Edited by Tribune staff
The latest budget community meeting, one of several held across the city by Mayor LaToya Cantrell to provide residents with the opportunity to discuss the issues that mtter to them most as the city’s 2024 budget process begins, takes place at 5 p.m. today (Thursday, Aug. 3) in District A at Esperanza Academy Middle School, 9330 Forshey St.
The meeting is the fourth in a series that kicked off in late July, with the first held in District D. Since then, meetings have been held in council districts B, C and A. The final in the series is slated to take place at 5 p.m. Monday, August 7 at in District E at Martin Luther King Jr. High School, 5300 N. Rocheblave St.
The town hall-style meetings take place in each New Orleans City Council District, allowing residents across the city to take part in the discussions about the issues that matter to them most, while also getting a better understanding of the Mayor’s budget priorities, including treating public safety as public health, investing in infrastructure, quality of life, and economic development.
For those unable to attend in-person meetings or who want to share their concerns about the 2024 budget allocation process after the meeting series has ended, the City of New Orleans has created email address dedicated to receiving comments and feedback at citybudget@nola.gov
“As a community organizer, being out in the community is what I love to do, and I am excited,” said Mayor Cantrell. “Building out the City’s budget for 2024 is a process that does not happen overnight; it starts right now. These town halls are specifically designed for residents to hear directly from my administration and also for us to listen to the public relative to their priorities as well. I encourage all residents to attend and be engaged throughout this budget process as we continue to meet them where they are and deliver meaningful results.”
The meetings begin with a Resource Fair with representatives from City departments available to engage residents while providing greater access and transparency to local government. Following the resource fair, the town hall meeting begins promptly at 6 p.m. At the end of each meeting, residents have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with City leaders to voice specific concerns.
In addition to Mayor Cantrell, Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montaño, Chief Financial Officer Norman White and all department directors will be in attendance.
