City of New Orleans Press Releases

The City of New Orleans will host a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Conference today, designed to engage the city's small and disadvantaged businesses in the rebuilding and growth of the City of New Orleans.

Following a month of community service projects, which included cleaning and restoring parks and visiting nursing homes, 11 NORD Cheerleading Squads will participate in the First Annual Cheer NORD Competition. The event will take place on Friday, November 20th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the St. Bernard Center.

On Thursday, November 19, 2009, the City of New Orleans will host a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Conference designed to engage the city's small and disadvantaged businesses in the rebuilding and growth of the City of New Orleans. The conference will be held at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Avenue, from 8a.m. - 5p.m.

The City of New Orleans is playing host to the nation's largest gathering of brownfields stakeholders during a three-day national conference focused on cleaning up and redeveloping abandoned, underutilized, and potentially contaminated properties throughout the United States.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Capital Projects Administration announces the completion of the District Attorney's Office, located at 619 S. White St.

Following the grand opening of the new Crescent Club development by The Domain Companies, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works announces the completion of the South Salcedo Street reconstruction project, which totals more than $500,000. The project is a further demonstration of the City's continued support of economic development projects in the Mid-City area and in neighborhoods citywide.

As president of Nature Tours, I am very upset by the story that was in Saturday's Times-Picayune regarding Mayor Nagin's planned trip to Merida in December. This article contains a number of errors and misconceptions.

On Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will hold its fourth abandoned vehicle auction of the year. Following the regular auction, car dealers will have the opportunity to buy 49 City vehicles in bulk. The auction, located at Almonaster Auto Pound, 10200 Almonaster Avenue, will begin at 9 a.m. Vehicle preview day is Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When the Space Shuttle Atlantis launches this afternoon, it will be carrying a commemorative bell from the 2009 observance of Hurricane Katrina and a photographic representation of the One New Orleans city brand, and Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be present to watch.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Capital Projects Administration would like to announce the upcoming Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the District Attorney's Office located at 619 S. White St.

The City of New Orleans Office of Housing Code Enforcement will conclude its fourth large-scale blight hearing event of the year today at St. Maria Goretti Church, 7300 Crowder Boulevard in New Orleans East.

The City of New Orleans Office of Housing Code Enforcement will conclude its fourth large-scale blight hearing event of the year today at St. Maria Goretti Church, 7300 Crowder Boulevard in New Orleans East.

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for the NOPD 7th District Station, located at 10101 Dwyer Rd. This project shall include improvements to the station, including the construction of a replacement facility. Work of this contact will include new paving, landscaping and erection of a three-story pile supported steel structure.

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for the Oscar Medrano Clinic, located at 517 N. Rampart St. This project shall include renovations to the facility that were damaged by the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Renovations include insulation replacement and repair, window replacement, ceiling tile replacement and other repairs.

City of New Orleans Hosts DBE/Small Business Conference

Response to Inspector General Quatrevaux's Inquiry Regarding Municipal Auditorium RFP

Response to Inspector General Quatrevaux's Inquiry Regarding Municipal Auditorium RFP

The City of New Orleans will hold its 2009 internet-based tax sale at www.neworleanstaxsale.com on December 2nd and 3rd, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. All properties available for sale are currently listed.

The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will host the first community meeting next week for the development of the 2010 Orleans Parish Hazard Mitigation Plan. The public is invited to attend.

The City of New Orleans will hold its 2009 internet-based tax sale at www.neworleanstaxsale.com on December 2nd and 3rd, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. All properties available for sale are currently listed.

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for Wesley Barrow Stadium located at 6500 Press Drive, New Orleans, LA. Wesley Barrow Stadium sustained damage from both Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav.

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for Joe Brown Indoor Pool, located at 5601 Read Blvd. This project shall include major renovations to the facilities swimming pool located at Joe Brown Park.

Recently downgraded to tropical storm status, Ida, is approximately 275 miles South, Southeast of New Orleans traveling North, Northwest at 16 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are 80 miles per hour. Ida has weakened due to the influence of cooler Gulf waters and wind shear.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert citizens that crews will begin work on Monday, November 9 on sections of Nashville Avenue.

The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) has been closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Ida, as well as, the other atmospheric factors that will contribute to the path of the storm.

Following requests from local schools and Community Organizations, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works has installed 14 new speed enforcement cameras in school zones throughout the City.

What: On September 3, 2009, the City of New Orleans Capital Projects Administration Office released Municipal Auditorium Adaptive Use Developer and Operator RFP No. 2285-00784. The intent of the City of New Orleans in the redevelopment of the Municipal Auditorium into an alternate adaptive use facility is to maintain the historical significance of the Morris FX Jeff Auditorium and the surrounding Armstrong Park; creatively leverage the location of the facility in the historic Treme community and adjacent to the French Quarter; and establish a state-of-the-art facility to support the creative and cultural industries that have made New Orleans an international destination.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert citizens that crews will begin work on Monday, November 9 on sections of Nashville Avenue. During construction, Nashville Avenue from St. Charles Avenue to Claiborne Avenue will become a one-way northbound street. The one-way traffic will continue for approximately six weeks.

Last week, Robert Mendoza and the Department of Public Works embarked on a six-week road work project in the French Quarter, Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, one of many projects in the City's quest to beautify local neighborhoods and encourage the safe, easy flow of traffic. From street repaving to new and wider sidewalks, the project is also intended to create pathways that reconnect New Orleans to its downriver waterfront.

You are invited to join City of New Orleans Administrators to review Mayor Nagin's 2010 Budget Proposal.

The City of New Orleans Health Department received its share of the 1.4% of manufactured H1N1 vaccine on October 26th. Vaccinations are available at any of the following three City of New Orleans Health Department Clinics:

You are invited to join City of New Orleans Administrators to review Mayor Nagin's 2010 Budget Proposal.

The City of New Orleans Health Department received its share of the 1.4% of manufactured H1N1 vaccine on October 26th.

In order to increase Web site functionality and provide more user-friendly technology, today, the City of New Orleans launched an upgraded Recovery Web site (www.cityofno.com/recovery) that includes multiple enhancements.

Following the ceremonial groundbreaking last month for the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program's projects in the Central Business District, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert citizens that crews will begin work tonight on sections of Gravier Street and Common Street.

In July of this year, FEMA officially declared the facility over 50% damaged. The building was flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and has been shuttered since.

Today the jury in the Active Solutions L.L.C. v. Dell, Inc., Civil District Court No. 07-3665, Division "B" found against some of the defendants and awarded approximately $15.3 million.

The City of New Orleans provided $2 million of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to the local, non-profit Efforts of Grace, Inc., operators of the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, to provide 30 units of affordable rental housing to qualified families.

In his final budget address, Mayor C. Ray Nagin today presented his plan for addressing the projected $68 million shortfall for the 2010 budget while maintaining the current services and outlined his vision for ensuring a strong future.

Due to anticipated inclement weather this evening, the time of the annual Halloween party hosted by Mayor and Mrs. Nagin with the City of New Orleans, has been changed.

The City of New Orleans Revenue Estimating Conference will meet Wednesday to establish the amount of revenue available to be budgeted for fiscal year 2010. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. in City Council Chamber at New Orleans City Hall, 1300 Perdido St.

As the City prepares for the beginning of annual budget hearings that will last approximately a month, Mayor Nagin along with the City's Budget and Finance Offices met with hundreds of city employees to provide necessary information on the upcoming challenges of the 2010 Budget.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin met with several hundred city employees in staff meetings throughout the day today to discuss the 2010 budget challenges and proposed initiatives to reduce the nearly $68 million budget deficit.

The City of New Orleans will begin the demolition of the Andrew P. Sanchez Community Center, located at 1616 Caffin Ave on Tuesday, October 27 at 9a.m.

"Plaintiffs' request for injunctive relief seeking to stop all activity relative to the development of the proposed Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) at the Mid-City site was denied today, which will allow the City, State and Veterans Administration to continue with this important project." -Penya Moses-Fields

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for Pontchartrain Park, located at 5721 Press Drive, 6455 Press Drive and 4820 Hayne Blvd (District D).

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library located at 5120 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans.

Less than 24 hours after President Barack Obama talked during his visit to New Orleans about the importance of flood protection and disaster preparedness, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and a delegation of city and state officials departed this morning on a disaster preparedness exchange mission to Cuba.

An Invitation to Bid for the New Orleans Police Department Special Operations Division, located at 1899 Tchoupitoulas St. was released on Friday, October 9, 2009.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, and Gentilly residents will take part in a Cake Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of Adrian's Bakery.

The the City of New Orleans will host a press event to kick off the demolition of the 5th District Police Station, located at 3900 North Claiborne. (District C), at 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin hosted a series of initial budget meetings this week with members of the New Orleans City Council to address the 2010 Budget proposal, the pending $68 million deficit and possible cost-savings initiatives.

Today, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the Lease Termination and Settlement Agreement between Six Flags, SFJ Management, Inc., City of New Orleans and the IDB that was executed and filed on September 18, 2009 with the Court.

Each year since I entered office, I have presented budget proposals that were designed to ensure the financial stability of our city and to ensure that we would be buffered from downturns in the financial markets and unforeseen costs.

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for Armstrong Park Phase 3 located at 901 N Rampart St. Armstrong Park sustained damage from both Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav, including damage to the park's storm sewer system, lagoon, pedestrian bridges, and the underground electrical system.

TIME MAGAZINE: New Orleans Ranks Fifth in the Top 10 Urban Biking Trips

The City of New Orleans is pleased to announce an Invitation to Bid for Brechtel Park, located at 3700 Behrman Pl.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert citizens that crews will begin work on the Marconi Drive railroad underpass, south of the I-610 underpass, on Tuesday, October 6.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works today announced the completion of construction on Oak Street from Carrollton Avenue to Dante Street, approximately six months after the construction began.

Mayors from around the country responded enthusiastically to a preliminary report from Mayor C. Ray Nagin about the need for revisions to the Stafford Act, which governs federal disaster response.

As the 1,000th Mayor signed on today to the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement, Mayor C. Ray Nagin was recognized as one of the first Mayors in the country to sign on to the landmark pledge to take bold action to significantly reduce carbon emissions in cities.

On Friday, September 25, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works reopened the Oak Street commercial corridor following nearly six months of construction.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin announced today that the City of New Orleans has submitted a challenge to the U.S. Census Bureau's most recent population estimates using new data analysis complied in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center.

Today, a final resolution was entered into between the City of New Orleans Civil Service Commission and former Chief Technology Officer Anthony Jones, affirming that Jones will not return to City employment.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will depart for Seattle on Thursday for the U.S. Conference of Mayors Fall Leadership Meeting, where he will provide an update on a new task force he is chairing on Stafford Act Reform.

On Wednesday, September 30th, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works and Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell (District D) will promote health and continued neighborhood revitalization as they celebrate the completion of phase 2 of construction to the St. Anthony Walking Path.

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host it's second Health and Recreation Fair this weekend to provide health screenings and information for the community.

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host it's second Health and Recreation Fair this weekend to provide health screenings and information for the community.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will represent the City of New Orleans at the 5th Annual Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Conference this week in New York City.

Last week, U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President Greg Nickels asked New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin to chair a new Task Force on Stafford Act Reform.

Today, the Industrial Development Board (IDB) will meet to sign a Lease Termination and Settlement Agreement between Six Flags, SFJ Management, Inc., City of New Orleans and the IDB.

Today, the City of New Orleans' Chief Financial Officer, Reginald Zeno,  and the Chief Administrative Officer's Capital Projects Administration will request a $40 million dollar bond issue to continue street, road and bridge reconstruction and repairs city wide from the Board of Liquidation.

NORD Director Larry Barabino Jr. announced today that he will step down as head of the city's recreational department to accept a position with the Children's Defense Fund, a national non-profit agency that advocates for health, education, and children's moral and spiritual foundation. Barabino's departure will be effective September 18, 2009

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works reminds motorists traveling into the City of special event parking enforcement in anticipation of Sunday's official kick off of the New Orleans Saints regular season football games.

This year, the City of New Orleans proudly celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Human Relations Commission (HRC), a municipal agency established in 1989 to enforce the City's human rights laws.

The City of New Orleans today provided the FBI with outdated data cartridges that appear to be derived from computer systems that are no longer in use by the city and date back as far as 1997.

Today, Austin Penny will officially leave his post as director of the City of New Orleans Office of Community Development. Penny, a native of New Orleans, will return to his home in California.

The City of New Orleans is launching a sales tax amnesty program that will allow businesses to pay all unpaid overdue sales taxes without penalty and with a 50 percent reduction in interest.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert citizens that crews will be working on Saturday, September 5 on sections of Washington Avenue (Claiborne Ave. to Broad St.), Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (Claiborne Ave. to Broad St.) and Poydras Street (Claiborne Ave. to Broad St.).

The City of New Orleans announces that City Hall will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Emergency and essential services will continue to be provided throughout this time.

Unfortunately, on Tuesday you were again not afforded the opportunity to receive factual information about our city's recovery. Instead of providing a comprehensive perspective about the State's Disaster Community Development Block Grant (D-CDBG), it seems a local media outlet simply provided opportunity to allow critics more time on camera to belittle the work of the City Administration.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and César Bojórquez Zapata, Mayor of Mérida, Mexico, will sign a Letter of Intent today to renew the Sister City Agreement that was signed by the cities in 1990.

Today, the City of New Orleans released a public Request for Proposals (RFP) for redevelopment of Morris F. X. Jeff, Sr. Auditorium located in historic Armstrong Park, adjacent to the newly restored Mahalia Jackson Theatre. The City of New Orleans Capital Projects Administration Office desires to obtain professional proposals from developers for an alternate adaptive use of this historic structure and the operation of that facility as a long term economic commercial business enterprise (RFP No. 2285-00784).

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and César Bojórquez Zapata, Mayor of Mérida, Mexico, on Thursday will sign a Letter of Intent to renew the Sister City Agreement that was signed by the cities in 1990.

As part of the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program, construction is currently underway on Almonaster Road from Jourdan Road to Read Boulevard and Downman Road from Hayne Boulevard to U.S. 90. Construction on Almonaster Road began in mid-August and Downman Road began construction on Monday, August 24, 2009.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin today announced an administrative realignment centered on further transitioning from recovery planning to full implementation.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans will host a series of events to commemorate the 4th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. These events offer the opportunity to remember those that perished as a result of the storm and to acknowledge the City's rebuilding progress.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Cynthia Sylvain-Lear, Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans Executive Director Marcia St. Martin and Department of Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will be joined by Council member Cynthia Hedge-Morrell (District D) and residents of District D host at the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of construction on Robert E. Lee Boulevard from Wickfield Drive to Elysian Fields Avenue.

The City of New Orleans will host its annual ceremonial bell ringing on Saturday, August 29th to commemorate the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. This event will symbolize the time of the levee breaches and will also serve as a reminder of the lives that were lost as a result of the storm. A plaque unveiling will be held for the Katrina Memorial, which serves as a burial place for unidentified and unclaimed victims of the storm.

On Wednesday, August 26, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Cynthia Sylvain-Lear, Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans Executive Director Marcia St. Martin and Department of Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will be joined by Council member Cynthia Hedge-Morrell (District D) and residents of District D to celebrate the completion of construction on Robert E. Lee Boulevard from Wickfield Drive to Elysian Fields Avenue. The event begins at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Robert E. Lee Boulevard and Vermillion Boulevard off of Elysian Fields Avenue.

WHAT: Tonight at the New Orleans African American Museum, the work of eight young New Orleans photographers will be on display when Mayor C. Ray Nagin hosts a photography exhibit and silent auction to commemorate the completion of a program designed to teach youth art expression.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness hosted a press briefing to update citizens on hurricane preparations for the remainder of the 2009 Hurricane Season.

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will host a press briefing today to update the public on hurricane preparations for the remainder of the 2009 season.

The work of 10 young New Orleans photographers will be on display on Friday, August 21st, when Mayor C. Ray Nagin hosts a photography exhibit and silent auction to commemorate the completion of a program designed to teach youth art expression. The event will take place from 6 until 8 p.m. at the African American Museum, 1418 Governor Nicholls St.

Nickelodeon, the City of New Orleans and Southern Star Amusement, Inc. (SSA) today announced plans to create a new Nickelodeon water and theme park in New Orleans, LA - Nickelodeon Universe New Orleans. Nickelodeon - the number-one kids' entertainment brand - and Southern Star have entered into a licensing arrangement in which Southern Star will construct the new park themed with the Nickelodeon brand and its characters. The Nickelodeon/SSA agreement is part of the City of New Orleans' and SSA's redevelopment plans for the existing 65-acre theme park space (formerly Jazzland/Six Flags) in Eastern New Orleans, and will represent Nickelodeon's first-ever outdoor theme park.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be joined by Council Member Cynthia Willard-Lewis as he holds a press conference at 11:30 a.m. today to make a major announcement concerning economic development in New Orleans East.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works today announced the beginning of phase II construction on the St. Anthony Walking Path in Gentilly. Construction began earlier this week and will last approximately two months.

