2026 and September 9, 2026): The commission approved the September 9, 2026 minutes with one abstention. The July 10, 2026 minutes were listed on the agenda but were not addressed in the provided transcript. - Ratification of Public Integrity Bureau (PIB) Extension Requests: Approved unanimously. - Item 3A – Fire Department Dual Assignment Special Rate of Pay Amendment: The commission approved a revision reducing the minimum eligibility threshold from 12 hours to 1 hour, allowing partial‑shift eligibility. Commissioner Monaverty was recused. The amendment was supported by the firefighters’ union. - Item 3B – New Special Rate of Pay for Firefighters Working in a Higher Classification: This proposal would provide a 5% special rate for firefighters assigned driving/apparatus operator duties who do not meet all minimum qualifications, and a 7.5% rate for firefighters or operators acting as captains who meet some but not all qualifications. - Commissioner Monteverdi opposed the proposal, arguing that the reduced rate is insufficient given the full liability and risks, and criticized the department’s disciplinary practices (citing the Austin Pierre case). He voted against the motion. - Commissioner Corn supported approval, reasoning that if the court permits such assignments, pay should be provided; if the court prohibits them, the rate would be moot. - Other commissioners debated the tension between classification rules and fairness. The motion to defer failed for lack of a second. The motion to approve carried with one “no” vote (Commissioner Monteverdi), effective immediately. - Item 4A – Approval of Examination Announcements (Nos. 11631–11662): Approved unanimously. These announcements cover non‑general‑fund positions at various agencies. - Item 5 – Report on Disciplinary Training for City Leadership: Staff reported on a training held in August 2026 titled “Performance Improvement through Constructive Discipline.” The training emphasized just cause, progressive discipline, and proper documentation. Pre‑ and post‑training surveys showed increases in confidence: administering discipline (87% to 96%), creating performance improvement plans (70% to 96%), and distinguishing progressive from accelerated discipline (62% to 100%). About 50 people attended two sessions. Commissioners discussed expanding the training to first‑level managers and including restorative practices. The report was received. Key Outcomes - Minutes of September 9, 2026, approved (one abstention). - PIB extension requests ratified. - Item 3A (dual assignment pay amendment) approved (Commissioner Monaverty recused). - Item 3B (new special rate of pay for out‑of‑class work) approved, effective today, with Commissioner Monteverdi voting against. - Examination announcements (Items 4A) approved. - Disciplinary training report received; no formal action taken. - Meeting adjourned.

The New Orleans City Council continued the 2027 proposed budget hearings on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with presentations from the Mayor's Office Core, the Law Department, the New Orleans Aviation Board, and the Municipal and Traffic Court. The agenda scheduled an 8:30 a.m. start; the transcript opens at about 9:30 a.m. No consent calendar was considered. Public Comments & Testimony - Bob Maynard, representing the Stewart family, said Lance Stewart was struck by a speeding city vehicle in a school zone at age 7, suffered permanent brain damage, and after eight years of litigation the city settled in 2006 for $4 million — $3.6 million for Lance and $400,000 for his mother's loss of consortium — about half of projected future medical costs. Maynard said the family had to waive eight years of interest and that the city promised payment within 30 days with interest thereafter. Mayor's Office – Core - Deputy Mayors Kevin Ferguson and Renee Lapeyrolerie presented a lean Mayor's Office Core budget with a year-over-year total savings of $11,226. They said staffing is down by more than 20 positions from the previous administration, IGR has 3 staff compared with 8 previously, and neighborhood engagement has 3 staff plus 2 additional community engagement positions. The office also includes Communications, the Office of Population and Demographics, and an ADA coordinator. They described centralized spending controls, with every expense reviewed. - Councilmember Harris questioned a discrepancy between the presentation's $4,091,657 total for the 2026 budget and the $4.2 million shown in the budget book. Staff responded that the budget book includes other department codes not presented that day, including contingency, international affairs, and human rights/equity areas, and said they would provide the department codes. - A $224,000 personnel variance was attributed to the addition of the Office of Population and Demographics and personnel coding moves. Councilmember Willard noted the 2027 budget shows 27.5 FTEs, down 43 from the prior