At its regular meeting on February 26, 2026, the New Orleans City Council passed several ordinances and motions focused on public events, park improvements, and honoring local cultural figures.
The Council approved Ordinance 35,333 to establish a temporary “Special Event Clean Zone” in New Orleans from June 29 to July 6, 2026. This measure coincides with the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. The Clean Zone will restrict unauthorized commercial activities such as street vending, outdoor alcohol sales, amplified sound, and the sale of counterfeit merchandise within a designated area unless permitted by the city or included in an official permit. Certain business operations are exempt from these restrictions. Violations can result in fines up to $500, jail time up to six months, and confiscation of illegal items.
In another action, the Council adopted Ordinance 35,337 to amend the city’s 2026 Capital Budget. The ordinance reallocates $750,000 in bond funding—$450,000 from the Department of Property Management and $300,000 from the Department of Sanitation—to the Department of Parks and Parkways for use in the Louis Armstrong Park Master Plan. According to the Council: “This plan aims to revitalize Armstrong Park and the Municipal Auditorium, laying the foundation for a roadmap to transform the park into a world-class cultural space that celebrates our City’s history and culture.” The plan will address architecture and engineering needs as well as urban design, cultural programming, infrastructure improvements, financing strategies, governance structures, and community engagement efforts.
The Council also moved to honor two prominent local figures by renaming intersections after them. Motion M-26-77 designates the intersection of Frenchmen Street and North Claiborne Avenue as the “Jean Knight Honorary Intersection.” Jean Knight was a native of Tremé known for her Grammy-nominated hit “Mr. Big Stuff,” her induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, and her influence on New Orleans music culture. The Department of Public Works has been directed to install honorary signage within 120 days.
Similarly, Motion M-26-85 names the intersection of North Johnson Street and Independence Street as the “Big Chief Donald Harrison, Sr. Honorary Intersection.” Harrison was recognized for his leadership as founder of the Guardians of the Flame tribe and his contributions to preserving Mardi Gras Indian traditions. He received accolades including the Mayor’s Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement and supported youth education through museum initiatives led by his family. During Thursday’s meeting members of Harrison’s family addressed councilmembers about his legacy.