The City of New Orleans Office of Code Enforcement is in its third day of a weeklong hearing blitz for more than 900 properties reported through the City's 311 system.

The City of New Orleans, along with State and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials, continues to reassess city facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. FEMA has now declared the Andrew Pete Sanchez Multi-Service Center Complex as more than 50 percent damaged, making the complex eligible for demolition and replacement.

A story by New Orleans based freelance writer Ariella Cohen in the August 4 issue of "Next American City" titled "Talk to Me: Why Communication within City Hall Matters" contains a number of inaccuracies, many of which could have been avoided had she contacted the Mayor's Office rather than writing a story with a significant focus on Mayor Nagin without doing so. The City of New Orleans has requested an immediate correction to address these issues.

Since my initial visits to Washington, D.C after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the breached levees, I have long advocated for reforms that specifically include the need for arbitration and an appeals processes to expedite recovery funding to communities in need.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin announced today that the development of the proposed New Orleans Economic Development Council, which is also known as the Public-Private Partnership, or PPP, has been indefinitely suspended.

When the Joe Bartholomew Golf Course re-opens in Pontchartrain Park next summer, young golfers will have a facility all their own.

The City of New Orleans has sought an injunction against the Louisiana Technology Council for one simple reason -- it has no assurance that LTC returned a complete copy of the City's confidential data and destroyed all other copies of data created by LTC or its subcontractors. It also cannot confirm whether this confidential data was shared with any third parties.

The City of New Orleans will mail corrected bills to some residents in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Municipal Assessor Districts this week after a programming error caused several bills to be addressed to the wrong taxpayers.

As the peak of the 2009 Hurricane Season approaches, the City of New Orleans continues to encourage local businesses to prepare for re-entry to the City following a hurricane by obtaining post-disaster re-entry passes. The City recently released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) reminding businesses of the process they should follow to obtain the passes. This PSA can be viewed on WDSU/TV Channel 6 and on the Government Access Channel.

A week after Mayor C. Ray Nagin met with FEMA Administrator William Fugate,
a major milestone has been reached with FEMA's determination that the Templeman I and II public safety facility was more than 50 percent damaged by Hurricane Katrina and should be demolished.

The City Administration today presented the City Council with a list of immediate repairs necessary at City Hall. These repairs, which total $9.65 million, include a complete roof replacement, as well as boiler repairs, hot water system repairs, floor and ceiling repairs, elevator replacements and security system upgrades.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin returns to Capitol Hill today, where he and Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) Executive Director Paul Rainwater will jointly lobby for additional funding for the City's recovery. Mayor Nagin and Rainwater will meet with HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and Congresswoman Maxine Waters today to discuss remaining needs in housing, economic development and infrastructure.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin today responded to the City Council's decision not to purchase Chevron Place for use as a new City Hall:

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works is informing citizens that the DeSaix Boulevard Bridge over Bayou St. John will be closed because a horizontal crack was discovered today on one of the concrete bridge bents (supports). The crack runs along the entire support and may be the result of a shift in the support itself.

WHAT: Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, the Public Advocacy and Parks and Parkways Departments, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) and Councilmember Cynthia Willard- Lewis (District E) will meet with volunteers from the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America (ELCA) to thank them for their efforts in the City of New Orleans. The event will begin at 12:30 pm at Joe W. Brown Memorial Park, 5601 Read Boulevard.

This week, more than 36,000 high school-aged students along with chaperones from the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America (ELCA) have arrived in the City of New Orleans to complete 154 recovery/service projects throughout the city. Their work began today and is expected to conclude on Saturday July 25th. The ELCA worked with city departments and other agencies to develop a list of projects that they will focus on during their three-day volunteer efforts.

SAFETY AND PERMITS

The City's Chief Building Inspector, Mr. Terry Willis, has been working with the Safety and Permits Department of the City of New Orleans for over 28 years.

On tomorrow, July 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Behrman Park in Algiers, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will partner with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) National Youth Gathering 2009 to co-host the Annual End of Summer field day commemorating the completion of summer camps. This event, which will be held at Behrman Park in Algiers, kicks off a three-day volunteer effort by the ELCA that will involve more than 36,000 volunteers in town to assist in the City's recovery process.

Yesterday evening, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and RTA Chairman Caesar Burgos discussed restoration of the City's major throughfares and evacuation routes as well as expansion of the streetcar lines with Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari and staff members from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

Mayor Nagin will return to Capitol Hill tomorrow to continue lobbying efforts to secure recovery funding. Mayor Nagin began his effort almost four years ago, weeks after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.

WHAT: The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host a City Wide Swim Meet for NORD participants sponsored by the NORD Jets Swim Team. Youth teams from across the city will participate in a swim clinic and fun races that include the 25 and 50 yard free style, back stroke, breast stroke, and fly events. Participating teams range in age from 6 and under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13 -14, and 15-16 years.

The City of New Orleans continues to encourage residents and local businesses to prepare for a possible evacuation during this years hurricane season. Residents who may need medical resources or help leaving town in case of an evacuation are urged to register for the Citizen Assisted Evacuation Plan (CAEP).

This afternoon, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, will announce Mayoral Executive Order CRN 09-02 along with members of the Orleans Legislative delegation and the New Orleans City Council. The announcement will take place at 3 p.m. in the Mayor's Press Room, 2nd Floor, City Hall building.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works has canceled its ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of bridge construction on the Michoud Boulevard Bridge over the Maxent Canal due to inclement weather.

The City of New Orleans Office of Technology today terminated its contract with the Louisiana Technology Council after determining that the findings contained in the LTC's report were flawed and led to unfounded conclusions. The City also has entered into a contract with computer forensics and investigations specialist Sunblock Systems of McLean, VA to conduct the work.

On tomorrow, July 17, 2009, Cynthia Sylvain-Lear, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works, and Marcia St. Martin, Executive Director of the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, will be joined by City Council member Cynthia Willard-Lewis (District E) and residents of Council District E to celebrate the completion of construction on the Michoud Boulevard Bridge over the Maxent Canal. The event will take place at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Michoud Boulevard and Lourdes Street.

In a recent story reported by WDSU, a local NBC affiliate, city employees discussed the difficult working conditions that have existed for many years in the 1953-era City Hall. Many of these conditions have become hazardous since Hurricane Katrina.

New Orleans has been named Major Market of the Year in the Top Deals & Hot Markets report developed by Southern Business and Development.

The City learned today of a lawsuit filed challenging the proposed development of a new Veterans Affairs Medical Center ("VAMC") at the Mid-City site. This lawsuit, filed in Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, focuses on a November 2007 Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") executed by the City and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In the almost eighteen months since the MOU was executed and made available to the public, the City has engaged the public in one of the most extensive public participation processes in the City's history to consider the proposed VAMC's potential environmental and socio-economic impacts. Now, months after the federal government announced its selection of the Mid-City site for development of the new VA Medical Center, this complaint seeks to invalidate the MOU.

Improvements to Magazine Street from St. Joseph Street to Calliope Street are beginning on Tuesday, July 14. The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert all citizens and Uptown-bound commuters to expect delays and lane closures during the four month project. The work will be accomplished in two phases. Initially, both parking lanes will be closed while subsurface utility and new brick sidewalks and parking lanes are constructed. Following completion of utility work and brick pavement construction, the travel lanes will be milled and overlaid and the entire project area will be re-striped before being reopened to vehicular traffic.

Citizens and commuters are encouraged to use Baronne Street or Tchoupitoulas Street as detour routes.

For more information, visit www.cityofno.com.  

Earlier this month, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works completed the reconstruction of Peniston Street from Freret Street to Carondelet Street. The eight-month project included the reconstruction of the roadway and replacement of underground utilities.

Beginning on July 14, 2009, motorists and pedestrians will begin to see construction on Magazine Street from St. Joseph Street to Calliope Street, which will enhance the overall appearance of the area and the condition of sidewalks between Andrew Higgins and Calliope Street. The project runs adjacent to the National World War II Museum expansion near the new Victory Theater, Stage Door Canteen and The American Sector, a John Besh restaurant.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works started a four-month project to restore the sidewalks on Bourbon Street from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue. The project will rehabilitate the sidewalks on both sides of the street starting on the Canal Street end.

On tomorrow, July 7, 2009, Dr. Brenda Hatfield, Chief Administrative Officer, and Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works, will be joined by City Council member Cynthia Willard-Lewis (District E) and residents of Council District E to celebrate the completion of construction on the Michoud Boulevard Bridge over the Maxent Canal. The event will take place at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Michoud Boulevard and Lourdes Street.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, along with officials from AeroMexico, Louis Armstrong International Airport and other local organizations, will hold a ribbon cutting at 5:25 a.m. today to launch the inaugural flight of the airline's non-stops flights between New Orleans and Mexico City with continuing service to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The ribbon cutting will be held at Departure Gate C1 at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works has canceled its ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of bridge construction on the Michoud Boulevard Bridge over the Maxent Canal due to inclement weather. The event will be rescheduled at a later date.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin was joined today by City Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, State Senator J.P. Morrell, State Representative Jared Brossett, Essence Communications General Manager Joy Collins, and members of the community as he officially marked the start of construction at the Joseph Bartholomew, Sr. Municipal Golf Course in historic Pontchartrain Park (6039 Press Drive).

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be joined by members of the New Orleans City Council, State Legislators, representatives from Essence Magazine and the Essence Music Festival, Actor, Director, Film Producer Wendell Pierce, and the community at 3:30 p.m. on tomorrow, Saturday, July 4, as he officially marks the start of construction to restore the Joseph Bartholomew, Sr. Municipal Golf Course in historic Pontchartrain Park (6514 Congress Dr).

During the July 4th holiday weekend, The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will operate seven pools on Friday, July 3rd and Saturday July 4th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pools will be closed on Sunday, July 5th. NORD will resume its regular pool schedule on Monday, July 6th.

Today, Judge Michael Bagneris, Division H, Civil District Court ruled in favor of the City of New Orleans to close the Canal Street Hotel pending the preliminary injunction hearing set for July 10, 2009. The hotel has been ordered to close by 5p.m. today.

Due to activity at The Canal Street Hotel (1630 Canal Street), the City of New Orleans urges the owner to voluntarily close this facility as soon as possible. The City is concerned not only for the health, safety and welfare of all those who frequent this establishment, but for those who work there as well.

Construction is set to begin on the restoration of an iconic New Orleans golf course, and residents are expected to take to the green as early as next year.

"I want to thank the New Orleans legislative delegation for their hard word during this legislative session to ensure that the needs of our citizens are met. I am disappointed that Governor Jindal has vetoed funding for NOAH, as we continue to face a mental health crisis, with increased suicides, higher rates of depression and more mental health related arrests. "

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works announces the beginning of phase two of a roadway project to reconstruct roadways near The Preserve and Crescent Club, two new housing developments built by The Domain Companies along the Tulane Avenue corridor in Mid-City.

The City of New Orleans would save more than $45 million over the next 20 years by purchasing the former Chevron building and using it as a new City Hall.

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works today announced the beginning of construction on Woodland Drive from General DeGaulle Drive to Tullis Drive in Algiers. Started last month, the project will include complete reconstruction of the concrete roadway and all affected underground utilities.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Lt. Col. Jerry Sneed, director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, continue to urge residents who may need help to leave town in case of an evacuation, to register for the City Assisted Evacuation Plan.

A program launched a year ago to better identify vehicles with severely delinquent parking tickets, and another designed to make it easier for motorist to pay fees if their cars are immobilized have both led to increased benefits for citizens.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and New Orleans Police Superintendent Warren Riley will host a ceremonial ribbon cutting event tomorrow to commemorate the opening of the new, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) Municipal Training Academy. The event will take place at 4:30 p.m. at the academy located at 4600 Paris Avenue.

Today at 4:47pm, Mayor C. Ray Nagin signed the Purchase Agreement between the City of New Orleans and Chevron Corps. Mayor Nagin was the final signor on the document as the other parties had previously signed.

The rehabilitation of Poydras Street from S. Claiborne Avenue to Broad Street is now underway. The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works would like to alert all citizens of Mid-City and commuters to the Central Business District of possible lane closures as follows:

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works is proud to announce the completion of the rehabilitation of 23 unpaved gravel alleys throughout the Lakeview Neighborhood.

As part of an economic development trip abroad which began in Shanghai, China, Mayor C. Ray Nagin visits Sydney, Australia to lead important conversations on economic development and environmental issues. Mayor Nagin delivered the keynote address to a capacity crowd Friday at the 2009 National Summit of the U.S. Studies Centre in Sydney. The Mayor was also featured with Sydney Mayor Clover Moore at Thursday's City Talk Program, where he discussed climate change and sustainable development. More than 1,000 people attended the event.

The City of New Orleans will file a Proof of Claim to protect the City's interest in the bankruptcy filing today by Six Flags. Currently, the City of New Orleans has a TRO in place to prohibit Six Flags from removing assests and/or equipment from the property.

Healthy Start New Orleans will receive $10 million over the next five years through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy Start program. The program is dedicated to ensuring that low-income and disadvantaged pregnant women receive access to the health care they need through various services.

On behalf of my family and the citizens of New Orleans, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the medical officials in Shanghai, Shanghai Officials, the US Embassy and others for prioritizing the health and safety of myself, my wife, Mrs. Nagin and the city's law enforcement officer. Thank you. Thank you.

Residents of New Orleans East are beginning to see a transformation of their neighborhood streets with the completion of multiple reconstruction projects over the past year. Heavily damaged following Hurricane Katrina, many federal, state and city dollars have gone toward the replacement of roadways, sidewalks and streetscape enhancements in the large New Orleans community. With the recent completion of Redwood Street and Sandalwood Street, as well as the completion of reconstructed streets such as Adele Street, Fulton Street, Cardenas Drive and Papania Drive, the City is working to restore neighborhoods throughout New Orleans East.

WHAT: The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) and the New Orleans Hornets will host a ribbon cutting ceremony today to commemorate the completion of a project to refurbish Fox Playground.

WHAT: Officials from The City of New Orleans will be available for comment during the start of the partial demolition of the Youth Study Center. The partial demolition is part of a multi-phase renovation and rebuilding for the Youth Study Center. The next phase, the installation of modular buildings, is scheduled to go into bid later this month. Current structures or operations surrounding the study center are not subject to disruption by demolition activities.

The the City of New Orleans will host oral presentations for its five library Design-Build contract, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at the New Orleans Public Library Main Library in its Auditorium on the Third Floor (219 Loyola Ave.).

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, who traveled on Friday to Shanghai, China on an economic
development trip, was informed early today that another passenger on the
airplane in which he was traveling has been confirmed to have signs and symptoms of an influenza-like illness suspected to be of the H1N1 subtype and the passenger is undergoing quarantine and treatment.

This is the monthly status report for the surveillance camera network as of 06/05/09. As of the end of this reporting period, our team has determined that the camera network is operating at 75% capacity; the operational issues impacting 25% of the surveillance network are identified below:

WHAT: Tomorrow, June 6th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host its first Health and Recreation Fair at Behrman Park in Algiers. Co-sponsored by numerous city and state agencies and local healthcare and retail organizations, the Health and Recreation Fair will provide families the opportunity to receive free healthcare screenings, immunizations for youth, and information on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin departed today on an economic development trip to China. During the trip, Mayor Nagin will meet with four prospects interested in the possibility of locating their businesses in New Orleans.

WHAT: Today, June 2, The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host its annual Splashdown commemorating the start of summer at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Bernard Center Pool (1500 Lafreniere Street).

As the City of New Orleans prepares for the beginning of the 2009 Hurricane Season, the Department of Public Works announced the completion of the cleaning of the City's subsurface drainage system.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will host a briefing today to update the public on hurricane preparations for the 2009 season.

Yesterday, The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) hosted the second State of NORD community event at the St. Bernard Center. The event theme, The Re-Building of NORD: Quality Cultural, Recreational and Educational Experiences for Youth and Families showcased the talents of NORD participants and updated the community on the recovery on NORD facilities and additional programs returning this fall.

