Author: Michael Isaac Stein
- About Michael Isaac Stein
- Michael Isaac Stein covers New Orleans' cultural economy and local government for The Lens. Before joining the staff, he freelanced for The Lens as well as The Intercept, CityLab, The New Republic, and Pacific Standard. He was recently awarded a fellowship from the Heinrich Boll Foundation, which he used to report on water scarcity, division, and colonialism in Cyprus.
Council defers library board appointment after public pushback
City Council rejects multimillion-dollar Folgers tax breaks
Approvals for a package of tax breaks, including two that were rejected last month, could have cost the city $25 million over a decade.
City Council members vote to put new French Quarter security sales tax on April ballot despite Cantrell administration objections
The revenue would be administered by the appointed French Quarter Management District instead of the City Council, under the new proposal.
New Orleans council member asks state to overturn local assessor’s commercial tax cuts
The tax cuts were applied to nearly every commercial property in the parish, costing the city millions in property tax revenue.
What’s next for DA-elect Williams’ City Council seat?
If Jason Williams resigns his seat before Monday, he will trigger a special election rather than an interim appointment. A statement from his office implies he is leaning toward resigning effective Monday, but he stopped short of a definite answer.
Cantrell ends public safety furloughs, says more personnel changes ahead
New Orleans City Council bans facial recognition, predictive policing and other surveillance tech
The ordinance that was ultimately passed wasn't as ambitious as the original, but advocates say it's a good start.
City Council rejects two Folgers tax exemptions, defers voting on four others
A final City Council vote on the remaining four Folgers exemptions is expected on Jan. 14.
After overwhelming defeat at polls, French Quarter security sales tax heading back to the ballot in April
The success of the ballot measure could come down to whether the French Quarter Management District and the city can strike a deal on the use and control over the funds.