year; staff said most reductions occurred at the start of the mayoral transition and would provide an updated org chart. - Councilmembers Harris, McCarron, and Green expressed strong support for adding neighborhood engagement staff. Councilmember McCarron said residents frequently ask for a return of dedicated neighborhood engagement liaisons, and Councilmember Green reported that more than 200 people attended a Saturday city seminar and that neighborhood engagement is vital for residents to see their tax dollars at work. Green said three staff is not enough and pledged to work to increase the office's staffing. Law Department - City Attorney Charline Gipson presented the Law Department budget. The department has about 56 members; two are on leave of absence running for office, and one resignation is anticipated. She said the apparent personnel increase of roughly $1 million, from about $6.2 million in 2026 to about $7.2 million in 2027, does not add headcount; it covers longevity increases, health-care costs, and modest salary adjustments. Other operating increases include $763,000 for known commitments and $125,000 for housing/code enforcement lien recording. A $2 million non-general-fund judgment fund remains flat. - Gipson said the department has reduced new outside counsel engagements, handling almost all legal work in-house except one Florida jurisdictional matter and one offensive litigation. Priorities include building the in-house bench, right-sizing salaries, continuing professional-culture work, and working through the judgment fund. She cited market data showing experienced city attorneys are the furthest below market: about $87,500 for 0–2 years, $110,000–$111,000 for 2–5 years, $120,000–$121,000 for 5–10 years, about $145,000 for 10–20 years, and about $170,000 for deputies/managers. She noted the city now covers Louisiana bar dues. Gipson said the department needs case/document management software, though it is not currently in the 2027 other operating budget. - Councilmember Morrell praised the office's independence under the post-charter-amendment structure, cited a recent victory in the Wisner litigation, and asked about CivicSource litigation. Gipson confirmed the city has both been sued by and is suing CivicSource, and that litigation is ongoing. Morrell encouraged calculating the return on investment from in-house counsel and warned that AI use can destroy privilege and data protections; Gipson said contract data-ownership and AI guidance are being addressed. - Councilmember Green asked about public records. Chief in-house attorney Missy Quigley said New Orleans had 23,270 public-records requests in 2024, compared with 1,664 in Jefferson Parish, while state law caps charges at $25 and 50 cents per page. Gipson said technology and posting more documents online will be needed to ease the burden. - On blighted property, Gipson and her deputies explained that constitutional due process, property rights, and state law prevent the city from simply seizing property or forcing a sale. They noted the city has over $100 million in outstanding fines that generally can only be collected through liens or tax sales, and that the lien-foreclosure unit has only three attorneys. They also discussed post-Katrina succession problems and demolition procedures. Councilmember Green asked them to identify state-law changes that could speed action while respecting property rights. New Orleans Aviation Board - Aviation Director Kevin Dolliole and staff presented. The airport was named best airport in its category by Airports Council International for the fifth straight year and was inducted into the World Director General's Roll of Excellence. Enplanements are down 13% from 2019 but concession sales are up 32%. Spirit Airlines, which is about 2% of national traffic, was 11–12% of local traffic; Frontier and Breeze are the fastest-growing carriers, and Avelo will return December 17 with service to McKinney, Texas. - Projects include the East Apron expansion, the north phase of the Express Shuttle Connector Road (100% by mid-November to early December), a TSA baggage-screening expansion adding 25% capacity by Thanksgiving, a 7,100-foot runway keel replacement, overflow parking completion in Q2 2027, and demolition of old concourses A/B and the eastern end of the old terminal. The airport reported 58.29% SLDBE participation against a 35% goal. The 2027 budget increases about 3.7%, with cost per enplanement kept below $10; the 2025 figure was $10.91 because of lower enplanement volume. - Councilmember Morrell raised concerns that airport subcommittees have not met in years, hurting transparency and DBE access to contracting processes. He asked for a list of contracts older than six years and their rebid schedules. The director said most contracts run about five years and that concessions contracts are longer because of vendor investment, and said he would provide the list. - Morrell