Tomorrow, May 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host the second State of NORD community event at the St. Bernard Center (1500 Lafreniere Street). The event theme "The Re-Building of NORD: Quality Cultural, Recreational and Educational Experiences for Youth and Families" will showcase the talent of NORD participants while updating the community on the recovery on NORD facilities and additional programs returning this fall.

The first phase of the Oak Street reconstruction project is complete, approximately 2 1/2 months after the construction began, and is on schedule to move the next phase of the project. Oak Street from Carrollton Avenue to Dante Street features new pedestrian-friendly amenities, utilities and asphalt roadway.

The New Orleans Recreational Department (NORD) and the Capital Projects department have worked together to open the following swimming pools for use this summer:

In anticipation of the end of the school year, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will extend its summer camp registration deadline through June 20th to offer more youth the opportunity to participate in the summer activities.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will deliver a keynote address and serve as a panelist today during the Illinois Faith-Based Emergency Preparedness Initiative's Town Hall Luncheon Meeting in Springfield, Illinois.

The topic of the town hall is "Lessons Learned from Previous Catastrophic Events." The topic of Mayor Nagin's address is "Lessons Learned from Hurricane Katrina and the Role that Faith-Based Organizations Can Play."

The City of New Orleans announces that City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Emergency and essential services will continue to be provided throughout this time.

This weekend, The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host several family activities as part of the Memorial Day Weekend celebration. Highlights of the activities include the Tunica Invitational Swim Meet and the Meet the Browns Family Reunion at Willie Hall Playground.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will deliver his annual State of the City Address tonight and will focus on issues important to the City's recovery from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina and the breached levees, such as the growth and stability of neighborhoods through increased homeownership opportunities and affording housing for seniors and working families.

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin will deliver the 2009 State of the City Address

This is a reminder to all media outlets regarding the 2009 State of the City Address.

Location/Time: The State of the City will take place on Wednesday, May 20th at Mahalia Jackson Theatre at 6pm located at 143 North Rampart Street.

Today, in fact every day, is a day to be proud to be a New Orleanian. The announcement that New Orleans will host the 2013 Super Bowl acknowledges the years of hard work to place our city in a position to bid for and be selected for the National Football League's biggest game. We have all worked very hard --government, tourism, the private sector, non-profit organizations, citizens and others -- to bring this wonderful and historic city back from the near ruin we faced four years ago.

In an unprecedented leap into the City's recovery, the City of New Orleans will host inaugural oral presentations for its Design Build Contract for the Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Center, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Ave.).

WHAT:  Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Department of Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will host a "State of New Orleans Streets" event. The event, titled "New Orleans Street Makeover: Restoring our communities' one sidewalk, one roadway, one bridge at a time," will highlight the ongoing and future projects aimed at rehabilitating the City's transportation infrastructure.

What: Winn Dixie and City of New Orleans announce roll-out of city kiosk in local Winn Dixie grocery stores.

Starting tomorrow, New Orleanians will be able to take care of city business during a trip to their local grocery store.

On tomorrow, Mayor C. Ray, Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Brenda G. Hatfield and the City of New Orleans will celebrate the Department of Parks and Parkways' 100th Anniversary as a government entity. Parks and Parkways along with event sponsor French Quarter Festival Inc. will host the celebration at Jackson Square beginning at 6pm. A ceremonial planting of the Parks and Parkways Centennial tree at the St. Ann Street entrance of Jackson Square will conclude the anniversary celebration at 8pm.

The City of New Orleans has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit concerning prison confinement issues at the Youth Study Center by retaining an expert to address the issues presented, determine if they
exist, and where appropriate, develop a mutually agreeable remedial plan to resolve the issue. The parties will mutually agree on an expert as part of the terms of the agreement.

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Department of Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will host a "State of New Orleans Streets" event. The event, titled "New Orleans Street Makeover: Restoring our communities' one sidewalk, one roadway, one bridge at a time," will highlight the ongoing and future projects aimed at rehabilitating the City's transportation infrastructure.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Department of Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will host a "State of New Orleans Streets" event on Thursday, May 14th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Avenue). The event, titled "New Orleans Street Makeover: Restoring our communities' one sidewalk, one roadway, one bridge at a time," will highlight the ongoing and future projects aimed at rehabilitating the City's transportation infrastructure.

Last month, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, City Attorney Penya Moses-Fields, District City Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis and City Council Vice-President Arnie Fielkow, returned from a series of meetings in New York City with Six Flags officials without agreements being reached regarding redevelopment of the property and recovery of insurance proceeds.

The following Recovery Data sheet highlights key city departments during the recovery of the City of New Orleans. This week's information is a recap from April 3, 2009 through May 8, 2009.

The City of New Orleans has been chosen as the recipient of the 2009 Municipal Web Portal Excellence Award, which recognizes the City as having an "innovative and sophisticated" government website. The City will receive the award during the Technology Solutions and Innovations Conference and Expo at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina in San Diego, California, May 12-14, 2009.

On tomorrow, 125 athletes will participate in the Special Olympics games hosted by the New Orleans Recreation Department in partnership with the Special Olympics Louisiana. Individuals with intellectual disabilities will compete in track and basketball activities at the NORD Behrman Stadium, 2529 General Meyer in Algiers beginning with opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Capital Projects Administration announced work has commenced on field lighting repairs at McDonough Playground, located at 301 Ptolemy St., on the West Bank.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, City Council Members,Business and Community leaders will meet with State Senators and State Representatives to discuss the City's legislative priorities and other key issues regarding the New Orleans metropolitan area.

Governor Jindal and state officials held a press conference today to discuss the seven cases the CDC has confirmed for the H1N1 virus in Louisiana, and the two cases that tested negative for the virus.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, the New Orleans City Council and key members of the City Administration will be in Baton Rouge on tomorrow, May 5, for the annual New Orleans Day event.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works and the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board are currently coordinating efforts to restore .25 miles of Lang Street from General DeGaulle Drive to Berkley Drive in Algiers.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Capitol Projects Administration announced today work will commence on Hardin Playground, located at 2500 New Orleans St.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans department of Capitol Projects Administration announced that work commenced on Bodenger Playground, located at 3001 Hudson St. on the West Bank

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Capitol Projects Administration will commence on the field lighting repairs at the A.L. Davis Playground located at 2400 LaSalle St.

Event: Mayor Nagin's Visit to Louisiana Legislative Delegation

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans department of Capitol Projects Administration commenced work on the Joe Brown Parking lot.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans today reports that due to the construction of the Skelly-Rupp Stadium parking lot in Algiers, there is currently limited access to the baseball field. Last week, contractors started work on the new $280,000 pavement project next to the stadium, which includes removing 3 ½ inches of the old lot and then overlaying it with new pavement to create a new lot for residents and NORD participants.

The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has been monitoring the ongoing Swine Flu (H1N1) cases in United States and Mexico. The office also has been in contact with Federal and State partners and is receiving the latest information and guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans department of Capitol Projects Administration will begin work on electrical and lighting repairs on Harrell Stadium located at 2300 Leonidas St.

It is unfortunate that the City Council has sought to hire outside counsel, at immense cost to the taxpayers, to intimidate the City Attorney and to delay the distribution of public records. Keep in mind that the City of New Orleans and the Mayor have been sued for not producing public records in a timely manner.

In preparation for the 2009 Louisiana Legislative Session, the City of New Orleans today outlined its legislative and fiscal priorities. The City's priorities seek to promote the continued recovery and revitalization of New Orleans, the region and Louisiana

On Thursday, April 23rd, The City of New Orleans Department of Health will host a community forum to inform citizens and healthcare professionals on the progress made in the healthcare industry and plans for future opportunities in the New Orleans. The health forum will take place at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Avenue starting at 6 p.m.

With this upgrade, Standard and Poor's has demonstrated its confidence in New Orleans' overall financial recovery. Since Hurricane Katrina, when our tax base was decimated, we have worked hard to restore financial stability to our city. My administration has made difficult choices and we have been fiscally prudent. S&P also notes the importance of the City's emergency reserve fund and the fact that $10 million of the Community Disaster Loan Fund remains unused and will be a part of the 2010 budget, which is consistent with our five-year budget plan. It was of utmost importance to me during the most recent budget process that we adhere to this plan.

The City of New Orleans will hold its quarterly Revenue Estimating Conference on Wednesday morning.

As the City of New Orleans observes Earth Day on Wednesday, two young City employees, part of a new generation of environmental stalwarts, will take the lead in presenting programs for school children and the community.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin departed earlier today for New York, where he will meet with Mark Shapiro, president of Six Flags. The City has been in settlement discussions with Six Flags since 2005. The City is meeting with Six Flags officials to discuss their plans regarding the future of the park in New Orleans East.

In observance of Earth Day on Wednesday, the City of New Orleans encourages residents to divert two major household items from landfills. The City is working in partnership with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide alternatives for the disposal of analog televisions and used car batteries.

WHAT: The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) Jets swim team will participate in the Crawfish Aquatics Long Course Invitational in Baton Rouge, LA on Saturday, April 18. Seven members of the team will participate in the long course races that include the 50 and 100 meter freestyle, backstroke, breast stroke events.

WHAT: The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) is currently offering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and lifeguard training for those interested in participating in NORD's 2009 Summer Aquatics Lifeguard Program. The trainees will work directly for the department.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works announces that the State of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development recently received bids for the repairs of three roadways in Lakeview as part of the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program. Canal Boulevard from Robert E. Lee Boulevard to Harrison Avenue, Pontchartrain Boulevard from Robert E. Lee Boulevard to Veterans Boulevard and Veterans Boulevard from the 17th Street Canal to Pontchartrain Boulevard will each be rehabilitated. Construction is expected to begin in May 2009. The Department of Public Works continues to partner with the LADOTD to rehabilitate more state owned streets in Orleans Parish.

On Saturday April 18th, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the New Orleans Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (NOCLPPP) will sponsor its 8th Annual Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Awareness Health Fair at the City Park Peri Style Shelter. NOCLPPP, a division of the City of New Orleans Health Department, has taken the lead in identifying and reducing lead poisoning in children in New Orleans for over 30 years.

WHAT: In preparation for this year's baseball season,The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) Athletic Division, along with the University of New Orleans baseball staff, will host a Coaches Baseball and Field Maintenance Clinic tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15 at UNO's Maestri Field. All NORD park supervisors and volunteer coaches must attend to gain the knowledge and skills needed for the season.

"I am pleased with Secretary Napolitano's decision to remove this unnecessary level of bureaucracy. I am hopeful that this will lead to faster decision making and will enhance the improved cooperation we have already begun to experience from FEMA. ..."

The City of New Orleans announces that City Hall will be closed on Friday, April 10th in observance of the Easter holiday. Emergency and essential services will continue to be provided throughout this time.

On Monday, April 13, five new safety cameras will begin issuing citations to speeders traveling northbound and southbound Paris Avenue near Prentiss Avenue, northbound and southbound on Toledano Street near Galvez Street and eastbound on Florida Boulevard near Milne Boulevard. These safety cameras will help to reduce speeding by motorists. The City of New Orleans also plans to further expand the program in the near future

WHO: The City of New Orleans; the Rev. W.H. Jenneford, president of the Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Association; Jamie Neville, president of Neville Development; Milton Bailey, president of the Louisiana Housing Finance Authority; and representatives from Regions Bank and the Richman Group.

Today, City of New Orleans Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Brenda Hatfield, Councilmember James Carter (District C) and Public Works Director Robert Mendoza hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of roadway construction on Patterson Drive. The project extends from the Audubon Endangered Species Center to Stanton Road, Hart Street to Winston Street, Lancaster Street to Odeon Avenue, and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue to Seguin Street.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of roadway construction on Patterson Drive. The project extends from the Audubon Endangered Species Center to Stanton Road, Hart Street to Winston Street, Lancaster Street to Odeon Avenue, and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue to Seguin Street.

NOTE: Press conference location has changed. It will take place on the front steps of New Orleans City Hall, 1300 Perdido St.

Who: Mayor C. Ray Nagin; Frank Galan, AeroMexico U.S. Division Vice President; attorney and businessman Caesar Burgos; Sean Hunter, Director of Aviation at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport; Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc.; Kim Priez, Vice President of Tourism at the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau; Hon. Andrea Garcia Guerra, Consul of Mexico; and the Hon. Ena Liliana Castro Rice, Consul General of Honduras.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of roadway construction on Patterson Drive. The project extends from the Audubon Endangered Species Center to Stanton Road, Hart Street to Winston Street, Lancaster Street to Odeon Avenue, and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue to Seguin Street.

2009 Quality of Life Study by the University of New Orleans Research Center

Although, the margin of error still remains high for a study of this size, the 2009 Quality of Life Study released today by the University of New Orleans Survey Research Center, demonstrated an improvement over last year with an increased sample size of citizens in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Citizens and business owners in the Carrollton Avenue area of the city will soon notice major street and sidewalk improvements to the Oak Street economic corridor. This week marks the start of a full reconstruction project on Oak Street from Carrollton Avenue to Leake Avenue.

I am very pleased by Secretary Napolitano’s proposal to forgive the Community Disaster Loans for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Having been immediately downgraded to junk bond status and barley escaping bankruptcy after the storms, this is an important first step for the City of New Orleans.

Approximately 6,000 people applied to participate in a new program that will provide forgivable loans to help elderly residents and people with disabilities make repairs to their homes and bring them up to housing code requirements.

The City of New Orleans will turn off the lights of City Hall from 8:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, March 28, as part of its participation in Earth Hour 2009.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of roadway construction on Patterson Drive. The project extends from the Audubon Endangered Species Center to Stanton Road, Hart Street to Winston Street, Lancaster Street to Odeon Avenue, and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue to Seguin Street.

Tomorrow, March 27th, Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Brenda Hatfield, Councilman James Carter (District C) and Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of roadway construction on Patterson Drive. The project extends from the Audubon Endangered Species Center to Stanton Road; Hart Street to Winston Street; Lancaster Street to Odeon Avenue; and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue to Seguin Street. The event will take place at the intersection of Patterson Drive and Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue at 2:30 p.m.

The City of New Orleans is currently testing safety cameras at three new sites around the city to help reduce speeding by motorists, and plans to further expand the program in the near future. A total of five cameras will be added on northbound and southbound Paris Avenue near Prentiss Avenue, northbound and southbound Toledano Street near Galvez Street and eastbound on Florida Boulevard near Milne Boulevard.

I'm very disappointed by recent misleading media coverage that suggests that the City of New Orleans has chosen not to spend funding obligated by FEMA for the recovery of New Orleans Recreation Department facilities and parks. I am equally disappointed that a reporter from WWL-TV took comments I made during an interview totally out of context and made it appear as though my focus on redeveloping recreational and educational programs for youth removes me from the decision-making process as it relates to the return of more playgrounds and facilities to use, ultimately pinning me against other city officials.

WHAT: The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) will take center court at the New Orleans Arena in the 6th Annual Guns and Hoses Basketball Game. Special tickets are being sold by the NOPD and NOFD for the "Guns and Hoses Night at the Hive". Five dollars of each ticket sold by the departments will benefit the NOFD Memorial Fund and the NOPD Tragedy Fund respectively.

This weekend, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will complete a month of volunteer efforts to clean and restore the City's baseball fields in time for the season kick off. The final clean-up event will take place on Saturday, March 28th at Bodenger Playground located 3400 Kansas Street in Algiers. The Boy Scouts of America, New Orleans Chapter, will restore the field from 9a.m.until noon.

The City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways along with Parkway Partners, a non-profit organization that supports the city with the beautification of its public green spaces, will co-host the City's Annual Tree and Plant Sale on Saturday, March 28 from 8 a.m. to noon at 2829 Gentilly Blvd.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, who also serves as Chairman of the Regional Planning Commission, met yesterday with Ron Nabors, Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to discuss continued FEMA funding issues in New Orleans and the region.

Students and recent college graduates who want to work for city government and develop their skills to become leaders in our New Orleans community still have time to apply to the 10th annual Mayoral Fellows Program.

A week after returning from Washington, D.C. where he lobbied for recovery funding for the City of New Orleans, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Chair of the Regional Planning Commission, returned to Capitol Hill today with parish leaders from the region to lobby for recovery needs.

What: The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of repairs to historic sidewalks and curbs surrounding Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. The repairs, which cost approximately $541,000, were made around Jackson Square and along Pirate's Alley, Cabildo Alley and Pere Antoine Alley. The project restored approximately 5,200 square yards of the flagstone in the alleys, as well as reset 316 total feet of stone gutter in the center of each walkway.

The City of New Orleans has mailed supplemental property tax bills for 4,600 properties in the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority - West Bank, on behalf of the Algiers Levee District.

