The investigator will have 45 days to review documents, subpoena witnesses and issue a report.
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 inGovernment & Politics
City walks back restrictive social media policy to settle First Amendment lawsuit filed by two city employees
Following the publication of a less restrictive policy, the plaintiffs and the city filed a joint motion to dismiss the suit on Wednesday.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
‘I see how this looks’: Council grills top Cantrell official over ‘smart cities’ deal
The City Council passed a resolution requesting an IG investigation into potential ethical violations in the procurement process.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
‘Smart cities’ contractors drop out of project as investigation intensifies
The city official at the center of the contract-fixing allegations is set to answer questions under oath at a City Council meeting this week.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council opens formal investigation into ‘smart cities’ deal
Council members also approved a resolution to halt a proposed short-term contract for the project, which could be adopted without their approval.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Responding to council subpoena, city turns over hundreds of pages on smart cities deal
The documents include a draft contract and hundreds of emails showing frequent communications going back years between city officials, a ‘pro bono’ consultant and companies that would eventually win the city bid for the project.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council members considering subpoena to Cantrell admin for details on Gordon Plaza plan
Council members and Gordon Plaza residents both criticized the administration for providing few details of its plan while taking public credit for taking action.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City releases new information on ‘smart cities’ project after council subpoena
The four-page letter does not address many of the council’s questions and concerns, but it does provide more information about the plan than was previously available.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council president subpoenas Cantrell administration over ‘smart cities’ deal
The Cantrell administration is now considering beginning the project — originally pitched as a multiyear contract — with a one-year agreement, which would not require council approval.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council freezes budgets of two struggling departments to force Mayor Cantrell to make changes
The council characterizes the moves as accountability measures for underperforming departments. But the Cantrell administration says they could make things worse.