 2025 Bond Proposition: Investing in Better Streets and Drainage Through Existing Taxes
This November, New Orleans voters will decide on a $510 million bond proposition that would provide funding for infrastructure, drainage, and housing improvements across the City. This is not a new tax or an increase. The existing $14.5-mill property tax would continue to be used to repay bonds over time.
If approved, the measure would allow the City to sell bonds in 2026 to finance upgrades that improve daily life and support neighborhood resilience. The Department of Public Works (DPW) would be able to begin design and construction work on priority corridors the following year.
|
Proposed Funding Breakdown:
$415 million for streets, sidewalks, bridges, and public facilities
$50 million for drainage and stormwater management
$45 million for affordable housing
If approved, this bond program would fund critical improvements to support safer streets, stronger drainage systems, and enhanced public spaces across all five council districts.
|
|
 |
Proposed Major Streets To Be Addressed by Council District
Council District A Harrison Ave (West End Blvd – Orleans Ave), Carrollton Ave (Palmetto/Washington – Orleans), Magazine St (East Blvd – Nashville Ave), West End Blvd (Polk – Harrison Ave)
Council District B Bienville Ave (N. Claiborne – N. Broad), S. Norman C. Francis Pkwy (Gravier – Conti), S. Galvez St (Earhart – Erato), Washington Ave (S. Broad – S. Carrollton)
Council District C General Meyer Ave (Woodland Hwy – Bennett), N. Galvez St (Canal – Orleans), Tullis Dr (Behrman – Woodland Hwy), Verret St (Lamarque – Newton)
Council District D Franklin Ave (Gentilly – I-610), Franklin Ave (Florida – St. Claude), N. Miro St (Elysian Fields – Almonaster), St. Roch Ave (Florida – N. Johnson)
Council District E Fats Domino Ave (Douglas – St. Claude), Lake Forest Blvd (Bundy – Read), Dwyer Rd (Downman – Crowder), Tupelo St (St. Claude – Florida)
👉Click here to learn more about the 2025 Bond Proposition.
 
DPW Spotlight: Ground Transportation Bureau and Cheryl Adams
The Ground Transportation Bureau (GTB) plays a vital role in keeping New Orleans moving safely and efficiently. GTB regulates the city’s for-hire transportation industry, which includes taxis, limousines, school buses, sightseeing vehicles, and non-emergency medical transport. The team reviews permit applications, issues Certificates of Public Necessity and Convenience (CPNCs), and performs daily inspections to ensure every vehicle meets city and state safety standards.
This season, GTB has gone above and beyond their regular duties to make sure every school bus was inspected and cleared before the start of the school year. Investigators have been in the field conducting inspections, while office staff worked under tight deadlines to process permits and verify compliance.
Special recognition goes to Cheryl Adams, Administrative Support Supervisor I. Her dedication and attention to detail kept the permitting process running smoothly. Cheryl’s extra hours and commitment to accuracy helped ensure that students had safe, reliable transportation as they returned to class.
We also want to recognize the Brake Tag Office team for their ongoing efforts to keep vehicles road-ready. Their inspections and oversight of satellite stations maintain compliance and contribute to safer streets for everyone.
Thank you to Cheryl and the entire GTB team for your professionalism, hard work, and dedication to protecting public safety across New Orleans.
Safer Streets Ahead: Pedestrian Safety Upgrades Along N. Rampart & N. Peters Streets
The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works (DPW), in partnership with the French Quarter Management District (FQMD), has completed a series of safety upgrades along N. Rampart and N. Peters Streets. The improvements include new bright green bike lanes, high-visibility flex posts, brick-red painted corner zones, pedestrian-activated flashing beacons, and “Stop for Pedestrians” signs.
These enhancements improve safety for people walking, biking, and driving through one of New Orleans’ most historic districts and support the City’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.
👉 Click here for the full article.
|
 A Smarter Way to Replace Pipes: Trenchless Rehabilitation
Did you know that not every underground pipe repair or replacement requires tearing up an entire street? The Department of Public Works (DPW) sometimes uses a technique called trenchless pipe rehabilitation, which allows crews to repair water and sewer lines through small access points instead of digging large trenches.
This method is typically chosen for select pipes when it makes the most sense. For example, it may be used when the pipe is very deep or located near tree roots or other obstacles that would make open-trench replacement more disruptive. Contractors, in partnership with DPW and the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO), determine when this approach is the best option based on site conditions.
When trenchless methods are used, neighbors often notice the difference:
Less disruption: Fewer cuts to streets, sidewalks, and yards, and fewer right-of-way closures
Faster schedules: Crews can often finish work sooner than traditional replacement
Reduced impacts: Less noise, dust, and inconvenience for residents and businesses
While not every project can use trenchless technology, it is one of the ways DPW is working to modernize New Orleans’ infrastructure while keeping neighborhoods open, safe, and connected.
  Public Works Engages with the Community Across New Orleans
Throughout September, the Department of Public Works (DPW) continued engaging with residents, businesses, and community partners across New Orleans. Staff participated in several events, including neighborhood association meetings, Coffee on Your Corner, and the City Council’s Public Works Committee Meeting.
In addition, DPW hosted two pre-construction community meetings, a combined meeting for the Desire Area Group C and D projects, and another for the Lower Ninth Ward Northwest Group C project. These meetings provided residents with an overview of upcoming construction activities, anticipated timelines, and points of contact for project-related questions.
Across all events, DPW shared updates on ongoing and planned infrastructure improvements, responded to community concerns, and discussed ways to improve coordination during construction. Conversations also included information about the proposed ballot measure that would authorize the City to issue up to $415 million in general obligation bonds to support infrastructure improvements citywide.
DPW remains committed to transparency and public engagement as we continue improving streets and sidewalks throughout New Orleans.
 