This afternoon Judge Rosemary Ledet heard arguments on the motion for a new trial in the matter of Zurik versus Nagin that was filed on behalf of Mayor Nagin, City Attorney Penya Moses-Fields, and the City of New Orleans. After more than a hour of arguments on several points of law, the court altered its judgment previously rendered in this matter.

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of repairs to historic sidewalks and curbs surrounding Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. The event will take place on tomorrow, March 20th at 3:30 p.m. in the Pere Antoine Alley next to the St. Louis Cathedral.

On Thursday, March 19, the City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works will hold its second abandoned vehicle auction this year, and its third since Hurricane Katrina. The auction, located at the Almonaster Auto Pound, 10200 Almonaster Avenue, will begin at 9 a.m.

The City of New Orleans has extended the deadline for applying for a new forgivable loan designed to help elderly residents and people with disabilities repair their storm-damaged homes.

During the first month of pilot testing for the City of New Orleans Pay by Phone Parking Service, 123 residents registered for the service, and the system logged 306 transactions totaling approximately $1,000 with an average transaction of $1.70. Subscribers are able to use the Pay by Phone Parking Service at 291 on-street parking spaces throughout the Magazine Street and Riverbend areas.

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) is working to restore New Orleans communities by rebuilding facilities that house the athletic, recreational, educational and cultural programs which shut down following the effects of Hurricane Katrina. City operated playgrounds, stadiums, basketball courts, swimming pools and multi-purpose centers throughout the city suffered an estimated $60 million in damages from the effects of the storms of 2005.

In order to better serve the citizens of New Orleans as well as our guests, the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the LSU Healthcare Services Division have joined forces to provide free emergency urgent care services during the upcoming Carnival weekend.

The City of New Orleans issued 61,531 citations in 2008 as a result of the implementation of the safety camera program.

In an effort to avoid further delays to the city’s recovery, Mayor C. Ray Nagin today suspended the portion of his executive order that established Selection Review Panels as part of his competitive selection process for awarding RFPs (Request for Proposals). The Mayor has retained all other components of his executive order, which requires that RFPs be published online and that they include participation from disadvantaged businesses. This is not required in the Home Rule Charter, which gives both legislative and executive branches of government authority to establish their own selection process for RFPs.

The nation's mayors have been invited by U.S. President Barack Obama and U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden to the White House for a meeting with The Conference of Mayors leadership on the morning of Friday, February 20, 2009.

WHAT: Demolition of New Orleans East Regional Library.

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS/ORLEANS PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO HOST ORLEANS PARISH PRISON RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin along with Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman will host a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of reconstruction to Orleans Parish Prison on tomorrow, February 10 at 2:30 p.m.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works and the Algiers Development District today announced that construction on General DeGaulle Drive from Holiday Drive to Behrman Place will be completed before the first Mardi Gras parade, scheduled to pass on the Westbank on Friday, February 13. The 0.2 mile rehabilitation project began on Monday, February 2.

Today, immediately following a press conference with members of the New Orleans City Council and Sidney Torres, president of SDT Waste and Disposal, Mayor C. Ray Nagin spoke with the Chair of the Economic Development Fund Committee to discuss expediting the approval of $2.5 million in funding to pay for the remaining two (2) enhanced services in the Vieux Carre. The Chair expressed support for the funding and will work diligently to move the process forward quickly.

The weather forecast indicates that the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 24-hour period. Weather conditions will require all individuals to seek shelter.

On tomorrow, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell and Public Works Director Robert Mendoza will host a groundbreaking ceremony with residents of Council District D to commemorate the start of roadway construction on Desire Street from N. Roman Street to N. Dorgenois Street. The event will take place at the intersection of Desire Street and N. Prieur Street.

The weather forecast indicates that the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 24-hour period. Weather conditions will require all individuals to seek shelter.

I wish Mr. Cerasoli the best as he leaves to address his health concerns. Despite his departure, I believe the Office of the Inspector General can play an important role in this community. I re-instituted the Ethics Review Board, which appoints and supervises the Inspector General, because such an administrative auditor can help us improve city policies and procedures on behalf of the citizens we all serve.

The City's Freeze Plan will be in effect to provide temporary shelter for homeless citizens tonight and Friday night. Shelters will be open free of charge during this time period.

Today, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with city leaders, residents and community members in District B to mark the completion of the West Riverside Overlay project. During the ceremony, city officials also offered additional updates on recovery projects.

Today, in response to the New Orleans City Council’s approval of the 2009 operating budget last week, Mayor Nagin outlined the impact of the city’s newly adopted budget on city services, departmental operations and the city’s future financial position in 2010.

On Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 11:00p.m., officials from the City of New Orleans will join with PARAPLEX mansion owner, Jeff Borne and parapsychologist and project developer, Dr. Larry Montz, to unveil a new $4 million dollar complex focused on the paranormal. The attraction, located on 4800 Canal Street, is a completely remodeled, 14,000 square-foot historic and haunted mansion built in the late 1800’s as a private residence and later used as a funeral home. The PARAPLEX is the

The weather forecast indicates that the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next two nights (Tuesday and Wednesday). Weather conditions each night will require all individuals to seek shelter.

The weather forecast indicates that the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 24-hour period. Weather conditions each night through Thursday require all individuals to seek shelter.

On Sunday, January 18th at 2 p.m., Mayor C. Ray Nagin will make a presentation to the Executive Committee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, offering recommendations to reform the Stafford Act and FEMA.

While the CAO’s office awaits the final vehicle fleet report from the OIG’s office, we have assembled a working team to review the OIG’s findings and data as it is received. When deemed necessary, the CAO’s office will develop action plans and implementation timetables.

The City of New Orleans is reminding citizens interested in obtaining a fixed location permit for the 2009 Mardi Gras season that they must register for the permit lottery with the Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue by 4 p.m on tomorrow, Friday, January 16, 2009.

The U.S. Census Bureau has accepted a challenge by the City of New Orleans to the July 1, 2007 population estimates and has adjusted the estimates upward by nearly 50,000.

Less than a week after the grand re-opening of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts, the City of New Orleans and the Canal Street Development Corporation (CSCD) today signed an agreement that will lead to the re-development of the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown New Orleans. The Saenger is located on Canal Street at Basin Street and North Rampart Street, an important cetner of downtown commerce, and is on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places. Construction is scheduled to begin in late fall 2009. Work is expected to be completed to return the beloved, historic performing arts theatre to its former grandeur and glory by the fall of 2011.

The weather forecast indicates the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the overnight hours for the next 4-days. All citizens should take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the potentially dangerous effects of this weather. Exposure to temperatures near freezing, combined with strong winds, for an extended period of time can cause serious medical problems. Beginning tonight, and each night through Thursday night, weather conditions require all individuals to seek shelter.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will hold an auction for abandoned vehicles on Thursday, January 15 at 10 a.m. at the Almonaster Auto Pound, 10200 Almonaster Avenue. Vehicles will be available for viewing on Wednesday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans' Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Commission will host the nnual kick-off press briefing to announce a series of events to commemorate the life of civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The briefing will take place on Friday, January 9 at 2:30 p.m. in the Mayor's Press Room, second floor of City Hall, 1300 Perdido Street.

On Friday, January 9, The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host a Cultural Winter Formal concert to showcase music and drama program participants. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Avenue.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be joined by members of the New Orleans City Council, other federal and state elected officials, and local arts organizations at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 8, as he hosts a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially reopen the historic Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. The ceremony, which will be followed by a tour of the refurbished facility, precedes a week of performances showcasing renowned local, national and international talent.

Citizens interested in obtaining a fixed location permit for the 2009 Mardi Gras season must register for the permit lottery with the Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue next week. Registration will be available from Monday, January 12 until 4 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2009. The lottery will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2009 in the lobby of the Civil District Court Building, 421 Loyola Ave.

THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROVIDING FREE FLU VACCINES TO ALL CITIZENS OF NEW ORLEANS, BEGINNING ON FRIDAY, JAN 2, 2009 AND RUNNING CONSECUTIVELY EACH FOLLOWING FRIDAY UNTIL FEBRUARY 13TH.

In an effort to promote the restoration of Louisiana's wetlands, the City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation will host the Annual Christmas tree recycling program that will help in rebuilding the wetlands and assist in the protection of the Louisiana coast line.

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works today announced another milestone in the restoration of roadways damaged as a result of Hurricane Katrina. This week, the department began repairing 14 unpaved gravel alleys in Lakeview that were damaged by flooding and as a result of the removal of storm related debris.

Property owners in the City of New Orleans should soon receive their 2009 Real Estate and Personal Property Business tax bills. The bills were mailed over the past several days.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin announced today that the Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue, will hold its lottery for fixed location permits for the 2009 Mardi Gras at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2009 in the lobby of the Civil District Court Building, 421 Loyola Ave.

Temperatures are expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 24 hours.

The City of New Orleans announces the grand re-opening of Mahalia Jackson Theatre!
Join us for a full week of great performances!

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, joined by members of the New Orleans City Council and local arts organizations, today officially announced the line-up of programs and entertainers that will highlight the re-opening of the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be joined by Councilmember James Carter (District D), Director of Public Works Robert Mendoza, and residents when he hosts a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, December 19 at 3:00 p.m. to mark the beginning of a $14 million construction on approximately one mile of MacArthur Boulevard from Kabel Drive to Woodland Drive. The event will take place on the corner Mac Arthur Boulevard and Kabel Drive in Algiers.

"Today's veto override had little to no effect. In fact, it brought us back to December 1. It did not improve the financial conditions of the city.

Earlier this month, residents in District B began driving on safer, more viable streets as the rehabilitation of 1.75 miles of roadway throughout the Irish Channel and St. Mary neighborhoods was completed.

As part of Mayor C. Ray Nagin’s commitment to offering more opportunities for youth in New Orleans, the City will partner with the New Orleans Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to collect toys for city youth. Hornets Fans are asked to donate toys for kids during next week’s home game against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, December 17 at 8:30 p.m. in the New Orleans Arena.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin today hosted a ceremonial opening of the new New Orleans Police Department Third District Station, 4650 Paris Avenue. The city also provided updates on recovery projects, including New Orleans Public Library facilities and Irish Channel and St. Mary neighborhood street repairs among other projects.

Q: What actions did Mayor Nagin take in response to the New Orleans City Council 2009 budget ordinances?
Ordinance No. 23,334 M.C.S., Calendar Ordinance No. 27,227 gives the Mayor of the City of New Orleans the authority to disapprove (veto) and/or reduce appropriations. To that end, Mayor Nagin vetoed all proposals that appropriated new or additional funds to third party agencies. For example:

Some media outlets have incorrectly characterized the cuts that Mayor C. Ray Nagin has implemented to sanitation services effective January 1, 2009. This statement serves to clarify the reduction in services that will take place.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Police Superintendent Warren Riley and New Orleans Police Department Third District Major Greg Elder will host a ceremonial grand opening of the new Third District Police Station, 4650 Paris Ave., on Tuesday, December 16. The event will begin at 2:30 p.m.

In response to the New Orleans City Council’s approval of a 2009 operating budget that does not include adequate recurring revenues to support recurring expenses, Mayor C. Ray Nagin today vetoed several budget items, cut spending for all departments except public safety, and issued an executive order that implements a hiring freeze for all departments, including public safety.

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin will host a press briefing to formally respond to the City Council's 2009 adopted budget. Mayor Nagin has said that he is concerned that the City Council paid recurring costs using one-time funds, failed to allow for an adequate emergency reserve fund, and used the remaining $10 million of the Community Disaster Loan a year early, abandoning the City's five-year financial plan.

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin will host a press briefing to formally respond to the City Council's 2009 adopted budget. Mayor Nagin has said that he is concerned that the City Council paid recurring costs using one-time funds, failed to allow for an adequate emergency reserve fund, and used the remaining $10 million of the Community Disaster Loan a year early, abandoning the City's five-year financial plan.

The City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reports weather forecasts that indicate the temperature or wind chill factor in Metro New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 48-hour period. The City's Freeze Plan has been activated to provide temporary shelter for homeless citizens tonight and Friday night.

Advisory:
The City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness continues to monitor winter weather advisories and will continue to update the public accordingly. All residents of Orleans Parish are asked to drive safely during today’s winter weather event. Roadways are slippery with reports of accumulation of slush, snow and ice.

Today, the City of New Orleans experienced a wintry mix of precipitation mixed with a strong and cold upper level storm system through out the metro area which caused rain to mix with sleet and snow. Caution is advised around overpasses and bridges in the Metro area.

Effective December 15, motorists in New Orleans will soon have a new, convenient payment option when parking in the City. The City’s parking meter pay by phone service will be offered at 326 on-street parking spaces in the Riverbend Neighborhood and Lower Magazine areas, the initial locations where the program is being implemented. Future locations will be announced at a later date.

The weather forecast indicates the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 24-hour period. All citizens should take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the potentially dangerous effects of this weather. Exposure to temperatures near freezing, combined with strong winds, for an extended period of time can cause serious medical problems.

Residents and investors who want to take part in the City of New Orleans’ 2008 Internet-based tax sale have just a few hours left to do so.

The weather forecast indicates the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 24-hour period. All citizens should take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the potentially dangerous effects of this weather. Exposure to temperatures near freezing, combined with strong winds, for an extended period of time can cause serious medical problems.

The City of New Orleans will host seven public meetings next week to discuss the planned public-private partnership for economic development.

What: VA Deputy Secretary Gordon Mansfield will join New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and other state, local and federal officials to announce the site of the future New Orleans VA Medical Center.

The City of New Orleans will hold its 2008 Internet-based tax sale at www.neworleanstaxsale.com on December 1st and 2nd, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

On Saturday, November 22, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host the department's city wide annual Athletic Division Bantam Football Championship Games from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Pan American Stadium in City Park.

The weather forecast indicates that the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below during the next 24-hour period. Tonight's weather conditions require all individuals to seek shelter.

"Building a Culture of Preparedness ... Including Everyone" is a first-of-its-kind national forum focused on the lessons learned from hurricane Katrina and how those lessons were turned into action as the Gulf region prepared for hurricane Gustav and was devastated yet again by hurricane Ike. Adaptation is critical as we prepare to protect vulnerable communities from the storms of the future and the other disasters threatening us all. "

On Saturday, November 15, members of the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) Jets Swim Team will participate in their second meet during the Short Course swim season (24 yards to 100 yards). Eight members of the team will attend the NuWave Thanksgiving Invitational meet at the Reilly Center on the campus of Tulane University. The events begin at 1pm and are free to the public.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, State Legislative officials and Michael Hecht, President of GNO Inc., traveled to the NASA Space Shuttle Launch Center in Coco Beach, Florida to lobby for the NASA Michoud facility in New Orleans.  

The owner of a major New Orleans East apartment complex that has been in disrepair since Hurricane Katrina will demolish the property so that it will no longer be considered a public nuisance.

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works, Parking Division will hold an abandoned auto auction on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the Almonaster Auto Pound (10200 Almonaster Avenue). The auction is the first since Hurricane Katrina. Vehicles can be viewed Wednesday, November 12, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) Executive Director Joseph E. Williams today signed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) that will help further reduce the number of blighted properties that exist in New Orleans as a result of the devastation from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

On Thursday, the City of New Orleans will host a media briefing to update the public on the progress and status of several recovery projects. The briefing will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Mayor's Press Room located on the 2nd floor in City Hall. 

Members of boards and commissions affiliated with the City of New Orleans will receive a refresher course Wednesday about complying with new ethics requirements and other legal responsibilities.

Street in New Orleans East Receives Full Rehabilitation, Enhancing the Quality of Life for Residents  

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a roadway construction project on Papania Street in New Orleans East.

The City of New Orleans launched an updated and enhanced version of its Recovery Projects Information Web Site. The revamped site, which can be viewed at www.cityofno.com/recovery, will provide citizens with a one-stop shop for information regarding the City's recovery and roadway projects. The site was launched February 2008.

Three years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the failure of the federal levees, Mayor C. Ray Nagin today presented his 2009 budget to the New Orleans City Council. The budget focuses on continuing and accelerating the City's recovery.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin today will present his 2009 Budget before the New Orleans City Council. In this third year since the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding, Mayor Nagin's budget will focus on continuing and accelerating the city's unprecedented recovery.

Local business owners, organizations and individuals are invited to learn about applying for grants through the second open meeting on the 2008 Economic Development Fund (EDF) on Monday, October 27 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church.

Local business owners, organizations and individuals are invited to learn about applying for grants through the second open meeting on the 2008 Economic Development Fund (EDF) on Monday, October 27 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church.

