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 Councilmember McCarron joined Councilmember Lesli Harris to co-host the 2026 Level Up Girls Leadership Program, where dozens of young leaders heard from empowering speakers, participated in fun activities, and connected with industry leaders of all ages. Level Up encourages girls to dream big, build their confidence, and discover their leadership potential. The event drew volunteers from several community organizations, who also participated in a resource fair to support the young ladies' educational and social development. We want to thank the dozens of volunteers, organizations, and guest speakers who all came together to make this an uplifting and impactful event.
 July also featured Coffee with your Councilmember, hosted alongside Council President JP Morrell and about 30 neighbors. This small community gathering allows for more in-depth conversations about topics and issues that directly impact residents.
Legislative Update
Councilmember McCarron made history last month as part of the first City Council and Mayoral Administration to take on the challenge of reforming the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. Ordinance Cal. No. 35,521, co-authored by McCarron and Council Vice President Matthew Willard, creates the framework for a better water utility for the people of New Orleans. The current governing structure is a systemic failure, and until now, the elected representatives have lacked sufficient oversight or power to change it.
To be clear, this ordinance is not a punishment nor an indictment of any one person or any singular policy. It is not an indictment of the hardworking public servants who do the difficult work to keep our systems running and our water safe to drink. It is also not a magic button that will fix anything overnight. However, it does begin the process of reforming the struggling utility by granting the City Council greater budgetary and operational oversight.
This legislation is also paired with a request to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to review SWBNO finances, as well as a request to the Chief Administration Officer to identify potential overlap in job descriptions between SWBNO and the Administration. The Council also passed a motion directing the SWBNO board of directors to develop new bylaws, including a review of the executive director and superintendent positions.
These pieces of legislation are the first step to reform our water system for the benefit of all New Orleanians.
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 I joined Ubuntu Village as they led a walkthrough of Central City with Mayor Moreno for an environmental assessment of our neighborhood. Thank you to NOPD and the Health Department for joining us on the ground. This kind of hands-on partnership makes a real difference for our community.
Legislative Update
Ordinance Nos. 35,484 and 35,485 amend the City's 2026 Operating Budget to appropriate $17,034,118 in Housing Bond Funds to the Office of Housing and Community Development for affordable housing projects in Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025.
The funding, generated from the sale of the 2021B and 2024B housing bonds, will support the Iris Riverbend, Lafitte Phase VII, Grove Place II, and BW Cooper developments.
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 It was a pleasure to join special guest Justin Brown and the New Orleans Chief of Police, Anne Kirkpatrick, for a tour of local establishments and small businesses throughout District C.
This initiative was designed to support our local hospitality industry, engage with residents and business owners, and strengthen the connection between the City Council and the vibrant communities that make District C so special. Thank you to every business owner, employee, and resident who welcomed us. Supporting our local businesses is an investment in the economic vitality and culture of New Orleans.
Legislative Update
Ordinance Cal. No. 35,477 ordains and establish Chapter 70, Article III, Division 56 of the Code of the City of New Orleans, consisting of sections 70-415.350 through 70-415.354, for the purpose of creating the Crescent City Connection Bridge Lighting Fund to manage funding for decorative bridge lighting; to ordain and establish Chapter 146, Article XIV of the Code, consisting of sections 146-786 through 146-793, to provide relative to the maintenance, operation, and purchase by third parties of decorative lighting on the Crescent City Connection; and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. Annotation: (This matter was introduced 6/24/26). This legislation creates a new revenue stream for the City of New Orleans.
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 Councilmember Eugene Green joined Vaughn Fauria, Executive Director of the NewCorp Business Assistance Center, members of the Urban Land Institute, and members of the investment community to discuss opportunities for investment in the Seventh Ward within District D. The meeting was held at the Autocrat Social Club.