also said Southwest Airlines leadership told him they were not consulted before the old-terminal demolition announcement and had other communication concerns. The airport director disputed that, saying there is ongoing communication, the airlines approved the project through the Majority in Interest process, and airport leadership has direct contact with Southwest; he said he would follow up. Councilmember Green requested a memo to the council on the Southwest concerns, noted the airport and transportation committee will meet in November, and noted that about 80% of Louisianians who travel use the airport. - Councilmember Green also praised the airport's SLDBE performance and regional cooperation, and asked about airport pumps. Staff explained the airport's four pumps serve only airport drainage and represent about 2% of Jefferson Parish pumping capacity; after a lightning-strike automation failure three years ago, the airport can now operate the pumps manually. Municipal and Traffic Court - Municipal and Traffic Court judges presented after losing two judicial positions through legislation. Filings have been running roughly 8,000–10,000 cases per year since COVID, and state misdemeanor cases are being transferred from criminal district court to municipal court, adding workload. The court has transferred $5 million from its judicial expense fund to the city to help the budget. - The court requested funding to fill positions that have been vacant for three years, including a clerk's office IT position awaiting a Louisiana Supreme Court opinion. Community court, which serves homeless, mentally ill, and addicted residents, relies on two grant-funded social workers and judicial expense money; the grant may not continue. The court said it would need about $300,000 from the city if the grant ends, or the program may have to be discontinued. - A nearly complete OCR system is in beta testing and is expected to roll out early in 2027. Judge Landry announced he will retire December 31 due to the age limit; judges noted the court is losing about 50 years of combined experience. The court also said it can adjudicate housing and health code violations within about 60 days, though it cannot seize property, and council members expressed interest in partnering on blighted property enforcement. Key Outcomes - No budget was approved at this hearing; it was a budget review session. The council requested follow-up information: Mayor's Office department codes and an updated org chart; a list of airport contracts older than six years and their rebid schedules; a memo addressing Southwest Airlines communication concerns; and notice if the community court grant is not continued. - Councilmembers expressed support for more neighborhood engagement staffing, additional law department salary competitiveness, airport contract transparency, and continued community court funding. - The meeting adjourned by voice vote after a motion seconded by Councilmember Green.

The New Orleans City Council held Day 3 of its 2027 Proposed Budget Hearings on Monday, October 5, 2026. The agenda listed a 9:00 a.m. start; the chair opened the hearing at approximately 9:31 a.m., noting the Saints–Falcons game meant an early close. Presentations covered the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (2027–2031), the 2027 Capital Budget, the Office of Capital Projects Administration (CPA), the Department of Property Management (DPM), and the Department of Public Works (DPW). No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of staff presentations, extended council questioning, and one public comment. Public Comments & Testimony - Al Censary, a 68-year New Orleans resident and owner of PJ Oyster Company (150 years in business), said he came to the council because no one had returned his calls or met with him since March. He cited a municipal code ordinance requiring transient and foreign businesses operating in Orleans Parish to obtain an operational/occupational license and file monthly sales and use tax forms. He asked whether the city is collecting these licenses, from how many businesses, and how much revenue was collected this year. The chair replied that someone would follow up with him. Discussion Items Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (2027–2031) — City Planning Commission (Laura Bryan) - Staff described the charter-required CIP process: submissions were due May 1; public hearings for departments ran May 18–27; the Questica software platform was used. Project categories include planning, renovation/continuing maintenance, equipment, technology, new construction, and land acquisition; the majority of requests are for repair and continuing maintenance of existing facilities. Intergovernmental requests total $3.5 million, plus USDOT and EPA grant requests. - Staff found a mismatch between department priorities (immediate operational needs and deferred maintenance) and the 19-criteria CIP