A longtime volunteer and  25-year veteran of the City of New Orleans Department of Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS) received the top honors this week from the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) in Las Vegas.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin departed this morning for Oakland, California, where he will lead a panel titled "Restoring Communities After Disaster" at the Mayor's Technology Summit 2008.

The City of New Orleans will provide an update on the recovery of Joe Brown Park and Pontchartrain Park and the Mahalia Jackson Center for the Performing Arts, as well as the status of lighting projects and tennis court repairs in neighborhood parks and the construction of new roofs in a variety of city facilities during a media briefing at 2 p.m.  Tuesday, October 14 in the Mayor's Press Room located on the second floor in City Hall. 

Interim Chief Technology Officer M. Harrison Boyd met with the City Council's Public Works Committee today to discuss expenditures by the Office of Technology for installation, operation and maintenance of crime cameras. Boyd reported that the office has spent $1.2 million this year, all of which was to upgrade the city's wireless infrastructure.

The City’s Department of Public Works today announced the expansion of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Eligible Roadway and Sidewalk Patching Repairs Project for Minor Streets. This project, under which work will begin in three additional neighborhoods later this month, will ultimately include the repair of approximately 17,000 different sites and 6,000 blocks along minor streets in neighborhoods across the city by June 2010.

The City's Department of Parks and Parkways, in partnership with the Lafayette Square Conservancy, began a project this week to enhance historic Lafayette Square, which is located in the Central Business District (CBD) in New Orleans. A total of 108 new historically accurate cast iron bollards are being strategically installed around the perimeter of the park to replace wooden post that have deteriorated, are unsightly and no longer protect the park.

"This project will assist in the preservation of Lafayette Square," said Ann Macdonald, Director of Parks and Parkways. "The new bollards will enhance the historic character of the square, and we are grateful to the Conservancy for raising the necessary funding to install the new iron bollards. This will greatly reduce the amount of termite infestation and protect the park's irrigation system, which is located right below the surface of the turf."

The Freret Market, one of the first trigger projects in the city's target recovery areas program, will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Saturday with a block party that will include more than 130 vendors and music on two stages.

The City’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness encourages all residents who misplaced their luggage when evacuating as a part of the City Assisted Evacuation Plan to claim and retrieve their belongings from City Hall located at 1300 Perdido Street. To retrieve luggage, citizens should contact the Mayor’s Office of Public Advocacy located in room 1W09 in City Hall for assistance between 9 a.m. and 5p.m. Monday - Friday.

Today at 1 p.m., the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) and the New Orleans Hornets will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of Evans Playground basketball court located at 5100 Lasalle Street in Uptown New Orleans.

The City's youth will once again be able to play and enjoy recreational activities at the Evans Playground basketball court, which received approximately $14,000 in repairs through donations from the New Orleans Hornets. The repairs include overhaul painting, repainting of the court lines and backboards, pressure washing and the addition of the Hornets and NORD logos on the courts.

"We are very excited to rededicate this playground for our kids," said Larry Barabino Jr., director of NORD. "NORD has been working daily to bring more playgrounds and recreational programs back on line for our youth. Organizations like the Hornets help ease the rebuilding of NORD so that we can assist in young people's overall growth and development."

WHAT: MAYOR C. RAY NAGIN HAS BEEN INVITED BY THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE TO TESTIFY BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC HOUSING AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

THE SUBCOMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY REPRESENTATIVE ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON of Washington, D.C., WILL ADDRESS FEMA'S RESPONSE TO THE 2008 HURRICANE SEASON AND THE NATIONAL HOUSING STRATEGY.

WHEN: TUESAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008
2167 Rayburn House Office Building
2:00 PM. (est)

MEDIA NOTE: MEDIA INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE HEARING OUTSIDE OF ROOM 2167 RAYBURN OFFICE BUILDING. MAYOR NAGIN'S TESTIMONY WILL BE RELEASED ON THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS WEBSITE AT 2 P.M. ON sEPTEMEBR 23RD .

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: CEEON D. QUIETT (504) 799-5246

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) announces that registration for the City's youth tutoring program will begin on Monday, September 22 and conclude on Friday, September 26. Beginning Monday, September 29, NORD staffers will tutor registered youth from 4:30 until 8:30 p.m. in subjects that include reading, language and mathematics.

Parents can register children in 4th - 12th grades next week from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the St. Bernard Center located at 1500 Lafreniere Street; Behrman Center located at 2569 General Meyer Avenue in Algiers; and the Cutoff Center located at 6600 Belgrade Street. The tutoring program will be held at those same locations.

As a part of Mayor Nagin's on-going priority of transparency in government, the City of New Orleans has created a two-hour workshop to provide a behind-the-scenes look at what is legally required to contract with the City and to provide information to the public about how they can take advantage of contracting opportunities.

The workshop will be from noon until 2 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, September 19, 2008) in Council Chambers at New Orleans City Hall, 1300 Perdido St. The workshop is open to the public.

Since Hurricane Katrina, Mayor Nagin has worked to ensure that all qualified businesses can participate in the city's recovery, with a special focus on disadvantages businesses, which can sometimes face more challenges in accessing business opportunities.

Today, the City’s Department of Public Works announces the beginning of the replacement of 205 school zone flashing beacons damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita at 82 private and public schools. The new flashing beacons will be powered by solar panels, reducing their energy consumption and saving money.

“The safety of our children is the most important motivator behind this project. Flashing beacons alert drivers that they must slow down and pay attention for any children crossing the roadway,” said Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works. “Switching to LED technology and utilizing solar power will reduce annual maintenance and operational costs.”

As part of the installation, flashing beacon foundations that are damaged or missing will be replaced with a new concrete foundation. Following a seven day curing period, crews will install the flashing beacon unit, including the new solar panels. Typically, the flashing beacons will be programmed to flash from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. each weekday morning and 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. each weekday afternoon. In addition, the beacons will be activated during special school events occurring outside of normal school hours.

The City of New Orleans is among the finalists of the 2008 Best of the Web and Digital Government Achievement Awards given by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and will be honored for its Web Portal at the 12th annual Awards Gala on Sept.12 in Hollywood, Calif. According to the CDG official release, “Best of the Web recognizes the most innovative, user-friendly state and local government portals while the Digital Government Achievement Award recognizes outstanding agency and department Web sites and applications. Judges from all over the nation determined the winners.”

The City of New Orleans launched its new Web site in March of this year in order to offer better service to its citizens who, in the midst of recovery, require more interaction with government than ever before. This need has given birth to a citizen-driven Web site that supplies vital information, user-friendly services, and community planning and rebuilding information.

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness reminds motorists and individuals to stay out of the Venetian Isles area in New Orleans East. The department reports significant flooding outside of the levy system making Highway 90 impassible.

Individuals who are sheltered in place are reminded that if they need emergency assistance to call 911. Otherwise they should remain sheltered in place until the effects of Hurricane Ike have passed.

Emergency responders will respond to situations as appropriate. Citizens are asked to refrain from attempting to assist with emergency operations as they can place themselves and emergency responders in danger.

As Hurricane Ike draws near the coast of Texas, the citizens of New Orleans should be aware that weather conditions will begin to deteriorate as the night progresses.

Residents in New Orleans can expect to experience Tropical Storm force winds as early as midnight and these winds will continue well into the early evening on Friday. There is also a possibility of gusts greater than 55 mph occurring in some areas.

These strong winds not only bring the risk of damage to temporary structures, like travel trailers, but they also cause storm surge that can effect lower lying areas.

The City is advising those in FEMA trailers of high winds and recommends that they seek secure shelter.

The City is also advising residents in the Venetian Isle area of the high winds and flooding and advises that they should monitor local media outlets for the latest information regarding this storm.

The photography of six local artists chronicling the power, pain and perseverance over Hurricane Katrina will be featured in an exhibition created by a photographer for the City of New Orleans that is opening Saturday at the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Rethink, Renew, Revive features six large-scale photos by Dennis Couvillion, George Long, Samuel Portera, Zack Smith, Eric Waters, and Julie Plonk, a photographer in Mayor C. Ray Nagin's Office of Communications. Exhibited in pairs, the photographs demonstrate the city's efforts to "Rethink the future of New Orleans," "Renew the faith of New Orleanians" and "Revive the culture of New Orleans." The exhibition was originally scheduled to be presented as part of the Third Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina commemoration events but was canceled due to the City's preparations for Hurricane Gustav.

WHAT: Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin along with City officials will travel to Terrebonne Parish to meet with Parish President Michel Claudet and to offer assistance to the Terrebonne administration and citizens.

Earlier this week, 40 of the City's first responders that include the New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS), New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) traveled to the parish to assist in their recovery.

WHEN: Today, September 10, 2008

Mayor Nagin will depart New Orleans at 12:30 p.m.

The meeting with President Claudet will take place at 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: The meeting will take place at the State Highway Police Field Station C on Highway 24 in Houma, Louisiana.

For more information contact Ceeon Quiett at (504) 799-5246.

Hurricane Gustav evacuees who participated in the City Assisted Evacuation Plan may now claim lost luggage at the Dream Center at 1127 St. Charles Avenue. Hours of operation for the Center today are from 1 until 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. for the foreseeable future. Volunteers will be at the Center to help individuals locate their luggage.

Telephone numbers have been set up in case you have questions about your lost luggage. Citizens can dial 311 within the New Orleans area. Outside to New Orleans area, dial 504-658-2299 or 1-877-286-6431. The hearing impaired can dial 504-658-2059 or 1-800-981-6653. Spanish and Vietnamese language assistance is also available.

Since all luggage may not have been returned, citizens are urged to be patient.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin along with New Orleans City Council and state legislators that make up the New Orleans Delegation will a host press briefing regarding the City's recovery from Hurricane Gustav at 3:30 p.m. today in the Mayor's Press Room located on the second floor of City Hall, 1300 Perdido Street.

WHAT: Hurricane Gustav wrap up press briefing

WHEN: Today, September 8 at 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Mayor's Press Room, Second floor of City Hall, 1300 Perdido Street

For more information, please contact Terry Davis at 504-658-4972 or tdavis@mayorofno.com .

The City of New Orleans provided WIC this weekend and serviced approximately 40 clients. We anticipate being flooded this week. However, the state has waived certain requirements in order to facilitate the availability of vouchers (we have it in writing).

ALGIERS/IDA HYMEL 1111 Newton at Atlantic is CLOSED until the structure can be evaluated by property management.

Pilsbury Clinic 2222 Simon Bolivar at Louisiana will be open today (Sept 8) for Clinical and with additional staff to cover WIC.

NO East Family Health Care Center, 5640 Read Blvd, which includes the ONLY WIC SITE in the East will be open today (Sept 8) for clinical and WIC.

We are looking to get working to have 1-2 mobile units at Arthur Monday for tomorrow 9/7 and set up but there is not large enough space for possible volume. Patient calls are going to be routed through a new phone number for documentation and that will be provided shortly.

A request has been made for WIC vans to carry patients across the river and back to obtain services.
We will notify you when full medical services and WIC will be available on the West Bank at Arthur Monday or another location. We should consider providing transportation for clients as our system will allow us to look up their accounts at any location.

New Orleans, Louisiana - Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Region I, which consists of Orleans Parish, Saint Bernard Parish and Jefferson Parish Fire Departments, will join in a unified effort to assist Terrebonne Parish Fire Departments. UASI Region I will deploy today.

Date: Sunday, September 7, 2008

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Place: 701 Rosedale Drive , New Orleans, LA 70124

The City of New Orleans will hold a press conference regarding the recovery from Hurricane Gustav at 5 p.m. today in New Orleans City Council Chambers. Mayor C. Ray Nagin, members of the New Orleans City Council and others will be in attendance.

For more information, please contact James D. Ross at 504-906-9123 or jross@mayorofno.com  

The Orleans Parish Juvenile Court will re-open Monday, September 8, 2008.

For information and interview requests, please contact the Joint Information Center at (504) 658-2202 or (504) 658-2277.

City Hall will reopen Monday, September 8, 2008.

CITY OPERATIONAL UPDATES

The City of New Orleans and the Louisiana National Guard have established three distribution sites for ice and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) that will be open while supplies last Today thru Sunday, 10a.m. - 6p.m. at the following locations:

The City of New Orleans will hold a press conference at 5 p.m. today regarding the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav. Mayor C. Ray Nagin, members of the New Orleans City Council, and others will be in attendance.

For additional, information, please contact James Ross, (504) 906-9123 or jross@mayorofno.com.

The City of New Orleans Health Department is concerned with the potential mental health and emotional status of our residents from the evacuation and re-entry back to New Orleans. These are tips which could be used by citizens to address preparedness, enhance resilience, and strengthen coping strategies in communities, families and children in the face of stress from the evacuation and re-entry.

City Plan

• NO shelters of last resort will be located in the City of New Orleans
• Citizens should not take the risk of remaining in the city in the event that a mandatory evacuation is called
• City has secured busses from the state and New Orleans Tours and First Student
• State began deployment of 1500 National Guardsmen

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Lt. Col. Jerry Sneed, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, are urging residents who will need assistance to evacuate from New Orleans to register for the City Assisted Evacuation Plan.

The City estimates that 30,000 people will need evacuation assistance because they do not have vehicles, cannot afford to evacuate on their own, or have special medical needs.

As Hurricane Gustav threatens the New Orleans area, Mayor C. Ray Nagin has urged citizens to make certain they have an evacuation plan, and has reminded those living in trailer trailers that the structures are unsafe in tropical storms or hurricanes.

“Citizens who are living in travel trailers need to plan now to evacuate the trailers if they are advised to do so by city officials,” said Mayor Nagin. “Travel trailers are unsafe during heavy winds. As we continue to monitor and prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Gustav, I want all of our citizens to make certain they have a plan for leaving the trailers when advised to do so.”

The City of New Orleans has revised its schedule of events commemorating the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Friday due to the threat and ongoing preparation for Hurricane Gustav.

The City will hold a symbolic burial service in honor of the unclaimed citizens who lost their lives as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The service will be held at the Katrina Memorial/Charity Hospital Cemetery, 5056 Canal St. It will be followed by a Ceremonial Bell Ringing, signifying the series of levee breaches that occurred throughout the city.

The City has cancelled the New Orleans traditional jazz funeral that was scheduled for 8 a.m. and was to precede the burial service, and the candle lighting vigil that was scheduled to be held at Jackson Square.

5 P.M. MAYOR’S MEDIA BRIEFING

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin, the City’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and key city officials will host a media briefing today regarding Gustav. Mayor Nagin has held a series of meetings with directors of all city departments including New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Fire Department, New Orleans Emergency Medical Services, New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, and the Regional Transit Authority, and has conducted calls with state, regional and federal officials.

WHEN: Today, at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Mayor’s Press Room, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 1300 Perdido Street

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, who was a key speaker this morning for the Oregon, Washington and Minnesota delegations at the Democratic National Convention, has decided to return to New Orleans immediately to closely monitor Hurricane Gustav.

Gustav, which has hit the southwest coast of Haiti and is threatening Cuba, appears to be on a likely course toward the U.S. Gulf region. The area, which will mark its third anniversary of the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on August 29, is still in the recovery stages.

"While it is too early to tell exactly where Gustav will hit and how strong it will be, I'm deeply concerned about the emotional and psychological effect on our citizens," said Nagin.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness continues to monitor Gustav closely while working with state and regional leaders. Following a conference call update with state and regional leaders at 1 pm, Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Sneed will have media availability today at 3pm in the lobby of City Hall to update the public on the latest information regarding Gustav.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works today announced the selection of architectural and engineering firms for 15 new capital bonds projects.

"In order to increase the pace of our construction schedule, it is important to get these much needed new projects under way," said Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works.

Funded by the 2004 General Obligation Bonds, the 15 new projects cover approximately 5.5 miles of roadway at a total cost of approximately $58 million. Fourteen of the projects are full reconstruction including new water, sewerage, drainage, sidewalks, and roadways surfaces. Two of the projects are rehabilitation projects, including spot utility repairs, sidewalks, and roadway resurfacing. Currently, the Department of Public Works has approximately 100 projects in the design phase.

Today, the City's Department of Public Works announced the start of street construction on sections of S. Alexander Street, S. Hennessey Street, Tulane Avenue and Ulloa Street in Mid-City. The project, financed through the 2000 City of New Orleans General Obligation Fund voted on by citizens, will include the construction of new streets, sidewalks, curbs and required infrastructure, further enhancing the quality of life in recovering neighborhoods.

"This project marks an important step for Mid-City, and demonstrates the city's commitment to the citizens of New Orleans," said Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works. "Street reconstruction plays an important role as a catalyst for future economic development. Mid-City has experienced tremendous growth within the past year and it is important that we assist in the growth of this area."