The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works (DPW) continues making steady progress on infrastructure improvements citywide, from resurfacing roads and sidewalks to enhancing drainage and accessibility.
Below is a quick look at major projects currently active or recently completed.
DPW772: Right of Way Improvements (Phase 2)
Crews have completed paving on Orleans Avenue and are preparing to move into Moss Street. These upgrades will improve ride quality and pedestrian access. ➡️ Click here for full details.
Alleyway Construction Projects
-
Northwest Quadrant: Construction completed, including grading of alleyways.
Sidewalk Construction Projects
-
DPW782: Active in Zones 1, 4, and 5 for sidewalk replacement and ADA ramp installation.
-
DPW783–785: Contracting process underway to expand the sidewalk program into new neighborhoods in 2025–26.
DPW773: Right of Way Improvements
Crews are resurfacing Exchange Alley behind the Hotel Monteleone, installing new lighting, and upgrading drainage. The alley will remain closed through early November 2025. ➡️ Click here for full details.
DPW771: Asphalt ROW Improvements
Work continues on Canal Street, North Galvez Street, and Harrison Avenue with milling, overlay, and curb restoration. Residents can sign up for localized text alerts. ➡️ Click here for full details.
DPW775: Concrete ROW Improvements
Recent work was completed on Woodland Drive, Tullis Drive, and English Turn Parkway. Crews are now active on Johnny Jackson Jr. Boulevard, Canal Boulevard, and Pontchartrain Boulevard. ➡️ Click here for full details.
Lake Terrace & Oaks Group B and C
This FEMA-funded project is restoring five blocks. Crews are rebuilding the 6200 block of Bertha Street through early December 2025. ➡️ Click here for full details.
Lakeview North Group F and G
This FEMA-funded project includes 14 blocks. Current work focuses on Colbert, Vicksburg, and General Diaz Streets. ➡️ Click here for full details.
Desire Group C & D
This FEMA-funded project will rebuild 110 blocks in the Desire area. Crews began preliminary inspections in October 2025 ahead of full construction. ➡️ Click here for full details.
Audubon Group C
This project begins mid-October 2025 on Arabella Street (800–1100 blocks) with full reconstruction and drainage upgrades. Construction is currently mobilizing, and crews are scheduled to begin work in the 800 block of Arabella Street.
➡️ Click here for full details.
Lower Ninth Ward Northwest Group C
This project is improving 15 blocks, including North Galvez and Andry Streets. Construction began in early October 2025 on the 1800 block of Andry Street. ➡️ Click here for full details.
St. Anthony East/West Group B and C
This project is rebuilding 16 blocks including Waldo, Wadsworth, and London Avenue. Utility and drainage work is currently underway. ➡️ Click here for full details.
 
Mobility and Safety Team Rides with ORS for Bike to Work Day
As part of A Week Without Driving, the Department of Public Works (DPW) Mobility and Safety Team partnered with the Office of Resilience and Sustainability (ORS) to host a Bike to Work Day event that brought attention to the many benefits of biking and other active ways to travel.
Team members gathered along the Lafitte Greenway and rode together to City Hall, showing how biking can bring people together, improve health, and protect the environment.
The event highlighted the City’s commitment to making it easier and safer for everyone to get around, whether by bike, bus, car, or on foot.
By investing in better streets, safer crossings, and more bike and transit options, the City of New Orleans is helping create a connected, healthy, and sustainable community.
Andrew Higgins Drive Redesign Moves Forward
The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works (DPW) is moving ahead with the redesign of Andrew Higgins Drive in the Warehouse District. The project will make the corridor safer, more walkable, and more vibrant with narrower travel lanes, improved sidewalks, enhanced lighting, and new landscaping. Construction is expected to cause minimal disruptions and will help calm traffic while supporting the City’s Complete Streets goals.
👉 Click here for the full article.
Broad Street Pedestrian Improvements Near Completion
The Broad Street Pedestrian Improvements Project is entering its final phase, improving safety and connectivity between Tulane Avenue and the Lafitte Greenway. Crews have completed new striping, and the final step includes activating the pedestrian hybrid beacon at the Greenway crossing. DPW’s Mobility and Safety Team is planning a ribbon-cutting event to mark the project’s completion.
👉 Click here for the full article.
Connecting New Orleans East: Next Steps in Design and Engagement
The Connecting New Orleans East Project continues to advance plans for a new trail network along the I-10 Service Roads between Dwyer Road and I-510. The City and its partners are working to use existing design funds and pursue new city, state, and federal funding to move the project toward construction. Planned features include shared-use trails, pedestrian bridges, lighting, and landscaping.
👉 Click here for the full article.
 To stay informed about street closures related to these repairs, sign up for the Department of Public Works Road Construction Alerts. Receive direct updates from the City of New Orleans on city-related road construction, including traffic notifications, road closures, and other impacts.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we improve the streets of New Orleans.
Department of Public Works
City of New Orleans
1300 Perdido Street | 6W03
New Orleans, LA 70112
|
