Public Meetings - New Orleans, Louisiana

The Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) met on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 4:15 PM. Commissioners present: Todd James, Jose Alvarez, Alfonso Gonzalez, Jason Richards. Absent: Candace Forrest, Ramiro Diaz. The board heard 15 dockets, including variances, deferrals, and appeals. All votes were 5-0 unless otherwise noted. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 15, 2026 meeting. (Motion by Gonzalez, second by Alvarez, 5-0). Public Comments & Testimony - BZA 043-26 (2518 Burgundy St): Applicant Margaret Anne McLeod explained mechanical equipment placement constraints and submitted a letter of support from a neighbor. No opposition. - BZA 049-26 (717 Barracks St – appeal): Aaron Holmes (EC Porad) opposed deferral, stating it was disrespectful to public time. Sandra Stokes (Louisiana Landmark Society) opposed deferral, arguing it sets a bad precedent. Alan Johnson (neighborhood association president) strongly opposed deferral, criticizing the process and requesting denial. The applicant’s attorney requested 30-day deferral to work with the department. - BZA 058-26 (4501 Toulouse St – appeal): Appellant Kelly Burgess argued the sidewalk cafe permit is invalid because the bar is non-conforming in a residential district. Opponents (bar owner/representative) stated the bar has operated for 70 years without issues and accused the appellant of harassment. Zach Smith (consultant) supported denial, calling the appeal a misuse of process. - BZA 060-26 (7600 Maple St – appeal): Multiple supporters spoke, including the property owner’s family (Steve Zissis), who described the bar’s 64-year history and community support. Attorney Bob Ellis argued the bar’s use never ceased. No public opposition. Discussion Items - BZA 043-26 (Mechanical equipment setback): After-the-fact variance for two ground-mounted mini-split units at 0.75 ft and 1 ft from lot line (required 2 ft). Board discussed life safety concerns due to narrow alley. Staff recommended denial. The board accepted late-submitted documents (survey, letters) by suspending rules (5-0). Approved with added proviso: minimum 7 ft clearance from ground to equipment. (Motion by Richards, second by Alvarez, 5-0). - BZA 048-26 (Lot depth and rear yard setback): Applicant withdrew the rear yard waiver after revising the survey to eliminate it. Board approved a waiver of 3 ft 1.25 inches for minimum lot depth (Table 11-2A), subject to staff proviso. (Motion by Richards, second by Diaz, 5-0). - BZA 050-26 (Rear yard setback – garage connection): Applicant sought to connect detached garage to principal structure, resulting in 6.4 ft rear setback (required 15 ft). Staff recommended denial. Board approved with two provisos: staff’s proviso and a deed restriction limiting future enlargement beyond current CZO setbacks. (Motion by Richards, second by Gonzalez, 5-0). - BZA 052-26 (Driveway width): Applicant requested deferral due to jury duty. Granted 30-day deferral. (5-0). - BZA 053-26 (Subdivision – through lot): Request for variances for lot area, permeable open space, and rear yard setback. Staff recommended approval. Board approved with one proviso. (Motion by Gonzalez, second by Richards, 5-0). - BZA 055-26 (Excessive bathrooms in HURD2 overlay): Variance for one additional bathroom. Applicant argued the overlay’s purpose is parking, not bathrooms. Board approved with one proviso. (Motion by Richards, second by Alvarez, 5-0). - BZA 056-26 (Interior side yard setback – rebuild after demolition): Variance to rebuild on zero lot line (required 3 ft). Staff recommended approval. Board approved with one proviso. (Motion by Richards, second by Alvarez, 5-0). - BZA 032-26 (Off-street parking – two-family dwelling): Deferred 30 days at staff request because applicant did not submit revised plans. (5-0). - BZA 039-26 (Lot subdivision – encroachment issue): Deferred 30 days to allow applicant to work with surveyor and city to resolve encroachment and lot line issues. (Motion by Diaz, second by Alvarez, 5-0). - BZA 054-26 (Permeable open space – after-the-fact): Deferred 30 days for staff to determine if work was grandfathered. (Motion by Alvarez, second by Diaz, 4-0, Gonzalez absent). - BZA 057-26 (Interior