Community Office Hours

City Hall is now in your community!  The liaisons of Neighborhood Engagement are stationed around the city.  Every Monday and Wednesday from 10:30am-2:30pm we are available to listen, problem solve, route and follow up on your concerns and feedback as well as provide the latest information from city departments. 

District A:  Robert Smith Library (Mondays and Wednesdays)

6301 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124

District B:  Keller Community Center (Mondays and Wednesdays)

1814 Magnolia Street. New Orleans, LA 70113

District C:  Backatown Coffee (Mondays)

301 Basin St Suite 1, New Orleans, LA 70112

Algiers Regional Library (Wednesdays)

3014 Holiday Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131

District D:  Pontilly Coffee (Monday and Wednesdays)

4000 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70126

District E:  Martin Luther King Public Library (Mondays)

1611 Caffin Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117

East New Orleans Regional Library (Wednesdays)

5641 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127 

Neighborhood Spotlight: Pastor Mel Jones

Pastor Mel Jones created a unique outreach ministry by opening Pontilly Coffee House.  It offers training and employment opportunities to those who have struggled to secure both.  (Pictured with his grandson Rob Wyble)

Where do you live in New Orleans?

I've lived in New Orleans for 12 years now. I live in New Orleans East, off of Crowder and Morrison, behind the Goretti Church. My first time living in New Orleans, however, was from 1962 to 1982. At that time, I lived in Pontchartrain Park. It later combined with Gentilly Woods to form what is now Pontilly. Back then, Gentilly Woods was Caucasian and Pontchartrain Park was black. Thank God we've merged. 

How long have you lived in New Orleans?

I've lived in New Orleans for 65 years. 

How has the community changed?

Before Katrina, their were stable neighborhoods in a mixed community. We had good schools and elderly homes that were built in the 1950s and 1960s. We also had many working class first generation African American homeowners and even our own golf course. Another good thing was the community produced a lot of African American leaders for New Orleans. After Katrina, the community, however, is changing for the better. There are people from different cultures and socio-economic classes living together. Additionally, people are buying homes and communities are being established again.

As a leader in your community, how do you spread the message of love?

Our Pontilly Coffee House is actually a ministry to reach out to people and inform them it is a faith based ministry that services the community giving good food and services. 

What is an accomplishment of which you are proudest? And why?

I'm proud that we can help bring back the Pontilly community.

Any random facts?

The Pontilly community has been resilient and is making a comeback. We will succeed because of the diversity in this community. 

Why do you love New Orleans?

Food, culture and God put me here for a reason. 

City Hall Spotlight: Chad Dyer

The Neighborhood Engagement Office spotlights City employees that contribute to the success of the City.  This month's feature is Chad Dyer, who serves as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Land Use.  He formerly served as the Director of Code Enforcement. 

What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy managing multiple regulatory departments and facilitating growth and development in the city.

What is the one accomplishment, at work, of which you are most proud?

I’m proud of doubling the productivity of Code Enforcement.

What neighborhood do you live in and what do you like best about your neighborhood?

I live in Broadmoor and I love it for its location and character.

Any random facts you could share with us?

I am the proud father of two amazing daughters.

Looking for a way to serve?

Serving on a City of New Orleans board or commission is a way to volunteer and get involved with city government.  To indicate your interest in serving on a board or commission, please complete the online interest form and City Council Questionnaire, read the City of New Orleans Code of Ethics, and email us at boards@nola.gov. 

There are over 100 public boards and commissions operating in the City of New Orleans.  These boards and commissions address a wide-range of issues, including public safety, education, recreation, housing, economic development, historic preservation, planning, management of public assets, as well as other matters affecting the quality of life in our city.

For a comprehensive list of City of New Orleans Boards and Commission, please click here.