Block Party Recap: Transforming New Orleans, one block at a time
Our 3rd Annual Block Party was more than just a celebration; it was a reflection of what’s possible when community organizations, volunteers, staff, and neighbors come together with a shared purpose. From music, food, wellness resources, youth activities, voter engagement, performances, to meaningful conversations and joyful connection, the event created space for relationship-building, resource sharing, neighborhood pride, fundraising, awareness, and healing. This year we had over 600 attendees from 21 different neighborhoods, from the West Bank all the way to the East.
We’re hiring an Americorps VISTA member!
Thanks to a partnership with Tulane University Center for Public Service, CBNO is recruiting for an Americorps VISTA service member to complete their year of volunteer service with our team.
Position: Program & Membership Coordinator
Create an organizing home for New Orleans changemakers through developing a membership program and regular membership meetings
Coordinate community events focused on civic engagement and education
Support coordination of the Bryan Bell Metropolitan Leadership Forum
Develop communications, outreach, and engagement materials to build awareness and support for CBNO’s programs
New Orleans Is Bleeding Money on Trash Pickup
New Orleans Is Bleeding Money on Trash Pickup
You've been paying $24 a month for trash pickup since 2011. That fee hasn't budged in 15 years. And for most of that time, nobody made a big deal about it. The City just quietly made up the difference. Until now.
Here’s everything you need to know.
How to engage with the new City Council
New Orleans has a new City Council! Following the January 2026, inauguration, fresh faces joined returning council members, and the entire committee structure has been reorganized with new chairs and members.
This means new opportunities for you to engage with the local government on issues that matter the most. But what you might not realize is that the real work of the City Council isn’t done at big meetings you might see on TV. The real work happens in committee meetings.
This guide will help you understand what these committees do, who’s now on them, and how you can participate in shaping policy decisions that affect your daily life.
2025 Budget Season Recap
The 2025 Budget season kept us on the edge of our seats with one crisis after another. The story had its twists and turns, but the bottom line was this – the City spent more money than it brought in. This meant they had to borrow $100M from the State to break even in 2025, and they’re going to need to close an additional $222M hole in 2026.
How did we get into this mess?
A look at the American Rescue Plan Cuts
The City has a $200M budget hole to fill, and for revenues, they’re dipping into already-allocated American Rescue Plan dollars. The American Rescue Plan was the direct allocation of federal money the City of New Orleans received for COVID relief. It was intended to help the City and its people recover from economic losses due to the pandemic (More about ARPA here).
A total of $14.7 Million is being diverted from 32 ARPA programs. (Source) Here’s a rundown on what’s being cut, and from whom.
Verite: RIDE panel discusses unsafe infrastructure, accessibility issues at annual State of Transit event
CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen moderated the panel discussion at RIDE New Orleans’ 2025 State of Transit event. Verite New Orleans covered the event.
Verite: Council passes Moreno-helmed $1.59 billion budget
CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen was interviewed on the community’s response to the budget cuts.
Mayor-Elect Moreno presents her 2026 Budget Proposal
A new Mayor(-elect) has entered the chat, and since she’s also VP of City Council, she’s getting started early on making the changes she wants to see in the 2026 Budget. Yesterday, Mayor-Elect Moreno presented an amendment to the proposed 2026 City Operating Budget.
The Advocate: New Orleans funds major infrastructure projects, picks Calvin Duncan as clerk. See full results.
CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen was interviewed on the impact of the bond sale resolutions on the November 15th ballot.
The Times-Picayune | Nola.com: New Orleans voters approve $510M for road repairs, Lafitte Greenway, and more
CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen was interviewed about the organization’s role in the bond sale proposals, and the community perspectives heard.
The Times-Picayune | Nola.com: City Hall spats, missed warnings: How New Orleans spiraled into 'wild' $160M budget crisis
Staff writers James Finn and Ben Myers interviewed CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen on how the City budget crisis unfolded and its impact on the community.
What’s a bond?
With the November election fast approaching, there’s a lot of talk about municipal bonds. But what exactly is a bond, and why is it on your ballot? Here’s everything you need to know.
Verite: Loss of $120M in expected FEMA funding threatens city’s ability to pay bills, officials say
CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen was interviewed on the City’s 2025 budget crisis.
WWLTV: New Orleans could lose curbside recycling, see delayed roadwork under budget cuts
WWLTV quotes public comments made by CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen at the City’s Budget hearings.
2026 Budget Hearings Schedule
The Proposed 2026 City Budget was released on October 1st, and the City Council has until December 1st to approve the budget. Now is where the change happens!
WWLTV: Voters want affordable housing, property taxes could rise in New Orleans budget proposal
CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen was interviewed about the 2026 Proposed Budget on behalf of the Big Easy Budget Coalition.
First look at the 2026 Budget - WWL-TV Interview
CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen speaks with WWL-TV News about the 2026 budget at City Hall in New Orleans.
WWLTV: Facing a deficit, Mayor Cantrell proposes sales tax and fee hikes in final budget
CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen was interviewed on the 2026 Proposed City Budget.
WWLTV: National Fried Chicken Festival 2025 Guide: Food, music, and more
CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen was interviewed on the organization’s “Meet the Candidates” experience at the festival.