side yard setback – addition): Deferred 30 days for revised drawings. (Motion by Richards, second by Alvarez, 4-0, Gonzalez absent). - BZA 008-24 (Appeal – Orleans Parish Directional Center): Deferred 30 days to allow city to contact applicant about withdrawal. (Motion by Alvarez, second by Richards, 5-0). - BZA 110-25 (Appeal – Broadway St): Applicant withdrew appeal; no further action. - BZA 049-26 (Appeal – hotel non-conforming use): Applicant requested 30-day deferral to resolve with department. Board granted deferral despite public opposition. (Motion by Richards, second by Gonzalez, 5-0). - BZA 058-26 (Appeal – sidewalk cafe permit): Board denied appeal, upholding the director’s decision that the property is zoned HU B1A (not residential) and the permit is allowed. (Motion by Richards, second by ???, 5-0). - BZA 059-26 (Appeal – Birch St): Deferred 30 days at request of Department of Safety and Permits. (Motion by Richards, second by Alvarez, 5-0). - BZA 060-26 (Appeal – bar non-conforming use): Extensive debate on whether the bar’s use had been legally maintained. The board voted 4-1 to grant the appeal, overturning the director’s denial. (Motion by Richards, second by ???). Key Outcomes - Approved variances for mechanical equipment (BZA 043-26), lot depth (BZA 048-26), rear yard setback with deed restriction (BZA 050-26), subdivision (BZA 053-26), bathroom count (BZA 055-26), and zero lot line rebuild (BZA 056-26). - Denied appeal for sidewalk cafe (BZA 058-26), upheld director. - Granted appeal for bar non-conforming use at 7600 Maple St (BZA 060-26), 4-1. - Deferred nine items: BZA 032-26, 039-26, 052-26, 054-26, 057-26, 008-24, 049-26, 059-26. - Withdrawal accepted: BZA 110-25. - All votes were 5-0 except BZA 054-26 (4-0) and BZA 060-26 (4-1).

The Budget/Audit/Board of Review Committee of the New Orleans City Council met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. with a quorum present (Councilmembers Harris, Willard, Morrell, and McCarron). Councilmember Freddie King (District C) was absent. The committee approved several consent items and received presentations on the FY2025 annual audit, the May 2026 budget report, and discussed a new Central Adjudication Bureau administrator position. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (June 15, 2026): Approved 4-0 (Motion by Willard, Second by McCarron). - M-26-XXX (OpenGov 311 Module): Authorized an amendment to add maintenance payments and adopt the OpenGov 311 Module to improve work order intake for non-addressable public assets. Approved 4-0 (Motion by Harris, Second by Willard). Discussion included the technical limitations of the current address-based 311 system and a projected launch in late 2026 or early 2027. - CAL. NOS. 35,484 & 35,485 (Housing Bond Funds): Transferred $17,034,118 from Intergovernmental Revenues (Fund 6699) to the Housing Bond Fund (Fund 5157) to fund prior housing projects (e.g., Iris Riverbend, Growth PLace, LaFeed Phase 7, BW Cooper). Approved 4-0 (Motion by Harris, Second by McCarron). Discussion Items - CAL. NOS. 35,487 & 35,488 (Rapid Rehousing Program): These ordinances would transfer $750,000 to the Health Department for United Way Rapid Rehousing. Deferred to the full council meeting of July 23, 2026, with no committee recommendation. - FY2025 Annual Audit Presentation (CRI, Becky Hammond): Presented by audit partner Becky Hammond. Highlights: - Unmodified (clean) opinion on financial statements. - Material weakness: Prior period adjustments totaling $10.9 million ($2.5M unrecorded GoZone bond revenue; $8.4M unrecorded workers’ comp expenditures). Administration had already implemented corrective procedures. - Non-compliance: Underfunded firefighter pension (ongoing since 2017); new system funding improved to 18% (from 7–12%), old system to 25% (from 2.82%). - Other findings: Minor exceptions in bank reconciliations and collections (deposit timing, shared cash drawers). - General fund equity fell to $67.3 million (from $205.6M in 2024), representing a deficit, though cash increased due to liquidated investments and a revenue anticipation note. - M-26-44 (CAB Administrator): Discussion only. The committee suspended rules to add the item. Mr. Wilte (CAO office) explained the Central Adjudication Bureau