The New Orleans City Council has approved two ordinances that will allow the city to proceed with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and preserving cultural sites. The decisions provide funding for the Department of Public Works’ Smooth Streets program and start planning for Armstrong Park and the Municipal Auditorium.
“These investments are our commitment to taking care of our city and protecting what makes New Orleans special,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “We’re fixing streets faster and more efficiently, while also planning for the future of one of our city’s most important cultural spaces.”
Earlier in February, Mayor Moreno proposed reallocating $7 million in previously unused bond funds. Most of this money will now be directed toward street maintenance projects, with $750,000 designated specifically for planning work at Armstrong Park.
The Smooth Streets program is designed to improve how the city handles routine repairs on streets and sidewalks by using newly hired crews and updated equipment. With better coordination, the Department of Public Works aims to accelerate pothole repairs—targeting 500 to 1,500 fixes per week—and maintain about 1,500 miles of roadways throughout New Orleans.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, $750,000 has been set aside to begin a Strategic Master Plan for Armstrong Park and the Municipal Auditorium. Armstrong Park includes Congo Square, known as the birthplace of jazz, while the Municipal Auditorium is considered a historic landmark.
Through a five-year agreement with the Save Our Soul Coalition and in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, city officials plan a community-driven process for determining future improvements and programming at these sites.
“Armstrong Park stands as a sacred cornerstone of New Orleans culture. Its history, spirit, and legacy are immeasurable. As we embark on creating this master plan, we are committed to honoring our ancestors while opening doors to bold new ideas and meaningful opportunities for the next generation of culture bearers,” said District C Councilmember Freddie King, III. “Our vision is to ensure that the preservation of our culture uplifts its creators artistically, socially, and financially so that cultural stewardship translates into real creative and economic opportunity for the people of New Orleans. We celebrate the authentic representation guiding this process and are committed to ensuring that same inclusive leadership is reflected in the team selected to shape the park’s future.”
“I think this is a significant step forward showing that the City of New Orleans truly supports the culture that brings the dollars to the city,” said Big Chief Dow Edwards of Timbuktu Warriors, SOS Board member, and member of Congo Square Preservation Society.
The recent approvals reflect ongoing cooperation between City Council members and Mayor Moreno’s administration in efforts aimed at strengthening neighborhoods while recognizing local heritage.
