Today, I vetoed Ordinance Calendar Nos. 35,253 and 35,254 because the budget amendments passed by the City Council rely on revenue that is uncertain, unverified, or based on one-time sources. As Mayor, I have a responsibility to ensure that New Orleans operates with a balanced, sustainable, and legally sound budget.

My Administration presented a $725 million balanced budget built on revenues formally identified by the Revenue Estimating Committee. The Council’s amendments add roughly $75 million in new revenue ideas that were never vetted by the Committee and that carry significant risks—including the potential misuse of federal ARPA funds, the assumption of a $40 million repayment from the Sewerage & Water Board without a formal agreement, and increased enforcement measures that have not been evaluated.

These are not guaranteed revenues, and building a budget around them puts the City’s financial stability at risk. The plan also relies on employee furloughs—an approach that would harm City services and unfairly burden the workforce that keeps our city running.

We must be honest about our fiscal challenges and responsible in how we address them. My decision today is about protecting essential City services, safeguarding our employees, and ensuring long-term stability for the residents of New Orleans.

I remain committed to working with the Council and Mayor-Elect to reach a responsible and sustainable path forward for our City.