administrator role would oversee civil adjudication hearings (code enforcement, STR, zoning, etc.). Council President Morrell raised concerns about past CAB issues. No vote; the matter was added to the next council meeting agenda. - M-26-242 (Fire Transitional Duty Classifications): Deferred to August 6, 2026, council meeting. - May 2026 Budget Reports/Executive Summary: Presented by Abby VN, Chief Performance Officer. Key figures: - Net position positive $91.9 million year-to-date. - Revenues $392.5M (exceeded budget by $22M and prior year by $46.3M). - Expenditures $300.6M (37.6% of annual budget, below benchmark). - Overtime spending down, at 36% of annual budget ($14M expended). - 5% vacancy rate (248 positions unfilled), temporarily reduced by summer hires. - Undited fund balance as of May 31, 2026: $33.15 million (combined with audited FY2025 ending of $67.3M). - Sales tax collections at 45% of budget as of July 10 (property tax at 94%). Council Vice President Willard expressed concern about sales tax trajectory. - M-26-44 (CAB Administrator) – Discussion: See above. Key Outcomes - Votes: Four consent items approved unanimously (4-0). - Deferrals: CAL. NOS. 35,487 & 35,488 deferred to July 23, 2026 council meeting; M-26-242 deferred to August 6, 2026. - Next Steps: The CAB administrator motion (M-26-44) will be placed on the next full council meeting agenda for consideration. The administration will provide updates on the OpenGov 311 module transition. The finance department is expected to address audit recommendations on deposit timeliness and cash drawer policies. - Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Harris, second by McCarron, passed 4-0.

The New Orleans City Planning Commission met on July 14, 2026, to consider a range of zoning and subdivision dockets. Key items included multiple commercial short-term rental applications, a car wash proposal, text amendments for recording studios and adaptive reuse, and a subdivision for the Omni Convention Center Headquarters Hotel. The meeting featured extensive public testimony and several votes, with some items passing narrowly and others being deferred or effectively denied. Consent Calendar - Adoption of June 9 and June 23 meeting minutes – Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Zoning Docket 066-26 (commercial STR on Toledano St.): Catherine Harman (architect for applicant) spoke in support, noting the lot is on a dense commercial corridor. Susan Johnson (Historic New Orleans Neighborhoods, unpaid) spoke in opposition, stating the neighborhood lacked bandwidth to formally oppose but was against it. An additional speaker representing the Strong Coalition at Jane Place Initiative opposed commercial STRs generally and relayed anecdotal neighbor opposition. - Zoning Docket 067-26 (car wash on S. Carrollton): Ethan McDonald (Tinford Ventures, applicant) spoke in support, highlighting local ownership, job creation (15 employees), and design modifications (CMU wall, landscaping, relocated access). Scott Tabury (civil engineer) and Avery Fournet (representing the development team) also spoke in support. Maddie Eason (resident of Yaloa Street) spoke in support, noting meaningful improvements and requesting more specific language on emergency gate use and landscaping maintenance. Mary Kabula (resident of Mid-City) spoke in opposition, citing concerns about traffic (600 cars/day), noise (13 vacuum stalls), flooding (lack of subsurface retention), and suburban architectural design. - Zoning Docket 068-26 (hotel conversion of former Robb Wayne High School): Avery Fournet (for developer) spoke in support, emphasizing historic rehabilitation and compliance with CBD5 criteria. - Zoning Docket 069-26 (indoor amusement facility): Laura Barth (applicant) spoke in support. - Zoning Dockets 070-26 and 071-26 (recording studio text amendment and conditional use): Jeff Miller (property owner), Miles Granderson (representative), and Ivan Neville (musician) spoke in support, describing a membership-based, not-for-profit recording studio with limited live entertainment. Jacqueline Case (neighbor and architect) spoke in support but requested provisos tied to the business, not the property. Mark Redding (chair of Irish Channel Neighborhood Association land use) spoke