The contract to rehabilitate S. Alexander, S. Hennessey, Ulloa and Tulane Avenue complements the rapid redevelopment of the neighborhood which has celebrated many recovery accomplishments, including the comeback of the Mid-City Rock N' Bowl Center, opening a new Nike Factory store at the corner of Carrollton and Tulane Avenues and the return of other retail establishments. In addition, the work borders The Preserve development, one of three major housing developments being built by The Domain Companies, located on Tulane Avenue at S. Hennessey Street. The Preserve project will welcome its first new residents in October. The Preserve Development includes a mixed ratio of housing at­ 60 percent market rate and 40 percent affordable housing rates.

The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) has been advised by the regional National Weather Service office and the Storm Prediction Center that there is a risk of strong to locally severe thunderstorms beginning as early as this afternoon.

Rainfall totals from these storms are estimated at between 4 to 6 inches with the possibility of isolated areas receiving higher totals. Due to the slow speed of this system, a risk of flash flooding exists, especially along roads and in low lying areas. In addition to the heavy rainfall, there is also a slight risk of damaging wind gusts.

NOHSEP will be monitoring this potential threat and recommends that citizens stay informed about the threat by listening to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, commercial radio, and television for the latest watches and warnings.

The City of New Orleans and the New Orleans City Council will host three city-wide events on Friday, August 29th in observance of the third year since the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the failed levees that devastated the city and caused the city's first ever mandatory evacuation.

"August 29th will forever be remembered in this region as the day that changed millions of lives. We are working as one community to restore our beloved city and all the richness of its culture. But in the midst of this historic undertaking to move toward a better future, we cannot and must not forget those who lost their lives in the storms and floods. It is in this spirit of reflection that we continue to move with great determination to secure the resources and funding needed to fully rebuild our city," said Mayor C. Ray Nagin.

"On this third anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we come together as one community to remember those who lost their lives and reflect upon the progress we have made," said New Orleans City Council President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson. "Three years after the devastation of these storms, our citizens continue to move forward rebuilding their neighborhoods and communities. Although we have made great strides in our recovery efforts, there is still much to do. We will continue to do whatever it takes to fully rebuild this great City that we call home."

Tomorrow, Thursday, August 21, Col. Jerry Sneed and the staff of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will host a media briefing to update the public on the City's hurricane preparedness plan.

Who: Col. Jerry Sneed, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

When: 11:30 a.m., Thursday, August 21st

Where: Mayor's Press Room, 1300 Perdido Street, New Orleans, La. 70112

The City's Department of Sanitation alerts all residents affected by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike that city emergency contractors will complete the first storm debris removal city-wide pass this weekend, weather permitting. The City will begin its final city-wide pass for storm debris removal on Monday, September 22nd. Homeowners affected by the storms are encouraged to place their storm debris in the public right-of-way between the sidewalks and curb by this weekend for collection.

The City’s Department of Public Works today announced the beginning of the rehabilitation of French Market Place between Barracks Street and Ursulines Avenue. The project is projected to be completed by early October as part of the opening of the new Farmers’ Market. It is funded through the use of the 2000 General Obligation Economic Development Bonds.

As part of the reconstruction project, the existing roadway will be replaced with new concrete pavement and will include the construction of a new concrete curb and gutter, rehabilitation of water and drain lines, and construction of driveways, sidewalks and handicap ramps to American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

“The French Market Corporation has made a large capital investment on its facility, and partnering our efforts with this organization is a smart capital investment that will help encourage economic development,” said Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works.

The City of New Orleans is on track with its financial projections, despite increased expenses during this year, members of the Revenue Estimating Conference Committee will report today.

The strong financial position is partly the result of record-breaking attendance for at least a half dozen festivals this year, including the French Quarter Festival, the Essence Music Festival, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and Vieux-to-Do: Creole Tomato, Seafood and Cajun Zydeco Festival, according to data from the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. Overall, the City revised its sales tax collections for 2008 upward to more than $150 million as a result of several factors, including the impact of the NBA All Star game, the BCS championship game and other one-time collections which have positively impacted general and hotel-motel taxes.

The City’s Department of Public Works recently began the fourth reconstruction project on Robert E. Lee Boulevard since Hurricane Katrina. Repairs estimated to total more than $7 million began earlier this month between Wickfield Drive and Elysian Fields Avenue and are expected to be completed in approximately 13 months.

“Robert E. Lee is a major roadway for citizens traveling from east to west in New Orleans’ northern neighborhoods, making this project an essential element in the recovery process,” said Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works. “In addition, this project coincides with the University of New Orleans’ Strategic Plan to develop the area between Leon C. Simon Drive and Robert E. Lee Boulevard to meet the university’s housing needs.”

As part of the reconstruction project, the existing roadway will be replaced with new asphalt and will include construction of a new concrete curb and gutter bottom, rehabilitation of water and drain lines, and construction of driveways, sidewalks and handicap ramps.

WHAT: Mayor C. Ray Nagin, New Orleans City Council Members, Police Superintendent Warren Riley, Offices of the U.S. Attorney, DEA, FBI, DA, Orleans Parish Sheriff, Crimestoppers and New Orleans Police Foundation will come together for the City's 2008 National Night Out Against Crime event at a Kick-off Party.

WHEN: Today, 5-8 p.m.

WHERE: Fair Grounds Race Track; 1751 Gentilly Boulevard. Following the Night-Out Kick Off Event at the Fairgrounds, Mayor Nagin and Chief Riley will attend Neighborhood Night Out Against Crime events throughout the city.

A great deal of misinformation has ensued since I sent a straightforward letter last week to the City's Inspector General, asking how he would like to have me address public records requests for information that may be privileged and thus not eligible for release to other parties as a result of his investigation.

To be clear: The intent of the letter was to offer my cooperation, not to make demands of Inspector General Robert Cerasoli. The letter was in response to an announcement by Mr. Cerasoli to the public that he was initiating an investigation into the New Orleans Affordable Homeownership Corporation (NOAH). The law provides for his records, as well as those matters that are under criminal investigation, to remain confidential. My office has received public records requests from other parties for records related to NOAH, and if those requests are honored, the records will no longer be confidential.

This morning the New Orleans Police Department completed an assessment and review of the crime cameras installed by the City's Information Technology department. In Mayor Nagin's State of the City address he stated that today, the last day of July, all 200 crime cameras would be installed throughout the city.

"I made it clear in my State of the City address that 200 crime cameras would be operational by the end of July-no excuses. The crime cameras are a useful tool for our police officers and we want to ensure that they have all the tools and resources that they need to protect our citizens." Said Mayor C. Ray Nagin.

"Our officers worked diligently to confirm the operations of the crime cameras and we will continue to integrate this technology in our law enforcement efforts. Said NOPD Superintendent Warren Riley.

Today, The Finance Authority of New Orleans in cooperation with the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the State of Louisiana Office of Community Development and the City of New Orleans will launch the first phase of a global 'Pathway to Homeownership' Soft-Second Mortgage Loan Program designed to assist residents in purchasing homes, and those current homeowners who need help with renovating their homes.

The program will be open to properties located in the Housing Opportunity Zones in Orleans Parish, which were created in response to the two year citizen-driven Unified New Orleans Plan (UNOP) for recovery and redevelopment of New Orleans.

Public Works to Rehabilitate Patterson Drive Through Capital Bond Funding



WHAT: The City's Department of Public Works will host a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off a major street construction project on Patterson Drive in Algiers, the first road project funded with 2004 capital bonds.

Eight miles of roadwork will begin later this week, and will include repaving, resurfacing of roadway shoulders, and the reshaping of surface drainage. Roadways will also be re-striped and safety markings re-installed as needed.

WHO: Dr. Brenda Hatfield, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of New Orleans, Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works, along with Councilman James Carter (District C)

WHEN: Today, July 31 at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Corner of Patterson Rd and Stanton Rd

Effective August 1, 2008, Anthony Jones, Interim Technology Director will return to his previous civil service position as Management Information Systems (MIS) Director. The City will name a permanent director for the technology division within 90 - 180 days according to Chief Administrative Officer, Dr. Brenda Hatfield.

According to Civil Service policy, a classified employee may request leave from a position and then return to it, particularly in the case of interim director positions. Jones will return to his classified MIS position, where he will be assigned to Capital Projects. He will receive the standard civil service approved salary.

On August 4, M. Harrison Boyd will step in as Interim Director while the City continues its search. Boyd has extensive management and consulting experience in the fields of information technology, e-commerce, and economic and community development. He has also performed program management and overseen technology migration initiatives within government agencies.

"We would like to thank Congress for passing HR 3221, the "American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008." We are grateful to the House and Senate Democratic leadership for their tireless work in negotiating with the Administration, the Republican minority and their own Democratic members on this complicated piece of legislation whose main purpose is to intervene in the critical and growing housing and financial crisis in our country. This legislation also has a particularly positive impact worth $1.3 billion to New Orleans and Louisiana citizens because it fixes a tax problem that made Road Home grants taxable for those who took casualty loss deductions for their damaged homes in 2005, and it extends the deadlines for GO Zone projects to start construction. We are sorry that the final bill did not include using more of the funding generated by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac profits for affordable housing in the Gulf Coast communities affected by the hurricanes of 2005; however our state will benefit with an estimated $95 million from a grant program for local governments to purchase and renovate foreclosed homes that would otherwise become a blight in their communities. We appreciate the work of Senator Landrieu and those Louisiana delegation members who made sure this legislation had important provisions for the recovery of our state and region from the catastrophic damages of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Today the Mayor's Office of Homeland Security and Public Safety participated in two state and regional conference calls with various federal, state and local agencies who are managing the barge incident which occurred Wednesday, July 23 2008, on the Mississippi River.

WHAT: Today, The New Orleans City Planning Commission will begin its move from City Hall to the ninth floor of the Amoco Building located at 1340 Poydras Street, Suite 900. Public meetings are canceled pending the completion of the move which will take approximately one week. The anticipated completion of the move and rescheduling for public meetings will resume on August 4th. Signage has been placed in City Hall to inform citizens of the change in location.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and other city leaders will host a media briefing to update the public on vital information regarding Wednesday's barge accident on the Mississippi River.

Who: Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Marcia St. Martin of the Sewerage & Water Board, Colonel Jerry Sneed, Director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Mary Beth Romig of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau

When: 4:30 p.m. today (Friday, July 25, 2008)

Where: Mayor’s Press Room, 1300 Perdido Street, New Orleans, La. 70112

Mayor C. Ray Nagin today announced that he has submitted the City's challenge of the U.S. Census Bureau's most recent population estimates using new data analysis from the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center. According to the Census Bureau, New Orleans is the first municipality to submit a challenge this year.

"A higher population estimate means New Orleans will be entitled to millions of dollars more for programs in education, mental health services, law enforcement, homeless assistance, child care and services for the elderly," said Mayor Nagin. "After months of hard work, our partners in this effort have determined that New Orleans has as many as 82,000 residents more than the most recent Census numbers suggest."

The GNOCDC report, prepared over the last two months, indicates that the city's July 2007 population could have been as high as 321,000 - much higher than the Bureau's estimate of 239,124.

An underestimation of even 60,000 people would cost the city approximately $54 million in federal assistance. Accurate numbers are also vital for creating evacuation plans as the city goes through the 2008 hurricane season.

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will feature talented youth during the City's first Summer Youth Showcase event on Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Bernard Center located at 1500 Lafreniere Street. NORD will also host its Annual Culminating Event on Thursday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NORD Behrman Complex located at 2529 General Meyer Avenue in Algiers.

The Summer Showcase will feature performances by the NORD Marching Band, NORD Choir, New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) dance group, Ty Tracy/Crescent City Lights Youth Theater drama team, and a piano solo by Kariem Bennett to highlight skills learned by summer campers. The NORD Jets swim team, lifeguards and coaches will also be introduced to the community during the event.

"We're excited to host an event that will give our campers an opportunity to show the community what they've learned this summer," said Larry Barabino, Jr., Director of NORD. "Our kids have been working hard to master cultural as well as athletic skills and we are proud of their achievements keeping them focused on having a brighter future."

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will hold a brief press conference today regarding New Orleans Affordable Home Ownership (NOAH) Corporation Properties.

Who: Mayor C. Ray Nagin

When: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Where: Mayor’s Press Room, 1300 Perdido Street, New Orleans, La. 70112

Three New Orleans historic preservation commissions have been honored for their outstanding efforts and achievements following Hurricane Katrina.

The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NACP) presented the "Commission of the Year Award" to the Vieux Carré Commission, the Historic District Landmarks Commission and the Central Business District Historic Landmarks Commission.

"Being recognized by a nationwide preservation commission for its highest award is overwhelming," said Larry Hesdorffer, Director of the Vieux Carré Commission.

The 'Commission of the Year' award recognizes an outstanding achievement by a local commission under difficulty or adverse circumstances and is the highest award presented by NAPC as part of its Commission Excellence Awards. The three New Orleans preservation commissions were recognized for their extraordinary response and dedication in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This is the first year the awards have been given.

The City of New Orleans is helping to create a greener city and cleaner environment by replacing traditional unleaded gasoline with E10 (Ethanol 10 percent) fuel for its fleet of vehicles.

The city will dispense E10 at all of its fuel facilities, which will significantly reduce the pollution caused by city vehicles. E10 reduces tailpipe carbon monoxide emissions by as much as 30 percent, reduces exhaust volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by 12 percent, and reduces hydro-carbon emissions by more than 25 percent.

"As we continue to rebuild New Orleans, I have made it a priority to create a city that is healthier in every way," said Mayor C. Ray Nagin. "By using E10 rather than traditional unleaded gasoline, we are creating a more sustainable city and using current technology to improve the quality of life now and for the future."

"On behalf of New Orleans, which suffered widespread devastation from the breach of the federal levees and needs the expeditious completion of the promised 100-year flood protection, I again urge the President to deliver on his promise in Jackson Square almost three years ago to do whatever it takes to rebuild New Orleans better and safer. And while I support the Governor's compromise position on federal funding for this protection and appreciate his advocacy, I believe that this city and this region deserve 100 percent federal funding for this flood protection system."

C. Ray Nagin
Mayor

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and a regional delegation from Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes have returned from a four-day trade mission to the Central American nation of Panama. The trip focused on the ongoing expansion of the Panama Canal, a project set for completion in 2014. The delegation is working to ensure that the entire New Orleans region benefits from the coming increase in maritime traffic to the Gulf of Mexico.

Among those attending were Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser, Walter Leger of St. Bernard Parish, Gerald Bologna of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission, Louis Armstrong International Airport Director Sean Hunter and Caesar Burgos of the Regional Transit Authority. House Speaker Pro Tem Karen Carter-Peterson, Representative Juan LaFonta, Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis, and several local business leaders also were part of the delegation

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and a regional delegation from Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes have returned from a four-day trade mission to the Central American nation of Panama. The trip focused on the ongoing expansion of the Panama Canal, a project set for completion in 2014. The delegation is working to ensure that the entire New Orleans region benefits from the coming increase in maritime traffic to the Gulf of Mexico.

"The City of New Orleans has filed suit against Ambac Assurance Corporation ("Ambac") and others for damages resulting from Ambac's breach of its contract with the City to provide continued credit enhancement critical to the City's issuance of its Taxable Pension Revenue Bonds, Series 2000, and related agreements. Even though the City has paid Ambac approximately $6.4 million dollars for credit enhancement services, Ambac has failed to meet its obligation. Ambac expanded its credit enhancement business for structured finance products involving subprime consumer finance paper. Now, as a result of the subprime crisis, the City must pay increased debt service on its Bonds and faces other costs that run into the tens of millions of dollars. As City Attorney, I will make every effort to protect the City's legal interest and the overarching financial impact of Ambac's breach of contract."

Penya M. Moses-Fields

City Attorney

This week, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) along with the Special Olympics of Louisiana will kick off Camp Shriver with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, July 16 at 10 a.m. The Opening Ceremony will include a performance by the NORD Choir and participants from the Louisiana Special Olympics.

Camp Shriver, a sports program designed for youth with disabilities ages 10 and up. The program will those with special needs acquire sports skills and improve individual sport performance. During the camp, registered youth will have the chance to build friendships through their participation in sports games, and fun activities with NORD staff and camp volunteers.

On Saturday, NBA basketball star Chris Duhon of the New York Knicks and Larry Barabino, Director of the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host a free basketball clinic at Goretti Playground's newly refurbished basketball court located at 7500 Benson Street in New Orleans East from 9 a.m. to noon.