scoring matrix (asset longevity, resilience, multi-benefit infrastructure). Staff said they are examining possible changes to the matrix. Councilmember Willard commented that neglected deferred maintenance ends up costing more, noting it was a recurring theme in the legislature. - CPC staff conducted site visits to the NOLA Crime Lab, the public safety warehouse, and Mirabu Water Gardens (spelled variously in the transcript). The Crime Lab request includes redesigning the fourth floor to meet federal requirements for FBI database access and in-house nationwide DNA searches; the warehouse request would expand capacity for NOFD, EMS, and NOPD. - No new bond proposition is proposed this year: the $510 million approved by voters in fall 2025 (infrastructure; stormwater/green infrastructure; affordable housing) is already allocated, leaving zero dollars of new bond funds for 2027. The administration confirmed two further bond sales, in 2028 and 2030, evenly splitting the $510 million across three sales; officials hope premiums and an improved credit rating will generate more than the remaining $312 million. - Staff made two recommendations: (1) the administration should prioritize continuing maintenance and renovation projects for remaining bond allocations, and (2) the council should consider amending the voter-approved infrastructure list to restore removed projects and add new requests from this year's CIP, such as the approximately $9 million Crime Lab retrofit and the approximately $24 million low-barrier shelter request (submitted for the first time this year). Councilmember McCarron raised the JJC HVAC repair, noting one of two units remains unfixed; CPC said previously removed JJC requests should be restored to the list. 2027 Capital Budget — Capital Budget Office (Kyle) - The city has 389 active capital projects totaling $1.7 billion, with $1.4 billion (about 83%) encumbered and $982 million already spent, leaving about $765 million to be paid out. Funding is dominated by federal grants (principally FEMA public assistance/JIR), followed by bonds, then miscellaneous capital, property insurance, Sewerage & Water Board, and state funds. A June 2026 bond sale generated more than $154 million for infrastructure and stormwater/drainage improvements (excluding affordable housing). - Highlights: FEMA extensions for Katrina damage repairs at the Municipal Auditorium (contracts under way; the Yacht Harbor restrooms extension is still pending); opening of Goldring Wollenberg Riverfront Park and the new NOFD headquarters; two new splash pads; library roof/HVAC repairs; and the Children's Resource Center ribbon cutting. Upcoming work includes Ida repairs, Criminal District Court jury deliberation room renovations, NOMA HVAC repairs, multiple Parks and Parkways facility improvements, Pecan Grove Recreation Center renovations, and a generator/microgrid at Joe W. Brown Park. - DPW capital highlights: nearly 50 new internal paving employees (50 next week), heavy equipment purchases, and two major bond contracts (citywide asphalt and citywide concrete). Upcoming: citywide sidewalk and specialty sidewalk (brick, slate, and other non-concrete) bids; a pavement condition assessment; district street packages; Morrison Road; Carrollton Avenue design RFQ; a roadway lighting safety supplement; and a streetlight master plan. - JIR program: FEMA extension through June 2, 2028; 173 blocks completed, 135 in construction, and 338 remaining; $365 million total investment, $78 million invoiced, $287 million remaining. All contractors are committed to the deadline. Upcoming bridge work includes Orleans and South Broad (Q4 2026 bids), Fillmore, Mayo at Morrison, Holiday Drive at General DeGaulle, and Tullis. - Office of Sustainability/stormwater: Lincoln Beach Phase One design split into three packages so the first package (parking lot) can advance to construction by the end of 2026; four Gentilly Resilience District construction contracts were executed under the National Disaster Resilience Grant; Mirabu Water Gardens Phase One, the Broadmoor drainage improvements, and Willie Hall are advancing; the Upper Ninth Ward drainage study identified 11 potential stormwater management projects. - Council Q&A: The $535.9 million of general obligation bonds in the current budget reflects 2026 and prior-year bonds, not the future 2028/2030 sales. DPW salary costs are supported for a decade with about $7 million per year in bond funds; the 11 FEMA-funded JIR positions will be supported through a two-year consultant engagement, with transition slots at DPW. Coordination with the Sewerage & Water Board on lead service line replacement is a precondition for paving (no mill/overlay unless it is certain there are no lead lines underneath). An ordinance passed the prior Thursday transfers $2 million in capital funding for drainage point repairs (described as to DPW and, later, to SWBNO); the city also seeks SWBNO confirmation