in support but expressed concerns about unlimited live music events and alcohol, requesting specific operational provisos. John Olson (neighbor) spoke in support but echoed concerns about potential future misuse. - Zoning Docket 072-26 (adaptive reuse text amendment): Ron Lazo (applicant) spoke in support, noting it would enable redevelopment of the Poor Clares monastery. - Zoning Docket 073-26 (adaptive reuse plan development): Susan Johnson (Historic New Orleans Neighborhoods) spoke in information only, lamenting the ongoing desacralization of Catholic properties. - Subdivision Docket 067-26 (Omni Hotel subdivision): Miles Granderson (for developer) spoke in support. Susan Johnson spoke in opposition. Bonnie Boohacker (resident of 900 S. Peters) spoke in opposition, citing lack of notification, traffic, and parking concerns. Discussion Items - Zoning Docket 059-26 – Commercial short-term rental at a three-plex (5 beds per unit) on Toledano St. Staff recommended approval with two provisos. Commissioner Flick made a motion for denial, which tied 4-4 (Commissioners Poche, Flick, Whitry, Jordan voted yes; Kepper, Abear, Josie Gupta, Jackson voted no). Commissioner Josie Gupta then moved to approve with staff provisos, citing economic hardship and mixed messages from the city. That motion also tied 4-4 (Jackson, Josie Gupta, Abear, Kepper yes; Jordan, Whitry, Flick, Poche no). The matter was effectively denied. - Zoning Docket 066-26 – Commercial STR in a vacant lot in HMC2 district. Staff recommended approval. Motion to approve passed 5-4 (Jackson, Josie Gupta, Abear, Kepper, and one other yes; Jordan, Whitry, Flick, Poche no). - Zoning Docket 067-26 – Car wash at 4118 S. Carrollton. Staff recommended denial. Commissioner Flick moved to approve against staff recommendation, with provisos from the staff report and additional documents submitted. Motion passed 5-3 (Kepper, Josie Gupta, Flick, Whitry, Jordan yes; Poche, Abear, Jackson no). - Zoning Docket 068-26 – Hotel conversion of former Robb Wayne High School (79 rooms). Staff recommended approval. Motion to approve passed unanimously (8-0). - Zoning Docket 069-26 – Indoor amusement facility at 750 Carondelet St. Staff recommended approval. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - Zoning Docket 070-26 – Text amendment to allow secondary live entertainment with alcohol at recording studios in specified districts. Staff recommended approval. Motion to approve passed unanimously (8-0). - Zoning Docket 071-26 – Conditional use for recording studio with secondary live entertainment at former fire station. Staff recommended approval. Motion to approve passed unanimously, with understanding that neighbors and applicant would negotiate further provisos before City Council. - Zoning Docket 072-26 – Text amendment to allow new structures in adaptive reuse planned developments. Staff recommended modified approval. Motion to approve staff recommendation passed unanimously. - Zoning Docket 073-26 – Adaptive reuse of monastery into multifamily dwellings. Staff requested deferral to July 28, 2026. Motion to defer passed unanimously. - Subdivision Docket 067-26 – Major subdivision for Omni Convention Center Headquarters Hotel. Staff recommended approval with two provisos. Motion to approve passed unanimously (8-0). - Subdivision Ratifications – List of administratively approvable subdivisions. Motion to approve passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Zoning Docket 059-26 – Effectively denied (two motions each tied 4-4). - Zoning Docket 066-26 – Approved (5-4). - Zoning Docket 067-26 – Approved against staff recommendation (5-3), subject to eight provisos and additional conditions from the applicant. - Zoning Docket 068-26 – Approved (8-0). - Zoning Docket 069-26 – Approved (8-0). - Zoning Docket 070-26 – Approved (8-0). - Zoning Docket 071-26 – Approved (8-0), with ongoing neighbor negotiations. - Zoning Docket 072-26 – Approved as modified (8-0). - Zoning Docket 073-26 – Deferred to July 28, 2026. - Subdivision Docket 067-26 – Approved (8-0). - Subdivision Ratifications – Approved (8-0). The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time.

The transcript for this meeting is empty; no agenda items, discussions, or public comments were recorded.

