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November-December 2025

Haunt the Halls: Costumes Bring Halloween Fun to Work!

Halloween arrived in style in Code Enforcement. Danny Zuko and the Pink Ladies from Grease stopped in to sing us a tune and the M&M's dropped by to make sure we had enough candy.

Group costumes were definitely a hit this year with divisions cross-collaborating and, in some situations, making their own costumes for the spookiest day of the year. Darla from Disney's Finding Nemo came all the way from Sydney, Australia to our Halloween party with her pet (plastic) fishy which she would not stop shaking.

The Department of Code Enforcement pooled donations from members of the team to celebrate Halloween with a small office party. On the menu were hot dogs, nachos, and treats.

Code Enforcement in the Community

Director Mr. Anthony Davis and City Council Liaison Ms. Ashley Givens received Partnership Awards at the 13th Annual Neighborhood Summit held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on November 4. Thanks to the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Engagement for helping us stay in touch with community members this year. 

Code Enforcement Celebrates Season of Gratitude 

As we get closer to Christmas, the Department of Code Enforcement reflects with gratitude on a year of dedication, service, and community. We are thankful for the tireless efforts of our team, whose commitment has helped make our city safer and more livable for all.

This year’s Socks & Snuggles Drive was a resounding success, collecting more socks and blankets for senior care facilities than ever before. We were also proud to spread holiday cheer through our Angel Tree Toy Drive, bringing joy to the children of Shiloh Academy in Central City.

Most of all, we recognize and appreciate the hard work of the entire Code Enforcement team. Your contributions continue to shape a stronger, more compassionate community.

We wish the City of New Orleans a joyful, peaceful, and safe holiday season!

Angel Tree Toy Drive

The Department of Code Enforcement donated toys to Shiloh Academy in Central City for this year's Angel Tree Toy Drive. Each team member chose a little paper angel with a name written on it along with a Christmas wish. Many chose multiple paper angels. "We are always trying to find ways to give back," says Aja Turner who helped organize the drive. "We received lots and lots of toys to make Christmas special for the kids at Shiloh."

Over 80 children received Angel Tree presents this year. The Administrative Team and the Assistant Council Liaison wrapped the gifts with little holiday lagniappes. Code Enforcement Inspectors helped deliver the presents on December 17. All toys, treats, wrapping paper, and boxes were donated by team members. 

Socks & Snuggles Drive

For our Socks & Snuggles drive, we collected warm clothing for seniors at Abundant Life Healthcare Center in Gentilly and Wynhoven Community Care Center in Marrero. "We wanted to do something special with essential items," said Toshia Norris who lead organization efforts. "Socks and blankets are simple things to donate. They have a tremendous impact to the seniors who receive them." 

Treat Days

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this holiday season, a division in Code Enforcement hosted a Treat Day. 

Title Researchers kicked off the festivities with a Creole Christmas beignet brunch followed by Finance/IT/Council Liaison's Dippin' Thru the Holidays, a collection of sweet and savory dips for the tasting.

As the holiday celebrations continued throughout December, DCE Law and the Central Adjudication Bureau brought together the best of both cookies and brownies to deliver a delightful afternoon treat. 

DCE Leadership Team wowed the whole department with delicious homemade crawfish pasta, pulled pork, and peach cobbler. The Administrative Team, not to be outdone, had Naughty and Nice fondue stations with spicy cheese on one side and sweet milk chocolate on the other.

The Inspection Team treated everyone to a Christmas tailgate party with pizza, wings, and homemade salsa. Each treat included a Code Enforcement pun.  

The Abatement Team, however, won for Best Treat Day for their Mardi Gras extravaganza with po-boys, Zapp's potato chips, and king cake along with a visit from a Krewe of Zulu Tramp.

On Friday, December 19, the entire department celebrated an end to the month of festivities with a Christmas Potluck Luncheon complete with dessert bar. 

Hot Cocoa Experience

On a chilly December Tuesday, the team enjoyed a hot cocoa bar with pastries, peppermint bark, and plenty of toppings. The Hot Cocoa Experience was led and organized by Ms. Jaunee Snear, Title Researcher. 

The Cocoa experience did not stop at toasty beverages. Along with an assortment of fruit and candies, the bar included a s'mores station with different types of chocolate and marshmallow sizes to riff on the ooey-gooey campfire classic.

Reindeer Games

Teams faced off in Holiday Family Feud to put their Code Enforcement, New Orleans, and Christmas knowledge to the test. The Crescent City Mamas took home the prize for knowing the most answers. 

