Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and other City officials, along with Pastor Dean Sunseri, Bishop Paul S. Morton and community and faith leaders for the Annual Interfaith Breakfast held at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. This event provides an opportunity for leadership to connect with the faith community and inform them of vital updates on City services.   

Mayor Cantrell discussed the progress the City has made aligned with the vision and priorities set by residents during the 2024 budget process, while continuing to do the work on all levels of government. Public safety remains a top priority, and the City recognizes that working stronger together on other prevalent issues, such as homelessness, economic development and overall quality of life will create a cleaner, healthier, more vibrant New Orleans.  

Nathaniel Fields, Director of the Office of Homeless Services and Strategy, shared his personal story with the faith community and spoke on his mission to connect unhoused individuals with critical resources available to achieve low to no homelessness in New Orleans by 2025. This office is dedicated to creating meaningful, holistic strategies that include the decommissioning of encampments through a direct to housing approach.  

Jeff Schwartz, Director of the Office of Economic Development, engaged in discussion on expanding and diversifying the economy to create a more resilient and equitable future. This office, in partnership with the Office of Supplier Diversity, Human Rights and Equity and Workforce Development, is working strategically to optimize the opportunities accessible by residents and businesses that are reflective of our diverse population.   

Immediately following the Interfaith Breakfast, Mayor Cantrell and Superintendent Kirkpatrick addressed recent comments made by Governor Jeff Landry regarding the permanent deployment of a Louisiana State Police (LSP) unit to the City of New Orleans. Mayor Cantrell and Superintendent Kirkpatrick addressed the direct impact that the federal consent decree has had on NOPD and the City and State’s collaboration on the future role of LSP patrols.   

The full press conference can be viewed here.  

Original source can be found here.