Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today announced the Home Rule Charter Amendment that successfully passed to establish the Department of Code Enforcement, effective Jan. 1, 2024. The Department also announced the appointment of Anthony Davis as the new Director of Code Enforcement.

“There is no doubt that improving quality of life is a top priority not only for residents but my administration as well,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Code Enforcement has been a driving force in ridding our city of blight, graffiti and trash, and I have the utmost confidence that Mr. Davis will continue to champion these efforts. Ridding our city of trash does not only enhance our city's beauty but also makes our residents feel good about the place they call home. I am excited and hopeful for the future of this department and the future of our great city.” 

In the October election cycle, an overwhelming 73 percent of residents voted to amend the New Orleans Home Rule Charter to officially establish the Department of Code Enforcement as its own independent department. The purpose of this establishment is to allow Code Enforcement to alleviate other departments, like Safety and Permits, as well as Sanitation. The department’s main function is to inspect substandard property and authorize demolition or remediation of property hazardous to the public health, safety and welfare. They also enforce laws and regulations for maintaining streets, vacant lots and other places free from weeds, trash and deleterious matter. Establishing the department as its own also allows specific budget allocations to the department, which will allow for increased progress and results. 

"I am honored,” said Davis. “I am ready to press forward and proud to be a member of the team to support Mayor Cantrell's effort in fighting blight and protecting public safety. Through our aligned vision for this department, we will continue to remove trash from residents’ eyes and yield a bright future for economic development and also the overall quality of life for our residents and visitors."   

As Director, Davis manages over 45 City employees and contractors. He is also responsible for the administration of personnel and excises informal oversight of paralegals and lawyers detailed to the Department from the Law Department. His work includes managerial tasks, supervision of Departmental personnel, coordination with other City Departments and external stakeholders and the development of policy and operations in the enforcement of minimum property maintenance, the City’s rental registry, nuisance laws and other regulations.  

Successful and efficient departments are led by strong individuals, and the City of New Orleans found strong leadership in Davis, an United States Marine Corps Veteran. Serving the country for 20 years, from 1988 to 2008, Davis worked in every element of the Marine Air-Ground Force (MAGTF). In addition to participating in various exercises and operations, he attended a multifarious amount of resident and non-resident military schools over his career. During these two decades, he served in the Platoon-level, Company, Squadron, Battalion and Force Level Commands.   

Davis holds an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the University of New Orleans. From 2014 through 2015, he earned Certificates in Project Management from Villanova University and Executive Leadership from Cornell University. In 2017, he graduated from the yearlong Executive Potential Program at Graduate School USA in Washington, D.C. Davis has co-authored two publications and has received many awards and accolades from the Marine Corps, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. 

Original source can be found here.