Last fall, Duhon donated $100,000 to rebuild 21 basketball courts in New Orleans and Slidell through his Stand Tall Foundation's Operation 21 program. To date, 11 courts have been rehabilitated in New Orleans. Ultimately, there will be 16 courts constructed in New Orleans, with the remaining courts in Slidell.

"We believe in New Orleans and we're committed to do what we can for its youth," said Duhon, a Slidell native.

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin will travel to the Central American country of Panama this Saturday for a fact-finding mission that will take him to two of the country’s largest ports. The regional initiative led by Mayor Nagin will include representatives from St. Bernard, Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes, and marks the first such trip between City and Regional leadership.

“This trip is evidence of the commitment I have made to working with our neighboring parishes to create a confederacy of Ports from New Orleans to the mouth of the Mississippi with a single mission -- to make sure we can compete for this new business that will come as a result of Panama Canal’s expansion,” said Mayor Nagin.

Ted Knight will represent the Port of New Orleans in the contingent, which will also include several City Council members, transportation and private sector participants.

“These missions will give our leaders relationships and expertise to really capture this historic opportunity,” said Lisa Ponce de Leon, Director of International Relations.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be joined by State Representatives Karen Carter and Juan LaFonta, members of the New Orleans City Council, leaders from Jefferson and St. Bernard Parishes, representatives from the Port of New Orleans, transportation officials and local business leaders when he hosts a press conference today to discuss an upcoming fact-finding mission to the Central American country of Panama. During the trip, which begins Saturday, participants will visit two of the country's largest ports. They will also meet with critical agencies to develop relationships and gain information and insights as the New Orleans region prepares for the expansion of the Panama Canal. The regional initiative led by Mayor Nagin marks the first such trip between City and Regional leadership.

The City of New Orleans took another major step toward the full recovery of its public safety system when Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Police Superintendent Warren Riley hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new home of the NOPD's Special Operations Division (SOD) this morning.

The City's Department of Property Management located and purchased a facility at 1899 Tchoupitoulas St. The 92,000 square-foot building was previously used as a precious metals warehouse and originally served as a cotton storage facility.

Today the City’s Department of Public Works announced that citizens who were captured on one of the City’s nine traffic safety cameras between June 23-29 will not be ticketed. The department was installing speed limit signs at each monitored intersection during that time and will issue warning notices instead of citations.

Red-light, safety cameras located on Carrollton Avenue at Earhart Boulevard, Palmetto Street and Canal Street and on Poydras Street at Loyola Avenue captured 1,799 motorists traveling 45 mile per hour (mph) or above during the week of June 23. The speed limit at all intersections currently monitored is 35 miles per hour (mph).

“Vehicles exceeding the speed limit endanger themselves and everyone on the roadway,” said Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works. “We are pleased to see an immediate reduction in speed violations, and we expect to see further reductions as citizens become more aware of the safety camera program.”

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Police Superintendent Warren Riley will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday morning for the New Orleans Police Department Special Operations Division Complex. The City of New Orleans purchased the 92,000 square-foot building, which was previously used as a precious metals warehouse, for $5.5 million. The total investment in the building, including planned renovations, will total more than $6 million. Police will begin moving into the building on Thursday.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works today announced that red light cameras currently installed eastbound on Poydras Street at St. Charles Avenue, westbound Poydras Street at Magazine Street and westbound Poydras Street at Carondelet Street will become active on Monday, July 9.

The ultimate goal of the red light camera program is to decrease the number of drivers who run lights. Since the launch of the program in April, the rate of violation has decreased dramatically at the intersections where the lights are located. Pre-enforcement data indicated that 205 red light violations were taking place daily at the nine monitored intersections.

In April, immediately after enforcement was announced, the number of violations dropped to 130 per day. In June, the violation rate dropped to 90 violations per day. The intersection with the greatest drop in violations was Loyola Avenue at Poydras Street, which recorded a 75 percent reduction in red light violations.

This week, the City's Department of Public Works kicked off a construction project that will repair about 17,000 FEMA-eligible roadway and sidewalk sites on minor streets.

"Good streets and strong infrastructure are vital to our ongoing recovery," said Mayor C. Ray Nagin. "These projects will greatly improve the quality of life for our residents as we continue to partner with FEMA and the federal public assistance program to ensure the restoration of every storm-damaged street."

"As Director of Public Works and a citizen of this City, I am excited to see these projects get underway," said Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works.

Construction in some areas is already underway. All sites are expected to be repaired in approximately 18 to 24 months. The repairs, which include roadway and sidewalk patching as well as driveway apron and curb repairs, will be performed along minor streets, which are typically the smaller streets within neighborhoods. The project will cover approximately 17,000 locations at an estimated cost of $42.8 million, all of which will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

A story in Saturday's newspaper suggests that the recent departures from Mayor Nagin's Administration will have an impact on the recovery of our
city. Nothing could be further from the truth.

As Director of the Office of Recovery and Development Administration, I work closely with Mayor Nagin to define and implement our recovery
priorities. While each of the employees who recently left to pursue other challenges made important contributions, no one staff member is so valuable that their responsibilities can not be undertaken by someone else. That is true even in the case of Ezra Rapport who, as Chief Operating Officer in the Office of Recovery and Development Administration, was a capable assistant. Ezra and I knew his tenure was limited because of family reasons, so we started advertising two months ago to fill a Deputy post as well as two other positions to help implement our housing and community development efforts. We now have more than 70 outstanding candidates who are being screened for these positions and for a new administrator to replace Ezra’s role in program administration. I remain the City's recovery director and we will seamlessly continue our work.

College students from 152 campuses are arriving in New Orleans area to participate in the largest volunteer efforts yet in the Lower Ninth Ward on Friday, July 4, 2008.

This one-day event will bring together more than 1,300 enthusiastic college and high school volunteers from HOPE worldwide , which has partnered with the City of New Orleans, along with a number of nonprofit partners and residents from the Lower 9th Ward, for a day focused on debris removal and beautification of the community. Volunteers will work closely with local residents to clear 100 lots to provide public gardens and site where homes can be rebuilt.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will attend the event. Malaak Compton-Rock, co- judge on Oprah's Big Give, founder of the Angel Rock Project and wife of comedian Chris Rock, will be a special guest along with a 45 invited government officials. Governor Bobby Jindal, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu and Ralph F. Boyd, Chairman of the Freddie Mac Foundation were invited.

The New Orleans Ordinance declared unconstitutional today by the Louisiana Supreme Court was adopted by the City Council in 1998. It was tailored to accommodate the 30 percent penalty structure of the Linebarger Firm, a Texas entity hired by the Morial administration.

In early 2005, under Mayor Nagin's administration, the City terminated the services of the Linebarger Firm; the City Council repealed the ordinance. The City's new Ordinance is consistent with the State of Louisiana's authorization of attorney's fees of 10 percent for collection services.

The external auditors for the City of New Orleans have completed the City's 2007 independent audit and have issued an unqualified opinion, which is the highest opinion that can be rendered by an external auditor. Postlethwaite & Netterville submitted the report to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor on Monday, meeting the June 30 submission deadline.

"We are excited that we have met the deadline for submitting the audit to the Legislative Auditor and are moving in the right direction," said Council Budget Chair Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell. "We met the Legislative Auditor's due date even though we were working with a new accounting firm this year. I want to personally thank all of the City departments for their hard work and assistance with completing this process."

"We are gratified that President Bush has signed the Supplemental Appropriations Bill of 2008. I wish to thank our Louisiana delegation for all their hard work in including the $5.8 billion for levee funding along with $73 million for Permanent Supportive Housing Vouchers. New Orleans and the Gulf Coast continue to have substantial rebuilding needs and I sincerely hope that Congress and the Administration will address these shortly in a new domestic supplemental."

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will host a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of the 7th roadway project in New Orleans East since Hurricane Katrina. Road work on Redwood Street between Grant Street and the Dwyer Canal, and Sandalwood Street between Hammond Street and the Dwyer Canal will last approximately 10 months.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will host a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of the 7th roadway project in New Orleans East since Hurricane Katrina. Road work on Redwood Street between Grant Street and the Dwyer Canal, and Sandalwood Street between Hammond Street and the Dwyer Canal will last approximately 10 months. The ceremony will take place on Monday, June 30th at 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of Redwood and Grant Streets.

“The reconstruction of these streets is important as we continue to improve the overall quality of our local streets and roadways,” said Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works. “We understand the importance of our streets and roadways and are continually working to improve the safety and quality of our roads.”

Today, the Department of Public Works announced the launch of two recovery websites that will allow users to track the status of street and sidewalk repairs, and drainage cleanings throughout the city.

"We are very excited to be able to provide the citizens of New Orleans with yet another tool to help track our recovery in progress," said Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works. "We recognize the disruption that road repairs and drain cleanings may cause to our citizens, but we want to ensure that our citizens have access to the latest information on street closures and detours in their neighborhoods."

The City of New Orleans today announced an informational workshop for non-certified small and disadvantaged construction and construction-related businesses. The workshop will be held from 2 until 5 p.m. on June 27, 2008 at Five Happiness restaurant, 3511 South Carrollton Ave.

The workshop will provide an opportunity for small and disadvantaged businesses to learn about the City's disadvantaged business enterprise certification process. Speakers from the City's Office of Supplier Diversity and MWH will present on the certification requirements, bonding information and insurance regulations.

A press conference will be held tomorrow to highlight the successful "Cops for Kids" summer program that has kept city youth engaged during summer. The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation's Division of Special Projects and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) along with the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host the event on Thursday, June 26 at 11:30 a.m. at the NORD St. Bernard Center.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin along with Superintendent Warren Riley will address the city's youth to help in connecting them with police officers who are positive role models.

"Summer time is here and we're excited about the programs that local organizations have partnered with NORD to host this summer," said Mayor C. Ray Nagin. "The New Orleans Police Department and Justice Foundation recognize that our young people are the future of this recovering city, and this camp is just one of the ways that we're challenging our young people to stretch themselves mentally and physically."

The City of New Orleans has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. The award will be presented to Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Brenda G. Hatfield during a press conference scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Mayor's Press Office on the second floor of City Hall.

The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is of the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. A panel of independent reviewers examined the City's budget document that Mayor Nagin presented to the New Orleans City Council in November 2007 for the current fiscal year, which began on January 1. The award represents significant achievement and reflects the commitment of the governing body. In order to receive the award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.

The City of New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS) department proudly announces that two of its personnel received the state's top honors at the annual Louisiana National Registered Emergency Medical Technicians (LANREMT) Conference this past weekend.

Dr. Jullette Saussy, Director and Medical Director of the NOEMS received the state's top honor as EMS Administrator of the Year. Sandra Dixon, a 23-year veteran of New Orleans EMS was also named the state EMT-Intermediate of the year. Members of LANREMT, emergency medical technicians and paramedics from across Louisiana and Mississippi attended the event that took place in Lafayette, Louisiana.

"We are extremely proud of our EMS department that continues to show its commitment to providing the fastest and most recognized response services to those in need," said Mayor C. Ray Nagin. "This administration has always prioritized safety and we are honored that two of our own have been recognized as the best of the best in emergency medical services."

"New Orleans, the State of Louisiana, and the United States lost a true warrior in the struggle for civil rights and equal justice today.

Justice Revius O. Ortique, who was my neighbor prior to Hurricane Katrina, overcame bitter segregation and rose to serve on our state's highest court. He gave of himself generously, whether locally, statewide or nationally. Despite his tremendous personal success, he remained dedicated to the poorest of our citizens, setting a positive example for us all.

Justice Ortique was an icon and an inspiration. I pray for his sweet rest and for the comfort of his family and friends."

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works today announced that the second phase of the Comprehensive Photo Traffic Safety Program will begin on Monday, June 23. Speed cameras will begin issuing citations to motorists driving ten or more miles per hour over the posted speed limit through the monitored intersection. The intersection cameras currently utilized for red-light enforcement will be used for these speed enforcements

"The goal of the photo enforcement program is to make our streets and intersections safer for all citizens," said Robert Mendoza, Director of the Department of Public Works. "We are focused on the prevention of traffic violations while promoting safety on our city streets. Our objective is to reduce accidents and serious injuries."

The Department of Public Works conducted a 96-hour analysis, logging the number of speed violations at each site. The cameras on Southbound Carrollton Avenue at Palmetto Street showed the most significant speeding problem, identifying 782 violations over the four lanes during the 96-hour analysis. No citations were issued during this period.

"We in New Orleans and the entire Gulf Coast community have great sympathy for the people of the Midwest in dealing with the floods that are sweeping their region and changing their lives forever. We hope that the President and the Congress will provide sufficient resources swiftly to alleviate their plight and begin their rebuilding process.

Following through on a commitment that he announced during his budget address to the City Council last fall, Mayor C. Ray Nagin has proposed pay raises for City employees in nearly every position classification to increase their compensation rate to the Southern regional average. The raises for many employees will take effect as early as July.

The increases follow a comprehensive review of every job's qualifications, responsibilities and pay. This is the first time the City of New Orleans has undertaken this type of comprehensive review, which is a part of Mayor Nagin's performance budgeting criteria implemented last fall. The review resulted in a new compensation structure designed to ensure competitive, equitable pay throughout City government. Employees who currently earn less than the Southern regional average will see their salaries increased to that level. Employees who are currently paid above the regional average will not receive increases.

"Implementing a performance-based budget was a key priority to continue transparency and accountability," said Mayor Nagin. "It is also critical because we have an opportunity to review and improve practices in city government, such as this review of classified and unclassified positions, to ensure equity and fairness."

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host the annual splashdown celebration commemorating the start of summer at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, June 17 at the Taylor Playground swimming pool, 2600 S. Roman St. During the event, organizations that have joined with NORD to provide summer programming will join NORD Director Larry Barabino, Jr. and Kenya Smith, Director of Intergovernmental Relations, as they officially open the pools for the summer. They also will welcome the Oakland, California Swim Team to New Orleans and introduce NORD’s 2008 Swim Team to the community.

"NORD has been working daily to bring more pools back on line, and later this summer, we will celebrate the opening of the Stallings Gentilly Pool that will give our kids another opportunity to enjoy NORD activities,” Larry Barabino, Jr, director of NORD. “In addition to swim camps, NORD provides fun, challenging and educational programs that will keep our youth engaged through the summer and will also help them become productive leaders.”

On Sunday, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell and other members of the New Orleans delegation concluded a weeklong trade mission trip to three cities in South Africa—Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

"I am always overwhelmed by the international community’s continuing goodwill toward the recovery of our city. My focus has long been on ensuring that this city is ready to receive the opportunities that are bound to come when the Panama Canal expands in 2014,” said Mayor Nagin. “As I have reinforced in China and South Africa, New Orleans is a gateway to the world. It is important that we continue to tell the story of our recovery around the world as we work to increase visitors and businesses and develop international partnerships.”

The trade mission began in Durban with a ceremonial re-signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two sister-cities in parliamentary offices with Mayor Obed Mlaba, Mayor Nagin and Durban’s Executive Committee. Following the MOU signing, Mayor Nagin delivered a public address about the city's recovery and emergency preparedness before Durban’s government officials, public safety staff and local residents. A question and answer session followed.

The American Red Cross is urging any New Orleans residents whose homes were flooded during this morning's severe rainfall to contact the organization immediately at (504) 620-3105 to receive necessary assistance. This assistance is available only for residents who have received flooding damage and are therefore unable to remain in their homes. Red Cross assistance is not available to respond to the flooding of vehicles.

In addition, citizens who encounter manholes where the covers were dislodged during the rainfall event should contact the City's Information Hotline at 311 or 658-2299. Any messages will be retrieved and addressed today.

Residents whose homes were flooded during this morning's severe rainfall should contact the City's Information Hotline for screening for assistance from the American Red Cross. The Information Hotline may be reached at 311 or 658-2299.

This assistance is available only for residents who have received flooding damage that prevents them from remaining in their homes. Red Cross assistance is not available to respond to the flooding of vehicles. Thus far, the City of New Orleans has received no reports of flooded homes.

In addition, citizens who encounter manholes where the covers were dislodged during the rainfall event should contact the Information Hotline. Any messages will be retrieved and addressed today.

Some areas of New Orleans experienced significant street flooding today when the City received 4.92 inches of rainfall in some areas between 7:30 a.m. and noon, said Colonel Jerry Sneed, Director of Emergency Preparedness for the City of New Orleans. The most severe street flooding occurred in the Uptown area, three blocks off Saint Charles Avenue in both directions, from Constantinople Street to Washington Avenue.

The Vieux Carré Commission has made important changes in the timeline on which it reviews and processes applications.

Beginning immediately, all applications for action by either the Architecture Committee or the Commission must be received two weeks before the meeting at which action will be considered. Previously, applications could be presented one week before they were to be acted on.

