New Orleans City Council

New Orleans City Council discussed implementing stricter reporting rules for the New Orleans Police Department's drone usage, requiring the NOPD to report material changes in drone flights, safety concerns, and other details. The proposal aims to increase transparency and public trust, following past scrutiny over NOPD's drone policies. While residents and advocacy groups expressed support, they argued the ordinance does not go far enough in ensuring accountability.

New Orleans City Council committees advanced measures to increase city oversight of the Sewerage & Water Board, including a resolution for a financial audit and changes following House Bill 1243, which grants the city control over the utility’s governing board. The proposed changes require a citywide election to amend the charter, and the council will vote on the measures next Thursday.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill stated that New Orleans officials should face consequences following the withdrawal of criminal charges against Murrill. The charges, related to a letter Murrill sent to city leaders, were dropped by a special prosecutor, but Murrill claimed the indictment was politically motivated and warned of broader implications for the grand jury system.

New Orleans City Council approved a $33 million Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) deal over 40 years for a $100 million affordable housing complex called Rivana apartments in the River District. The 6-1 vote included opposition from Council President JP Morrell, with 220 affordable housing units planned for residents earning up to 80% of the area median income.

The Louisiana Supreme Court halted the criminal case against state Attorney General Liz Murrill after finding procedural flaws in the indictment, including conflicts of interest involving special prosecutor Laurie White. The case stems from a political dispute over court system changes and a contested clerk position in New Orleans, where Democrats control the city government.

A grand jury in New Orleans indicted Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill with 16 counts of intimidation and malfeasance for letters threatening to remove Mayor Helena Moreno, District Attorney Jason Williams, and City Council members for circumventing a state law. The letters also threatened to imprison interim clerk Calvin Johnson if he assumed his duties under the law.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is under investigation by an Orleans Parish grand jury over alleged threats against New Orleans mayor Helena Moreno, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, and five city council members. The dispute centers on Murrill's May 13 letters warning of legal consequences for city officials involved in a court clerk appointment conflict, which the Louisiana Supreme Court later ruled against.

The New Orleans City Council advanced the $600 million Omni hotel project by approving a zoning change to bypass height regulations. The project, led by the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, seeks tax incentives including a revised PILOT agreement that includes job commitments and local hiring requirements. Despite opposition from state officials, hospitality workers, and watchdog groups, the council approved the zoning change without dissent.

Tulane University has signed an agreement to take ownership of the former Charity Hospital building in New Orleans, transforming it into a $500 million bioscience, medical research, and education hub. The project, expected to start construction in the fall and finish by 2029, aims to create 2,400 permanent jobs and generate $530 million annually in economic impact.