Holiday Bake Off

Four Holiday Bake Off contestants brought their yummiest, most festive homemade goodies for the entire department to try. The collection of sweet and savory treats were voted on by the team. Ms. Jana Rodney was selected as the 2025 winner for her delicious praline candy. 

Ugly Sweater Day

The 2025 Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest was a hilarious hit this year! Team members showed up decked out in the most outrageous, glitter-covered, jingle bell-adorned sweaters imaginable. Ms. Shannon McDaniel took home the prize for the Ugliest Sweater this holiday season.

Holiday Doors

Every holiday season, doors around the Department of Code Enforcement start changing their character. Christmas wrapping paper, wreaths, garland, and trinkets turned the doors into festive little tableaux. 

2025 Marks Record Year for Blight Reduction 

The Department of Code Enforcement is made history in 2025 with unprecedented progress in reducing minimum property maintenance blight across the city. A total of 566 properties have successfully resolved code violations and reached compliance — more than the combined total of the previous three years. This milestone highlights the city's commitment to creating safer and more vibrant neighborhoods for all residents.

Additionally, the department brought more administrative hearings for code violations than the last three years combined.

Over 9,000 inspections were completed in 2025. This was a 24% increase in inspections compared to 2024 and three times the inspections of 2023 and 2022.

With increased code enforcement efforts in New Orleans comes more awareness of the impact of blight and the need to comply. Owners are choosing to resolve past outstanding judgments, fines, and fees more quickly.

In 2025, the department nearly doubled code compliance for properties still in violation after several years. 

Starting January 2026, the new Compliance Division will help property owners address violations before a hearing is scheduled. This proactive approach encourages earlier resolution. If a case does proceed to a hearing, the property will already show progress towards compliance which may lessen fines.

Compliance Division Encourages Earlier Abatement

Administrative hearings are a key process in the Department of Code Enforcement’s mission to eliminate blight in New Orleans. These hearings provide property owners with due process while encouraging them to bring their properties into compliance by addressing violations, making necessary repairs, and confirming completion with the department.

In recent months, the department began listening more closely to property owners who shared the challenges they face in resolving violations. A common concern was the limited time between receiving a violation notice and the scheduled hearing—often not enough to complete necessary repairs.

To address this, the department researched best practices in other cities, including San Antonio, Austin, and Lafayette, launching a Compliance Division in 2026 to strengthen the city's approach to encouraging voluntary compliance before a hearing is necessary.

This new division will: issue noncompliance notices, communicate directly with property owners about abatement steps, provide clear explanations of Code Enforcement processes and the consequences of noncompliance, and prepare cases for administrative hearings when needed. 

The goal is to give property owners an opportunity to resolve violations before a hearing is scheduled. If compliance is achieved during this period, the hearing is not scheduled, and the property is considered abated.

In cases where full compliance isn’t reached in time, the hearing will still proceed—but with the owner having made visible progress. This proactive effort can lead to a less severe verdict and reduced fines.

Through this new approach, the Department of Code Enforcement aims to foster greater understanding, cooperation, and ultimately, a blight-free and safer New Orleans.

October Employee of the Month The Employee of the Month for October 2025 is Mr. Glen McDonald, Graffiti Inspector. Ms. McDonald was selected by his colleagues for his dedication to getting inspections done promptly and professionally.

November Employee of the Month The Employee of the Month for November 2025 is Ms. Aja Turner, Compliance Division Administrator. Ms. Turner was selected by the team for her conviction and strong work ethic.

Supervisor of the Quarter The Supervisor for Q4 is Ms. Chanel Russell, Title Research Supervisor. Ms. Russell was selected by leadership for her dedication to growing out the Title Research division and leading it to excellence this year.

Birthday Celebrations!

November Birthdays

In November, we celebrated the birthdays of (left to right) Mr. Noel Coakley, Mr. Wilson Meeks, Ms. Lucille Johnson, Ms. Teirromona Lewis, Ms. Aja Turner, and Ms. Cheryl Finlay.

December Birthdays Mr. Gregory Alugas (right) was born on December 24th. The official Code Enforcement Birthday emcee Ms. Connie Daniels, pictured also, placed bows on Mr. Alugas for being the best Christmas present his parents ever received.

We also celebrated the birthdays of Mr. Gerald Marchand, Ms. Shekinah Davis, 
Ms. Rochal Winn, Ms. Lateefah Harris, Ms. Kytahia Holliday.