Extensive reporting and approval processes are being stripped from the ordinance after pushback by council members and Cantrell administration officials
Author Archives: 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.
Posted inEnvironment
City officials prepare for effects of Hurricane Delta
The latest projections on Tuesday afternoon showed the storm shifting West, away from New Orleans. But officials warned that the path was far from certain.
Posted inCoronavirus
Mayor Cantrell plans to partially furlough all city employees through end of the year
“We have had better days in the city of New Orleans,” Cantrell said at a Monday press conference. “I come to you with a heavy heart.”
Posted inCoronavirus
New Orleans to move into ‘phase 3.1’
Seventy-five percent capacity at restaurants, other businesses beginning Saturday. Bars will be able to reopen for to-go service.
Posted inCoronavirus
Tourism industry groups cut funding for French Quarter security and improvements
New Orleans and Company wants a refund of unspent money. But the city isn’t handing it over.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Two competing visions for French Quarter security as tax shifts from state police patrols
Mayor LaToya Cantrell wants to use the money for a new grounds patrol division, while the French Quarter Management District wants use it solely for off-duty NOPD patrols.
Posted inCoronavirus
Suspended $24M state rental assistance program has only disbursed $115,000 in New Orleans
State expected $5.6 million to go to the city. $7 million worth of applications are still being processed two months after state stopped taking new applicants.
Posted inCoronavirus
Convention Center has spent nearly $50 million from reserves to keep operations going
Tax revenues for 2020 now expected to be less than half what officials estimated in 2019 due to collapsed tourism industry.
Posted inEnvironment
‘A very big rain event’: Mayor Cantrell warns that Hurricane Sally will impact New Orleans despite more favorable projections
Hurricane Sally’s track has shifted east, but city should still brace for effects.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
How would libraries deal with a Cantrell-backed cut? Top official says shedding staff is one possibility
Montaño continues to insist that a nearly 40 percent cut in tax revenue will not hurt services.