The New Orleans City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:03 AM, presided over by Council President JP Morrell. The meeting included approval of minutes, consent agenda items, public comments, consideration of multiple zoning dockets, a PILOT resolution for the Rivana affordable housing development, an executive session, and a special presentation on gene therapy. The meeting adjourned at 1:00 PM. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – Minutes of June 4, 2026, and June 24, 2026, were approved unanimously (6–0, with Councilmember Hughes absent). - Communications Received – Utility filings from Entergy New Orleans and Delta New Orleans Gas; a waiver request for the Mercy Hospital Redevelopment (private funding match waiver); a public records request from Russell Kelly; monthly NOPD staffing data; a proposed agreement with OpenGov, Inc. (referred to Budget Committee); a proposed agreement with GNOFEF, Inc.; Employee Retirement System certification; Housing Trust Fund quarterly report; City Planning Commission transmittal for zoning dockets; May 2026 Finance report; Orleans Parish DA report; Sewerage and Water Board storm report for June 15–19, 2026. - Ordinances Adopted – Cal. No. 35,453 (signage regulations for detached signage over driveways in MU-1 and MU-2 districts); Cal. No. 35,454 (conditional use for social club at 420 Julia Street, CBD-6 district); Cal. No. 35,471 (additional $1.00 gasoline surcharge per trip through December 31, 2027); Cal. No. 35,481 and Cal. No. 35,482 (budget amendments to reduce reliance on one-time revenues and fund a priority project). - Motion M-26-270 – Establishing a task force for the prenatal-to-three population, focusing on climate-related risks. Adopted after suspension of rules (6–0). Public Comments & Testimony - Herman Joseph – Expressed concern about gun violence and youth, urged the council to rebuild community centers and provide direction for young people. - Russell Kelly – Alleged improper awarding of a $78,422 emergency contract to a non-licensed electrical contractor and questioned staff augmentation billing practices, citing whistleblower retaliation. Discussion Items - Deferrals to July 23, 2026 or August 6, 2026 – Many items were deferred, including several Restoration Tax Abatement applications, Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) appeals, and classified pay plan motions. Notable deferrals: Zoning Docket 42/26 (affordable housing definition amendments), Zoning Docket 49/26 (vocational educational facility), Cal. No. 34,385 and related short-term rental regulations, Cal. No. 35,384 (sanitation fees), and several budget appropriations for housing and rehousing. - Zoning Docket 52/26 – Mag Oak Management, LLC – Request for a conditional use for a standard restaurant at 4807 Magazine Street. The City Planning Commission recommended approval with three provisos. The restaurant will operate on a “pay-what-you-can” model. Public comment was supportive. Motion M-26-278 adopted unanimously (7–0). - Zoning Docket 53/26 – Bearchild Company, LLC – Request for a commercial short-term rental at 1131-1133 Reverend John Raphael Jr. Way. CPC recommended approval with two provisos due to the commercial surroundings. Motion M-26-279 adopted 6–1 (Councilmember Morrell voted no, citing his consistent opposition to short-term rental exemptions during the interim zoning district). - Zoning Docket 54/26 – WDG, LLC – Request for a conditional use for a social club at 5325 Canal Boulevard (architectural office expansion). CPC recommended approval with one proviso. Motion M-26-273 adopted unanimously (7–0). - Resolution R-26-271 – Rivana PILOT Term Sheet – Approved a PILOT agreement for 220 units of affordable housing at 1480 Tchoupitoulas Street, with a 40-year property tax exemption and an annual administrative fee of $5,000, increasing 3% per year. The development will include units at 60% and 80% AMI, with some at 20% and 30% AMI. Public comment was largely supportive. Councilmember Hughes expressed concerns about property tax revenue and the lack of guarantee for local workers. Councilmember Morrell voted no, citing the city’s budget crisis and the difficulty of explaining the PILOT to furloughed city workers. Motion adopted 6–1. - Executive Session – Held to discuss three pending litigation cases: Chelsey Richard Napoleon v. City of New Orleans, Council of the City of New Orleans v. Edward Wisner Donation, and Granaio, LLC v. City of New Orleans. Motion to enter executive session adopted unanimously (7–0). Reconvened with 6 yeas, 0 nays, 1 abstention (Councilmember Green). - Zoning Docket 55/26 – Gabriel Riles – Approval for a reception facility at 1701 St. Bernard Avenue. Motion M-26-276 adopted unanimously (7–0). - Zoning Docket 56/26 – Tony and Nicolette Montgomery – Approval for a commercial short-term rental at 422 Natchez Street. Motion M-26-280 adopted 6–1 (Councilmember Morrell again voted no). - Zoning Docket 57/26 – MMJSS Holdings, LLC – Text