Legislative Update
Ordinance Cal. No. 35,471 approved a temporary fuel surcharge for taxicabs and other for-hire vehicles in response to rising fuel costs and concerns raised by local taxicab drivers. The measure is intended to help offset increased operating expenses while providing temporary financial relief to the industry, and does not affect rideshare vehicle rates. The surcharge will be reevaluated before its expiration on December 31, 2027.
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 District E Is on the Move
Councilman Jason Hughes continues to champion initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and grow the local economy. This summer, Night Out in District E encouraged residents to support local restaurants, entertainment venues, and small businesses during the hospitality industry's slow season.
At Willow's Town Hall, Councilman Hughes joined residents to discuss plans to revitalize a long-neglected property that has been a longstanding eyesore in District E. He also partnered with Mayor Helena Moreno to launch the New Orleans East Investment and Job Corridors Initiative, an effort to attract new investment, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities throughout New Orleans East.
From neighborhood revitalization to economic development, Councilman Hughes is keeping District E moving forward.
Legislative Update
Ordinance Cal No. 35,521, as amended, amends and reordains Chapter 159 of the City Code to establish a governance structure for SWBNO. It establishes a new governance and oversight framework for the SWBNO following the passage of Act 938. The ordinance restructures the SWBNO Board of Directors' roles and responsibilities, formalizes the City Council's authority over key matters, and more.
The ordinance also creates comprehensive operational requirements for the SWBNO, including quarterly reporting on infrastructure, capital projects, environmental compliance, and system performance. It also mandates emergency notifications to elected officials, residents, and the media, as well as annual emergency preparedness planning.
The amendment clarifies the governance and oversight of the Sewerage and Water Board by requiring City Council approval of board appointments, key executive employment contracts, and certain board actions, and by defining board terms and the Council's approval authority. It also allows ex officio members to appoint representatives and creates a process to waive or adjust approval requirements when necessary to comply with state law or board obligations.
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 Council Vice President Matthew Willard continued meeting with residents and community organizations across New Orleans this month, participating in events that brought neighbors together and supported families, young people, and local nonprofits. He joined volunteers at the NOLA Back to School Fest to help distribute school supplies, visited the Milne Esports Lab to spend time with local youth, and closed out the month by recognizing the interns who served in his office. Throughout their internship, the students supported the office's work while gaining firsthand experience in local government and public service.
Whether attending community events, recognizing local organizations, or responding to constituent concerns, Council Vice President Willard remains committed to staying visible, accessible, and connected to the people of New Orleans.
Legislative Update
This month, Council Vice President Matthew Willard led the adoption of a motion creating the Prenatal-to-Three Climate Resilience Task Force, a first-of-its-kind initiative to ensure the needs of expecting families, infants, and toddlers are reflected in New Orleans' climate planning.
The nine-member task force will advise the City Council, the Office of Sustainability, and the Department of Health and Human Services on incorporating the needs of children from the prenatal stage through age three into the City's Heat Action, Hazard Mitigation, and Climate Action plans. The group will also engage community stakeholders and recommend policies to reduce climate-related risks, including extreme heat and poor air quality.
By championing this initiative, Council Vice President Willard continues his commitment to building a healthier, safer, and more resilient New Orleans—one that protects its youngest residents and prepares every family for the future.
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 Thank you to the residents who joined us for Coffee With The Councilmember in District A! We discussed Code Enforcement, the Sewerage and Water Board, and a variety of quality-of-life issues. I always appreciate the dialogue at our community events because I get to hear from residents directly about their concerns and issues, right in their own community. Special thanks to the 762 Coffee on Harrison Avenue for hosting us, and thanks to Councilmember Aimee McCarron for joining the discussion!
Legislative Update
After reviewing recommendations from the Mayor's Mardi Gras Advisory Committee, I authored a host of changes to the Mardi Gras code. Some changes include common-sense measures, like requiring that every rider in a parade must wear a harness and prohibiting glass throws (with an exception for the traditional glass Mardi Gras beads).
