The City of New Orleans and the City Council announced on May 19 a complete victory at the Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in the ongoing litigation over the Wisner Trust. The court ruled in favor of the city and council on all major issues, confirming that the city owns the former trust assets and invalidating an extension signed by former Mayor LaToya Cantrell in 2020.
The outcome matters because it determines who controls valuable land and resources once held by the Wisner Trust. The ruling ends years of legal disputes between city officials and heirs to Edward Wisner, whose original bequest was intended to benefit New Orleans residents.
“As a Councilmember and now as Mayor, I’ve been steadfastly dedicated to delivering the former assets of the Wisner Trust to the people of New Orleans as an investment in the future of our city. The 4th Circuit ruling confirms what we all know – that these assets belong to the people of New Orleans; that the Wisner Trust dissolved; and that the heirs fight to shackle these assets for their own gain was misguided,” said Mayor Helena Moreno.
Chief Administrative Officer Joe Giarrusso said, “This ruling rejects the prior administration’s attempt to deny the City full ownership of the Wisner lands and to extend the Wisner trust indefinitely. Mayor Moreno and the Council stand united to ensure the City takes full ownership of property it is due which, in turn, benefits City residents.”
Council President JP Morrell said, “Today, we are one step closer to final justice being served for New Orleans residents. Over the span of last 12 years, greedy heirs in this case have fought tooth and nail to keep receiving payments from an expired trust. These payments rightfully belong to people of New Orleans. This ruling is a legal and financial victory for City that reaffirms Wisner Trust land is held for benefit of New Orleans residents.”
Other councilmembers also welcomed news from court: Vice President Matthew Willard called it “another convoluted legal challenge” put “to rest,” while District A’s Aimee McCarron said she was “thrilled about outcome,” emphasizing more money would go toward citizens. District B’s Lesli Harris described it as restoring what was always “ours … not just legally but morally.” District E’s Jason Hughes added he hoped this decision would end further court battles so benefits could reach local residents.
Upon taking office, Moreno aligned her administration’s legal position with that adopted by council members after previous disputes over management decisions made under former-Mayor Cantrell locked away millions in revenue during prolonged litigation. The former trust comprised about 50,000 acres across Louisiana bayou wilderness—land valued at tens of millions—originally given by Edward Wisner in 1914 with intent they serve public good through a century-long arrangement dissolved by court order in 2014 following another lengthy lawsuit.
With this latest appellate decision confirming both city ownership rights and invalidating attempts at unauthorized extensions or asset transfers after dissolution date passed ten years ago, officials say resources can now be used as intended: benefiting current—and future—residents.