amendment to signage regulations affecting the Jack’s Brewery (Mill House) building. Motion M-26-277 adopted 7–0. - Ordinance Cal. No. 35,486 – Amended Section 70-565 to clarify scope and provide exceptions consistent with court orders (related to school board fees). Adopted unanimously (7–0). - Ordinance Cal. No. 35,489 – Authorized a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office for executive protection services for the council, with a term greater than one year. Adopted unanimously (7–0). - Motions Under Suspension – M-26-281 (RDA agreement for New Lab energy incubator project, no cost to city) adopted 6–0; M-26-282 (CEA for lot abatement using $100,000 state allocation) adopted 6–0; M-26-283 (lease for Mercy Hospital redevelopment) adopted 6–0. - Special Presentation – Manning Family Children’s Hospital recognized Daniel Cressy as the first patient in Louisiana to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease through gene therapy. Councilmembers praised the achievement and discussed barriers to access. Proclamations were presented. - Ordinances on First Reading – Introduced and laid over 13 ordinances, including carnival regulations, a zoning map change, and cooperative endeavor agreements. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (6–0). - Consent Agenda adopted (6–0). - Zoning Docket 52/26 approved (7–0). - Zoning Docket 53/26 approved (6–1, with Morrell dissenting). - Zoning Docket 54/26 approved (7–0). - Resolution R-26-271 (Rivana PILOT) adopted (6–1, with Morrell dissenting). - Executive Session held (entered 7–0, reconvened 6–0–1). - Zoning Docket 55/26 approved (7–0). - Zoning Docket 56/26 approved (6–1, with Morrell dissenting). - Zoning Docket 57/26 approved (7–0). - Ordinance Cal. No. 35,486 adopted (7–0). - Ordinance Cal. No. 35,489 adopted (7–0). - Motions M-26-281, M-26-282, M-26-283 adopted (each 6–0). - Motion M-26-269 (appointments in globo) adopted (6–0). - Special presentation acknowledged with proclamations. - Ordinances on first reading introduced (7–0). - Meeting adjourned (5–0, with McCarron and Hughes absent).

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, the French Quarter Economic Development District (FQEDD) Governing Authority convened at New Orleans City Hall. Six councilmembers were present (Green, Harris, King, McCarron, President Morrell, Vice President Willard) and one was absent (Hughes), constituting a quorum. The meeting covered the Q2 2026 budget and expenditure report, public safety and homelessness initiatives, and a motion to designate representatives for future FQEDD documents. Discussion Items - Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Report: Michelle Courseault, Executive Director of the French Quarter Management District, presented the Q2 2026 fiscal report. She noted that tax collections had reached 56% of the anticipated annual amount, while expenses stood at 35% due to the timing of projects. The report was formally received. - Public Safety Update: Captain Palumbo reported that overall crime in the French Quarter is down 26% year-to-date, with violent crime down 17% and property crime down 24%. Aggravated assaults increased from 18 to 22 incidents (all solved). On the property crime side, thefts and shoplifting are driving the downward trend; business burglaries increased from 10 to 20 compared to the same period in 2025, but the four-week trend shows a reduction. Auto theft and burglary are also up for the year but declining over the last month, attributed to coordinated arrests across multiple districts. - Supplemental Patrols and Response Times: The supplemental patrols (the "blue lights" throughout the Quarter) have exceeded key performance indicators for citizen contacts and business checks. The French Quarter Task Force app, funded by the district tax, provides a direct link to patrols, with an average response time of six minutes for the first six months of 2026. - Homelessness Outreach: Courseault announced a "tag team approach" in coordination with the Office of Homeless Services, pairing a homeless services professional with a patrol officer 24/7, replicating the prior year's Home for Good plan. This initiative is expected to start August 1, with positions currently being filled. - 2027 Budget Process: The district is beginning its 2027 budget cycle and is seeking input from the Department of Public Works, NOPD, and Dr. Avagno's team (homeless services), as well as from councilmembers. Key Outcomes - Motion No. M-2026-02: Moved by Councilmember King and seconded by Harris, the motion authorizes Councilmember Freddie King III (and, in his absence, Lesli Harris) as representatives of the FQEDD to execute future legislative instruments, cooperative endeavor agreements, and other documents related to governance and operations. The motion passed unanimously with six yeas (Green, Harris, King, McCarron, Morrell, Willard) and zero nays, abstentions, or recusals. Hughes was absent. - The meeting adjourned at 9:54 AM.

