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.
Proposed ordinance would require city vehicle fleet to go electric
The City Council will also consider a non-binding resolution encouraging the city government to use 100 percent renewable energy for city buildings and operations by 2025.
City crime cameras used to dispute workers’ comp claim and justify firing three city workers
Firefighters’ union president says the Real Time Crime Center camera network shouldn’t be used for city employment matters.
City of New Orleans distributing counterfeit N95 masks in giveaway program
The city said that although the masks are still “protective,” even though they haven’t received official approval from the federal government to be labeled “N95 masks.”
Outgoing council members approve pedicab license cap
The ordinance codifies a 45-license cap, which has been in effect for 10 years under an extended ‘pilot period.’ An amendment could allow more licenses, but not for at least two years.
Council to vote on permanent pedicab limit despite objections from hopeful worker cooperative
The move would block potential pedicab competitors, and cement market control among three companies that have held the permits since they were first awarded in 2011.
Unclear future for city-led affordable housing as tax is set to expire
The Neighborhood Housing Improvement fund will still get revenue from a short-term rental fee after the tax expires next year, but that may not make up for the lost revenue.
‘A very Louisiana story:’ apparent state law violation by city election chief may have helped him avoid more serious crime
The potential legal violations arose when Clerk of Criminal Court Arthur Morrell sent endorsement letters to the city’s election commissioners, urging them to vote for Darren Lombard to replace him as clerk.
City Council passes laws allowing police to deputize civilian city workers
Employees in several departments will have the power to issue criminal citations for quality-of-life violations.
City dismisses contract-fixing allegations in ‘smart cities’ project
Emails show that city consulted with a ‘pro bono’ consultant connected to the winning bidder weeks before advertisements for bids went out.