that subsurface lines are sound before paving. The Saratoga lot is still awaiting FEMA's green light. Councilmember Green praised visible Ninth Ward progress; staff cited jurisdiction, funding, and blighted-property challenges for stormwater projects, and agreed to address railings and warning tape on the Almonaster and France Road bridges. Councilmember Morrell asked for more community outreach on Gentilly Resilience District construction, questioned the cost/benefit of investing a third of a billion to a billion dollars in a new City Hall, and pressed for a funded low-barrier shelter retrofit, noting no money is currently identified in the capital budget for it. Office of Capital Projects Administration — Steve Nelson (Deputy CAO for Infrastructure, sitting in for Jerry Harris) - The 2027 proposal reduces general fund personnel by $188,000 and other operating by $67,000, for a net reduction of $255,000 (from $377,000 adopted in 2026 to $121,000 proposed), by shifting salaries to bond/grant funds and cutting non-essential spending (cell phones, office supplies, copy machines, water, coffee). Non-general fund other operating drops from $8,581,838 to $5.1 million — a total reduction of $3,273,943 — including $5 million in state capital outlay for the SWBNO power complex project and a $100,000 state pass-through for the Desired Community Housing Corporation (the presenter corrected a $100 million typo). - Goals include expanding the Procore project-management/construction-management tool (currently paid through FEMA indirect admin fees; future funding will need to be identified after the JIR program ends), securing FAA drone certifications for roof/HVAC inspections and pre/post-storm documentation, and deploying 360-degree cameras. Councilmember Green asked that drone use be limited to certified operators focused on construction-related missions; training is expected in 2027. Department of Property Management — Austin Wilte (Director) - Wilte (two weeks in the role) presented a tight general fund budget; personnel is largely intact, with the increase attributed to correcting the accounting of fringe benefits. Non-general fund decreases about $600,000 from reallocating positions to appropriate special funds (cemetery fund, Gallier Hall fund, and others); the OCD lease space is now paid through a grant (about $365,000 increase in non-general other operating). - Revenue initiatives: cemetery tours at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 with the Preservation Resource Center — four tours a day, 16 people per tour, $30 per person, roughly $2,000/day, with the city receiving 20% (just under $400/day) at the lowest revenue tier; the intent is to fund a cemetery superintendent from tour revenue. Parking at the City Hall Garage generated about $6,000 in July/August, with expansion planned to the VA garage. Lease management with Corporate Realty has produced lower pricing. Other efficiencies include cross-training employees, consolidating storage of records/evidence, and reducing the VA hospital's $350,000 annual electric bill. - Q&A: The low-barrier shelter has had low or no water pressure on four of the last five weekends; fixes involved SWBNO response, repair of vandalism, and a contractor's same-day temporary fix. Councilmember McCarron called the building "throwing good money after bad" (elevator broken, bathroom issues) and supported funding a new or retrofitted shelter; Wilte agreed residents need a better location. The $1 million in Fund 4511 is for the chilled water service contract at the OVA, not shelter AC. The Second District police station RFP is being re-evaluated; the evidence-processing lease renewal (potential $100,000 rent increase) is under review, with alternative locations being explored. Some police station AC compressors are on backorder (notably the Sixth District). The Gallier Hall fund has generated roughly $800,000 year-to-date ($540,000), with an ending balance of about $1.15 million; an ordinance has passed to allow personnel costs to be paid from the fund, and the council indicated the omnibus amendment should authorize that use. Councilmember Green requested cleanup of the blighted former city health clinic at Desire and Florida ahead of the November 26 Ninth Ward anniversary; staff agreed to add it to an October 20 interdepartmental agenda. Department of Public Works — Steve Nelson (Director) - DPW grew from about a dozen paving employees at the start of the year to 47 today, with three more starting next Monday (50 total); the city also hired multiple electricians (from zero), inspectors, EITs, a chief traffic engineer, a deputy director, and other staff — approaching 90–100 new hires, with 250 applicants for the paving jobs. DPW had not mixed and poured its own concrete in-house since before Hurricane Katrina; crews now pour hundreds of linear feet of sidewalk weekly. - The 2027 proposal reflects a $9.8 million general fund reduction (from $19.9 million adopted; the city is on a cash basis and had spent about 30% of the budget at 75% of the year). The gap is bridged by paying bond-eligible staff (work with a life of 10+ years and over $5,000) from bond funds — endorsed by the legislative auditor and bond counsel — and by $4 million in CDBG funding for traffic signals, striping, and materials. Towing/impoundment functions transferred to NOPD ($1.18 million). The remaining Entergy settlement ($3 million, about half remaining) is dedicated to major roadways including I-10 and I-610. Sixty employees are funded entirely by bonds; a 35% DBE participation target and a $1 million sidewalk contract scope aim to keep dollars local. - Performance: street light wait times dropped from about 450 days to just over 200 days (goal: under 100 days by year-end and 30 days or less in 2027); street name signs from 800–900 days to about 700 days; more than 12,000 lighting work orders handled and almost 9,000 lights turned on. Traffic signals on Claiborne were permanently repaired (bad splices, fire ants, an Entergy feed problem, and a clipped line) rather than repeatedly reset. August 2026 was the first month in 10 years with zero traffic fatalities, supporting the zero-fatality goal. - Operations changes: crews will shift from citywide response to focused 10x10 neighborhood deployments for about a week at a time; DPW will complete its first internal mill-and-overlay block this year, scaling up next year; pothole capacity target is 1,500 per week; a street light master plan and a pavement condition assessment (including striping) are under way; striping is a 2027 priority. - Q&A: In-house sidewalk repairs cost a quarter to a fifth of contractor rates (excluding large full replacements); a stop sign request at St. Paul's school should move faster than a full-blown study, with a 30-day turnaround goal for signs; IBEW apprenticeship outreach is planned with two electrician openings upcoming; contractors will still be used for complex work (interstate directional boring, high-rise outages); NOPD notification protocols for damaged traffic signals should be formalized. Councilmember Hughes pressed for sidewalks and lighting on New Orleans East service roads and on Chef Highway and Lincoln Beach Boulevard, calling the latter "frightening"; Nelson committed to coordination with the state and federal delegation. Councilmember Morrell suggested AI-enabled photo reporting (using photograph metadata) to supplement 311 for immediate hazards like blinking lights. Councilmember Green noted the city maintains 170+ of the 453 signalized intersections located on state routes, plus lights on I-10/I-610 and grass cutting along state highways, and asked for a stronger state partnership; Nelson confirmed active discussions with the state on cost-share corrections. Councilmember Willard asked about the dedicated millage code (DPW has not had one; funds were moved to new budget codes) and the All-Star Electric contracts ($2 million; to phase toward in-house over two to three years). The chair noted a reported blinking light (Kelly/Open Loyola intersection) for follow-up. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational. The next hearing (rescheduled from Tuesday to Wednesday) will cover the mayor's office, law department, aviation board, and municipal/traffic court. - The City Planning Commission adopted and submitted the 2027–2031 CIP to the mayor; staff recommended prioritizing continuing maintenance and renovations for bond allocations and asking the council to consider amending the voter-approved bond infrastructure list to restore removed projects (e.g., JJC HVAC) and add new ones (e.g., Crime Lab retrofit, low-barrier shelter). - The administration confirmed 2028 and 2030 general obligation bond sales to complete the $510 million voter-approved program. - A referenced ordinance (passed the prior Thursday) transfers $2 million in capital funding toward drainage point repairs, with SWBNO coordination; the city set a precondition of confirming no lead service lines beneath streets before mill/overlay work. - DPW will begin neighborhood-concentrated (10x10) work crews, a 2027 striping program, a street light master plan, and a pavement condition assessment; a two-year JIR project-management consultant will create transition slots for 11 FEMA-funded staff. - The Gallier Hall fund ordinance passed, allowing personnel costs to be paid from the fund; the council requested the omnibus amendment reflect that use. - Follow-ups promised: District E project schedules and Lincoln Beach details for Councilmember Hughes; Saratoga lot FEMA clearance; bridge construction timelines; evidence-processing lease options; cemetery superintendent funding analysis; Almonaster and France Road bridge railings/warning tape; cleanup of the Desire/Florida clinic site (October 20 meeting); and a staff response to Mr. Censary's transient/foreign business license questions.