Other measures include increasing penalties for those who violate laws regarding grills, ladders, and other obtrusive objects. With these changes in place, the City of New Orleans can continue to host the greatest free party in the world while emphasizing safety and efficiency.
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 Each Month, we're recognizing the dedicated individuals who help power the work of the New Orleans City Council. Everyone plays a vital role in serving residents and ensuring the day-to-day operations of the Council run smoothly. Through this spotlight, we're highlighting the people behind the scenes whose commitment and public service make a meaningful impact across City Hall and the City of New Orleans.
July Highlight: Mr. James Baker
Director of Community Engagement, Council President Morrell
 In his role, he serves as Director of Community Engagement for Council President Morrell. He serves as a bridge between residents and local government, ensuring community voices are heard and represented in policy discussions. Also, he leads outreach efforts, builds relationships with neighborhood groups, faith leaders, and stakeholders, and coordinates initiatives that address community needs. He believes that his role is to strengthen trust, increase civic participation, and help shape policies that reflect the priorities of the people we serve.
In his leisure time, Mr. Baker loves hanging out with the people he loves and is attempting to learn golf.
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 July 23rd Regular Meeting Summary
NEW ORLEANS, LA – At its regular meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the City Council adopted several pieces of legislation, including legislation to amend and reordain Chapter 34 of the City Code pertaining to the Carnival Season. Additionally, the Council adopted a motion recognizing the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and adding a day of remembrance to the 2026 City Government Holiday Schedule. Read More
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 July 10th Regular Meeting Summary
NEW ORLEANS, LA –At its regular meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026, the Council adopted several pieces of legislation, including a resolution relating to the Rivana Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement. The Council also adopted a motion to appoint councilmembers en masse to various boards, commissions, and agencies, among other things. Read More
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July 30th Joint Climate Change and Sustainability and Public Works, Sanitation, and Environment Committee Meeting Summary
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NEW ORLEANS, LA — On Thursday, July 30, the City Council held a joint meeting of the Climate Change and Sustainability and Public Works, Sanitation and Environment Committees. During the meeting, the committees received a presentation from the Public Utility Modernization Process Subgroup (PUMPS) concerning the organization's work and the future of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). The committee also considered several pieces of legislation regarding SWBNO and its finances. The instruments from today's meeting will be considered at the August 6 Council meeting. Read More
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July 27th Criminal Justice Committee Meeting Summary
NEW ORLEANS, LA — On Monday, July 27, 2026, the Criminal Justice Committee convened to receive a presentation on the effects of poverty on crime by Director of U.S. Public Policy Brian Brox's class at Tulane University for its U.S. public policy summer class. Read More
July 22nd Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting Summary
 NEW ORLEANS, LA — On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the Governmental Affairs Committee convened to consider several board and commission appointments, as well as to discuss an ordinance and an amendment to said ordinance regarding changes and reforms to safety regulations surrounding Carnival Season. Read More
July 22nd Joint Utility, Cable, Telecommunications, and Technology and Public Works, Sanitation, and Environment Committee Meeting Summary
 NEW ORLEANS, LA — On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the Council held a Joint Utility, Cable, Telecommunications, and Technology and Public Works, Sanitation, and Environment Committee meeting. During the meeting, the committees received presentations from the Lincoln Beach Restoration project, Entergy New Orleans (ENO), and the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). The committees also discussed and voted on two resolutions. Read More
June 15th Budget/Audit/Board of Review Committee Meeting Summary
 NEW ORLEANS, LA — On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the Budget, Audit, and Board of Review Committee discussed and voted on several pieces of legislation. The committee also received a presentation on the completion of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Audit and the administration's monthly budget report for May 2026. Read More
July 7th Community Development Committee Meeting Summary
 NEW ORLEANS, LA — On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Community Development Committee held a meeting to vote on several amendments to ongoing city contracts, as well as a motion to create a task force to provide counsel to the city regarding expecting families and young children. Read More
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