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January-February 2026
Enforcement Goals Outlined at First Community Development Meeting of 2026
 The Department of Code Enforcement presented its mission and vision at the February 2026 Community Development City Council meeting. At the request of Councilman At-Large Matthew Willard, Director Anthony Davis, Chief of Staff Ariane Patton, Council Liaison Ashley Givens, and Assistant Council Liaison Toshia Norris shared key goals to improve code compliance and enforcement across the city. The discussion highlighted how the department handles cases for violations to Chapter 26 and Chapter 66 of the City Code.
"Our mission is simple" said Director Davis during the presentation. "We eliminate blight and enforce the minimum property maintenance code for the City of New Orleans, and to ensure all buildings are in compliance."
The presentation described the departmental structure, core responsibilities, processes, differences between it and the Department of Safety & Permits, and a portion of 2026 plans.
"I think [Code Enforcement] is one of the most important departments in the entire city," said District C Councilman Freddie King III. "No matter where you live --- East Bank or West Bank -- you have to deal with Code Enforcement at some point in your life."
Councilman King and District D Councilman Eugene J. Green pointed out the department's quick response time and strong professionalism.
"That reflects good leadership," Councilman King said.
In 2026, the department is working to increase code compliance before scheduling properties for an administrative hearing. This initiative is to allow property owners more time to abate violations without having to pay fines and fees that would come if they went to a hearing.
 Strategic Initiatives Taking Shape in Code Enforcement
In January, the Department of Code Enforcement officially started a new team called the Compliance Division. One of the goals of the division is to communicate and educate property owners on the importance of speedy compliance.
In the past, properties in violation of minimum property standards per the city code went straight to an administrative hearing. After speaking with owners in 2025, the department developed a plan to provide more compliance time between initial inspection of the property and a hearing being scheduled to enforce abatement of violations.
The division's process complements and extends the code by increasing points of contact between the department and owners. Notices are mailed detailing inspection findings and department contact information. They are also posted on properties.
If owners do not comply within the allotted time, then a hearing is scheduled and the regular process establishing the city code takes over.
In addition to the work of the Compliance Division, the department is looking for more ways to assist property owners with achieving code compliance. Traditionally, enforcement has been associated with fines and fees and very little guidance on resolving code violations. Moving forward, the department aims to institute more strategic initiatives for enforcement especially with a focus on equity, efficiency, and effectiveness.
 Ms. Soriah Cleveland, Ms. Jawada Brown, Ms. Brandy Burton, and Ms. Jaunee Snear festively celebrate with their goody bags.
The men of the Code Enforcement wanted to make Valentine's Day a special day for their female colleagues in a thoughtful and heartfelt way. Pooling donations among themselves, the men put together goody bags filled with treats and small gifts. The gesture was met with smiles and surprise, turning an ordinary day into a memorable celebration of kindness and camaraderie.
Some ladies, like Ms. Kenette Lewis, donned Valentine's Day apparel to wring in the hearty celebration.
 How Do You Celebrate Mardi Gras?
Inspector Supervisor Kimberly Reid:
"We parrrrty! Mardi Gras is a whole family affair for us. We have staked out the same block for 40 years starting with Zulu on Fat Tuesday. We go to all the parades."
What was the strangest throw you've caught at a parade?
"A pack of ramen this year. I reached up to grab some beads, and a pack of ramen noodles fell into my hand."
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Inspector Jason Chaffin
"We get up, enjoy some king cake with coffee, and start thinking of costume ideas if we haven't already picked one out. We go to St. Ann first, then decide if we want to stay uptown or bar hop, though we aren't young enough for the French Quarter!"
"I've never caught anything strange, but my 84 year-old mother-in-law caught a pair of gold underwear."
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Budget Assistant Jana Rodney
"My family and I usually meet Jackson Ave early to catch Zulu."
"The golden underwear was definitely the strangest throw I got at a parade."
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Inspector Supervisor Gregory Alugas
"My wife and I head down to Zulu early. We have a spot on the parade route near where she grew up. After catching the start of Zulu, we walk down Orleans Ave."
"I caught a pack of ramen this year. That was weird."
 The Department of Code Enforcement celebrated the rich heritage of African Americans with a special, catered Black History Month luncheon pulled together from donations supplied by team members. The event featured a delicious spread of New Orleans favorites including red beans and rice, grilled chicken, greens, and cornbread muffins.
The luncheon wasn’t just about enjoying a meal together—it was about fostering connection and learning. As we reflected on the contributions our team made throughout the year, celebrating as one group reminded us of the importance of diversity and inclusion. Though we respect black excellence every day, we take the month of February to celebrate how far African Americans have come for equity and civil rights. This month, we commemorate the work done and recall the important work still lying ahead.
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