The City Council still needs to approve the multi-year contract for the contract, but so far, that contract hasn’t been presented to the public or Council President Helena Moreno.
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 considering merging EMS and Fire Department
EMS unaware of any merger plans prior to remarks from mayor, spokesman says.
Posted inLand Use
Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation no longer maintaining, paying taxes on remaining properties
The foundation owes nearly $15,000 in back taxes and unpaid fines. But that number may be even larger when taking 2022 taxes into account.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Assessor again grants Folgers millions in erroneous tax exemptions
The inaccurate exemptions, some of which have been active since 2019, apply to upwards of $140 million of Folgers’ property.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council flexes budgetary power in dispute with Mayor over unfinished roadwork, struggling departments
Council members say they are trying to use the power of the purse to force Cantrell to improve city services and communication. The measures are expected to go to a final vote next month.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City Council finalizes new district map, but redistricting debate will continue
All of Treme going to District C, Broadmoor to B. Lower 9th Ward to remain in District E.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City Council formally tells Mayor Cantrell to ‘fairly follow and enforce laws’
The council’s complaints were related to the Phase III jail expansion, the lack of enforcement of certain laws and the city’s decision to start enforcing a law limiting the size of second lines
Posted inGovernment & Politics
New BGR report urges government to continue livestreaming public meetings after pandemic
Group urges legislature to amend the state’s Open Meetings Law to add livestreaming and archiving requirements
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City Council struggles to attract firms to help regulate Entergy New Orleans
The council is planning to rebid a contract to do a management audit into Entergy New Orleans, after the first bid received zero responses.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Consultants release draft maps for new City Council districts, ask for community input
The council is rushing to finalize a map before it hits a legal deadline on March 16.