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.
Heads up! You may be voting in a new Council District
New City Council District maps go into effect in January, and your ballot on October 11th will reflect our new districts. For most people, your district will be the same as last election. But in Mid-City, Broadmoor, and Tremé, some people’s district has changed.
WWLTV & CBNO: Post-Debate Special
CBNO partnered with WWLTV on a post-debate special featuring extended candidate interviews, expert analysis and reaction from community stakeholders. CBNO Executive Director Nellie Catzen was featured to discuss our partnership, initial impressions of the debate and how everyday residents are viewing the upcoming election.
WWLTV & CBNO: New Orleans Mayoral Debate
CBNO partnered with WWLTV to develop a robust and impactful Mayoral Debate, driven by the issues most important to New Orleans voters. CBNO worked with the news team to ensure that resident voices remained front and center in the debate content, questions, and presentation.
WWLTV: What’s at stake in New Orleans’ October election? Committee for a Better New Orleans launches voter guide
CBNO’s 2025 Election Guide was featured on WWLTV in advance of the Mayoral debate.
How to make an informed vote
We’re electing a new Mayor, City Council, Sheriff, Assessor, and more this October. You want to be an informed voter, but how do you navigate all the information out there?