No agenda or minutes were provided for this meeting. The only available transcript consists of a single, uncontextualized phrase: 'Mais madame Oh, All right.' As a result, no substantive discussion, public comments, or decisions can be identified. The meeting appears to have been called to order with no further recorded proceedings.

The meeting was scheduled to begin at 10:15 AM on July 8, 2026. However, only three members were present, and a quorum of four was required. Consequently, the meeting was cancelled and moved to the next month. No agenda, minutes, or public testimony were available.

The New Orleans City Council convened at approximately 4:00 PM on July 7, 2026, initially lacking a quorum but later establishing one to discuss and vote on three major items: a lot abatement contract with HO Investments, a motion to create a task force addressing climate impacts on mothers and young children, and a technical cleanup of a lease agreement for the Mercy Hospital (Lindy Boggs) redevelopment. Public comments were heard on all items. Public Comments & Testimony - Meredith Green (7576 Briar Heath Drive) expressed concern about the lot abatement contract, asking whether it includes the adjudicated property task force initiative and requesting a list of properties. He also urged education on Senate Bill 505 (Act 774) as an alternative avenue for the city to reclaim properties. - Morgan Clevinger (1653 North Broad, Senior Homeowners of Greater New Orleans) spoke twice. On the lot abatement item, she opposed using taxpayer money to maintain private property and described a personal injury while cutting a neighbor's overgrowth. On the maternal task force, she urged inclusion of seniors, noting that many seniors care for young children and are vulnerable after Tropical Storm Arthur. - Garrick Rhodes (Painter Street) supported Councilmember Green’s point that state-level changes are needed for quick title transfer and title insurance to return blighted properties to commerce, suggesting the task force consider legislative recommendations. Discussion Items 1. Lot Abatement Contract with HO Investments Director Davis of Code Enforcement reported a $100,000 state CEA (originally expiring July 31) extended to August 31, 2026, requiring lot abatement (grass cutting and debris removal) to be completed and invoiced to the state. The contract with HO Investments was being backdated to October 1, 2025, and runs through September 30, 2026, but services were not performed during the gap. Councilmember Willard noted the urgency to spend the $100,000 or lose it. Councilmember Green asked about costs: abatement ranges from $400 to $2,000 per lot depending on overgrowth. He highlighted that the city spent $2 million last year on lot abatement but collected only $800 due to challenges with multiple owners, succession issues, and state laws. Director Davis explained that the city bills owners and adds liens but faces difficulties recovering costs, and is working with the law department and council on solutions. 2. Motion to Establish Task Force on Climate and Maternal/Child Health (M26270) Councilmember Willard introduced the motion, developed with the Health Department. Jeannie Donovan (Director of Public Health Policy) and Sarah Baker presented the task force’s goal: to ensure climate planning (extreme heat, storms, power outages) considers the unique needs of pregnant women, infants, and children under three. The task force will include city departments, community organizations, and families, and will review existing plans to propose amendments. Councilmember Green requested details on public input; Donovan stated there will be nine members (three from council recommendations), public meetings, and efforts to include families with lived experience. Morgan Clevinger urged including seniors in the task force. 3. Mercy Hospital / Lindy Boggs Lease Agreement Cleanup Deputy Mayor Jeff Schwartz presented a technical correction to an April ordinance authorizing a CEA, lease, and act of sale for the redevelopment of the former Mercy Hospital site (Lindy Boggs). The cleanup adds the council president as a signatory to the lease. The project involves demolition and construction of a 4-million-gallon stormwater retention facility on private property, integrated into the city’s drainage system. City contribution: $11.5 million from infrastructure and drainage bonds (voter-approved in November 2024). Total project cost is about $16 million. Demolition is expected to begin in July 2026. Councilmember Green praised the stormwater retention concept and its cost-effectiveness (six times more impactful per dollar than a neutral ground project). Public commenter Morgan Clevinger objected to using taxpayer money for private property cleanup, but Councilmember Green noted bankruptcy and state law limitations. Key Outcomes - Lot Abatement Contract (HO Investments): Adopted with three ayes (Councilmembers Willard, King, Green), zero nays. - Lease Agreement (Mercy Partners LLC): Adopted with three ayes, zero nays. - Motion to Establish Task Force (M26270): Adopted with three ayes, zero nays. - Minutes from Previous Meeting: Approved with three ayes. - Meeting Adjourned after all votes.