"This earlier deadline will allow staff necessary time to more thoroughly review applications and provide Commission members an opportunity to review submissions in advance," said Lary Hesdorffer, Executive Director of the Vieux Carré Commission. "With the short exam period, it sometimes is too late when we discover that critical information is missing from an application packet. When that occurs, the Commission may have to delay any action until the missing information is provided. This change will allow us to better serve residents and greatly enhance customer service."

New Orleans, LA— Today, an Orleans Parish Grand Jury charged Kendell Stewart, 16, and Gerald Coleman, 17, with second degree-murder in the February 3, 2008 shooting death of Javonte Morgan announces Orleans Parish District Attorney Keva Landrum-Johnson. The incident occurred outside of a hamburger restaurant in the 1700 block of North Galvez at approximately 9:45 p.m. Bond was set at $500,000 for each defendant.

This weekend, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will welcome volunteers from across the nation and local organizations to clean and rehabilitate nine parks and playgrounds city wide in time for summer camp season.

During the next two weeks, approximately 332 volunteers from the HRI Properties, Billing’s Middle School in Seattle, Washington, the Sea Board Crest Jewish Community, Antioch Baptist Missionary and the New Orleans Baptist Seminary/Mission Lab will work with NORD staff as they clean and rehabilitate the parks. They will focus on the following parks: Hunter’s Field, Kenilworth Park, Eastshore Park, Digby Park, Village De Lest Park, Norwood Thompson Park, Bodenger Park, Behrman Stadium and Cut-Off Park.

Summertime in New Orleans brings warm, tropical weather, afternoon showers and humid nights. This type of weather increases grass growth to more than an inch a day, keeping the Department of Parks and Parkways strategically planning acreage cutting during the most significant grass-growing season of the year.

As the City of New Orleans continues in its recovery, Parks and Parkways staff and contractors remain dedicated in keeping the City’s green space manicured. This grass growing season, the department cuts more than 350 acres of public green space weekly, strategically assigning staff and contactors to major corridors and parks city-wide.

“Attractive, well maintained public green space is important to the recovery of our neighborhoods,” said Ann Macdonald, Director of Parks and Parkways. “This very hard working and determined staff of 103 employees, which is down by more than half since Hurricane Katrina, is doing a great job with the resources available. At less demanding times of the year, the department normally manicures about 100 acres of our neutral grounds, parks and playgrounds, but now in response to the rampart growth we average more than 350 acres a week.”

Colonel Terry J. Ebbert has announced that he will retire from his position as Director of Homeland Security for the City of New Orleans on June 30.

Ebbert was named to his position in February 2003. He has been responsible for overseeing the New Orleans Police Department, the New Orleans Fire Department and the New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness. He also orchestrated much of the local disaster response following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Since the storms, he has coordinated planning for future disasters, working closely with agencies throughout City government, as well as with state and federal partners.

Director of Emergency Preparedness Lt. Col. Jerry Sneed, who led the City's hurricane preparation efforts in 2007, will continue in that role. Sneed developed the City Assisted Evacuation Plan, which plans for the evacuation of citizens who cannot leave the city without assistance in the event of an emergency.

Kenya J.H. Smith, who served as the bridge between local, state and federal government, announced his resignation today as Director of Intergovernmental Relations to Mayor C. Ray Nagin. Smith’s last day on June 20 will mark the end of a nearly six-year-long stint that extended through Hurricane Katrina, beginning only six months into the Mayor’s first term.

Smith joined the administration after working for local law firm Adams & Reese. He first served as executive counsel to the Mayor, a job that allowed him to combine his legal acumen with his deep ties into local faith-based and grassroots community.

Smith became Director of Intergovernmental Relations just two weeks before Hurricane Katrina made landfall, which created a new recovery-focused framework for the work that was to come. Responsible for carrying out the Mayor’s legislative priorities, Smith has led the team that lobbied for funding to keep the city running in those early days and improve critical infrastructure, and rebuild improved levee systems.

Next week, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the Emergency Supplemental bill to continue funding for the war effort and fund some important domestic programs. Senator Mary Landrieu was successful in obtaining the support of her Senate colleagues to include $6 billion in critical funding for levee protection projects and for other domestic funding to keep the City's recovery moving forward.

I strongly urge the House Leadership and the Members of the Louisiana Delegation to keep the levee funding in the bill when it is considered next week. Although the House Leadership is concerned about the President's veto threat regarding any domestic funding, the President supports the levee funding and has requested it in his FY09 appropriations request. Any delay will have a major impact on the Corps of Engineers' funding cycle and will delay these critical levee protection projects and ultimately add to their cost. We cannot jeopardize the safety of our citizens by allowing any delay in the construction of this critically needed protection.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works reported today that 370 vehicles have been immobilized since the SmartBoot program was implemented one month ago. This program also includes the Mobile License Plate Recognition (MPLR) system that allows for immediate identification of vehicles qualifying for boots.

Implemented to improve customer service, the SmartBoot allows motorists to easily remove the boot by calling a 24-hour toll free number to pay the balance of their unpaid parking tickets as well as an additional boot fee. In the past month, 76 percent of the 370 motorists who received boots released the boot by calling the toll free number, while all others made payments in person at the city’s tow lot or hearing center. Of the people using the toll free number, 92 percent immediately released the boot themselves.

Motorists who call the toll free number reclaimed possession of their vehicle in an average of five minutes and 25 seconds. In the past, the time to have a boot removed ranged between several hours to several days. During the last 30 days of the new program, the shortest boot cycle (the time between the car being booted and the motorist removing and returning the boot), was approximately 15 minutes.

“Over the past month, the implementation of the PayLock SmartBoot system has been very successful. It has improved our ability to provide greater customer service by minimizing frustration and anxiety associated with vehicle immobilization,” said Robert Mendoza, Director of the Department of Public Works. “This system benefits both the citizens and the City by ensuring fines are paid with minimal disruption to the motorist’s day-to-day activities.”

The City of New Orleans Office of Technology is testing the ability of local telephone and cellular providers to connect to the City's Information Hotline -- the 311 Call Center. The City has identified that some providers are having difficulty connecting to the 311 system. These issues are not related to the 311 system and can be resolved only by the telephone providers. For example, the Office of Technology identified an issue with the Sprint/Nextel cellular towers that span the area of the 17th Street Canal in the West End neighborhood near the Orleans-Jefferson Parish Line. Sprint/Nextel confirmed that the issue was resolved today.

The Mayor will be joined by a delegation of 23 locals drawn from the City Council, private and health sectors, clergy, and culture and tourism industries. Some of the participants will include Dr. Ronald Wilcox, project director of LSU’s Delta AIDS Education and Training Center, Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, Joe Butler, a community organizer and planner, and Reverends Charles Duplessis and Dwight Webster.

“We are continuing these very important international missions so that we keep telling the story of our city’s awesome recovery and reinvention,” says Mayor C. Ray Nagin. “We are also actively seeking business opportunities that will capitalize on our city’s resources, especially our port systems here in New Orleans and throughout the state.”

During his trip, the Mayor will join with local Durban officials to re-sign a 10-year old Memorandum of Understanding that has facilitated much in the way of cultural and business exchange between the two sister countries over the past years. And it has also paved the way for such local events as South Africa’s celebration of 10 years of democracy, and several visiting delegations.

Beginning July 1, the City of New Orleans will resume enforcement of the portions of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance that make it illegal to use trailers, travel trailers and recreational vehicles as temporary housing in Orleans Parish.

FEMA has begun posting notices of this deadline on trailers in New Orleans. Residents who live in FEMA issued trailers should contact the agency at www.FEMA.gov or 1-888-294-2822 to have the trailer removed.

The City of New Orleans has launched a new program designed to increase the access that residents have to fresh foods in their own neighborhoods. The City has launched a new Mobile Markets program, part of the Office of Recovery and Development Administration's (ORDA) overall Healthy Communities initiative.

The markets sell fresh produce, dairy, meat and seafood directly from producers. The Mobile Markets are typically open-air and have varied but limited hours of operation. The French Market Corporation will operate the markets.

"The Mobile Markets are a part of our effort to ensure that our citizens have access to healthy foods," said Dr. Edward Blakely, Executive Director of ORDA. "This is especially important in areas where full-sized supermarkets and grocery stores have not yet been rebuilt."

The City of New Orleans has kicked off a major street rehabilitation project in the Irish Channel, and are set to begin two others in the West Riverside and St. Mary neighborhoods within the next few weeks.

“Street and roadway projects are underway all around town, and I am certain that residents of these neighborhoods are thrilled to see these improvements happening,” said Mayor C. Ray Nagin. “Improved streets and other infrastructure are key to our recovery and are an area where we are focusing a great deal of time, money and attention. We are scheduled for $363 million in street repairs during the next few years.”

As part of the new rehabilitation projects, the top surface of pavement will be removed. The Department of Public Works will patch roadways where necessary, and resurface them with new hot mix asphalt pavement. The department also will install handicap accessible ramps at intersections being paved, and small utility repairs and adjustments will also take place. The three rehabilitation projects are the first funded by the general obligation bonds sold in December 2007.

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) and The New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) Center For Dance along with The Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra (GNOYO) will host performances of youth dancers and musicians on Friday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 31 at 2 p.m. The performances will take place at Tulane University’s Dixon Hall located on McAlister Drive.

“As NORD continues to rebuild its facilities, it is our priority to provide first class recreational, educational and cultural programs to our residents. Partners such as NOBA help our youth as they continue to grow in fine arts and dance,” said Larry Barabino Jr., Director of NORD.

“These two nationally recognized youth arts education organizations will collaborate on an exciting presentation that will delight all ages,” said Suzanne Hirsch, Education Director for NOBA. “We invite the entire New Orleans community to come out and share in this cultural event.”

This weekend, the City of New Orleans will begin installing “Our Recovery In Progress” signs at more than 100 project sites throughout the city. The signs identify facilities and other sites that have already been funded and are passing through the city’s Project Delivery Unit.

“Thee signs give citizens another way to identify Recovery projects in their communities,” said Ceeon Quiett, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Communication. “We will not wait for construction to begin before we start communicating about these projects. We are committed to sharing in the process with our citizens.”

Tomorrow, City officials will meet with the president of the Youth Soccer Federation to discuss the New Orleans Youth Soccer team’s participation in the One Nation Cup tournament slated for this July in Durban, South Africa. The One Nation Cup is an international youth soccer tournament featuring teams of participants 15 years of age and younger from more than a dozen countries worldwide. The New Orleans team will be the sole representatives of the United States.

Four local soccer associations held a series of trials to pick players, and now the city is in the process of raising money to fund the team's travel fees and uniforms. Nearly 80% of the money has been raised thanks to contributions from the City of New Orleans, AT&T, Entergy, and several other sponsors.

Tomorrow's meeting will also focus on the marketing of soccer in the United States in order to promote interest in the sport as the 2010 World Cup approaches. In addition to hosting the One Nation Cup, the city of Durban will also be among the cities in South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

 

On Friday, May 16, 2008, Mayor C. Ray Nagin will announce the names of students selected to participate in the 2008 Youth Work Lottery for Summer Employment.

The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Job 1 Career Solutions Center, 3520 General DeGaulle Drive, Suite 1030.

The annual lottery will provide jobs for 1000 students between the ages of 16 to 21 who have applied for summer employment. The New Orleans Recreation Department, the Housing Authority of New Orleans, the Recovery School District, AmeriCorps, the City's Health Department, the U.S. Navy, and the Sewerage and Water Board are a few of the organizations that will provide employment in the arts and entertainment, summer camps, and clerical areas.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, the New Orleans City Council and key members of the Administration have spent today meeting with state legislators, state-wide elected officials and the top elected leader - Governor Bobby Jindal. The meetings were part of the annual New Orleans Day in Baton Rouge, and focused on thanking leaders for their support of the City's recovery and educating them about continuing needs.

"New Orleans Day in Baton Rouge is important because it gives us the opportunity to meet face-to-face with state officials to let them know that we appreciate their hard work and to reiterate our needs that remain," said Mayor Nagin. "I meet each week with the Orleans Legislative Delegation, but on New Orleans Day, we broaden our reach and are joined by the City Council and other key constituents."

The City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways, along with local attorney Frederic Theodore "Ted" Le Clercq and the St. Charles Avenue Neighborhood Association, will host a dedication and unveiling ceremony today to celebrate the completion of a planting project spearheaded by citizens of New Orleans. One hundred live Oak trees were planted on St. Charles Avenue from Lee Circle to Jackson Avenue. The project began in January.

The dedication and unveiling ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), 2020 St. Charles Ave. The CVB is one of the many organizations that participated in this project and donated funding toward its completion.

WHAT: The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host a dedication ceremony to celebrate renovations to NORD’s Sampson Park in the Lower Ninth Ward. More than 100 volunteers gathered this week to remove debris and to refurbish Sampson Park address.

Volunteers were from the Make a Smile Foundation, as well as wardens and correctional peace officers from Texas and New York, the Louisiana National Guard, Carver Senior High School students, the Desire Street Ministry, residents from the community and City of New Orleans Job1. Each working three to four days, volunteers erected the park’s shelter house, graded and cut the baseball diamond, replaced the infield of the diamond with Bermuda sod, planted new trees, replaced playground equipment, and prepped and repainted the existing fence that surrounds the park. Make a Smile Foundation spearheaded the entire project.

The City of New Orleans Health Department, in conjunction with the American Lung Association of Louisiana and other local and state institutions will host World Asthma Day on Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m in the New Orleans City Hall Council Chambers, 1300 Pedido Street. World Asthma Day is organized by Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and creates awareness while providing educational material for the parents of children with asthma. This year’s theme is “You Can Control Your Asthma.”

In preparation for this year’s hurricane season, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will begin a major subsurface drainage system cleaning project this week.

The project calls for the cleaning of all catch basins and storm drainage lines identified as greater than 25 percent full of recovery-related debris. Inspections have identified slightly over 1.1 million linear feet of drain lines to be cleaned out of a total 5.85 million linear feet inspected. The estimated cost for all Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) eligible cleaning is approximately $1.9 million.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality has announced an Ozone Action Day for today for the New Orleans area.

An Ozone Action Day means that the Air Quality Index will be higher than 100 and unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Yesterday's news report on the 311 program misrepresented how much the city is actually spending for these services. It is apparent from the report that the contract was misinterpreted and misread, which is negligent and unfair to our citizens, especially during this time of recovery. This is why we need to set the record straight:

National Experts in Community Development and Planning to Meet with Recovery Staff
Technical Advisory Committee Visits for Second Time

Several nationally recognized experts in community development and planning will meet Friday with staff from the Office of Recovery Development and Administration (ORDA) to offer their thoughts about the direction of the City's recovery.

Members of the Technical Advisory Committee will meet with ORDA staff from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. to discuss topics that include housing, community development, hazard mitigation and other issues. This marks the second time the committee and staff have met together.

New Committee to Monitor Progress and Offer Input on Redevelopment of Public Housing
Committee One of Mayor Nagin's Conditions in Releasing Demolition Permits

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) have signed a cooperative endeavor agreement that will create an advisory committee to monitor progress and provide local input on the redevelopment of public housing facilities in New Orleans and to develop a plan to transition control of HANO back to local authorities.

The committee is one of the conditions Mayor Nagin and the City Council required of HUD and HANO in order to ensure that new housing will be constructed in an expedited manner. HUD and HANO plan a major redevelopment of four public housing developments that will replace blocks of dilapidated rental apartments with new, mixed-income neighborhoods of rental and owner-occupied properties.

Beginning Friday, April 25, motorists will be able to pay immediately and remove boots that have been placed on their cars because they have accrued an excessive amount of parking tickets or other violations.

The City’s Department of Public Works will begin using the high tech SmartBoot, one of two state-of-the-art parking enforcement and collection initiatives being implemented this week. The City will host a briefing session and demonstration today at 11 a.m. at the City tow lot at 400 N. Claiborne Avenue.

The system is being implemented to improve customer service for motorists whose vehicles have been booted. Instead of having to locate a payment location and wait for a City release crew – a process that can take hours (or days if the booting occurs just before a weekend or holiday) -- the new SmartBoot can be easily removed by the motorist immediately after making a payment. Notices will be placed on the driver side window and windshield of immobilized vehicles listing a toll free number linked to a Help Center that can be reached 24 hours a day to make the payment.

The City of New Orleans has partnered with local chemistry and horticulture students and the People's Environmental Center to create a sunflower garden to demonstrate how homeowners can remove lead from their yards.

The Sunflower Team will pilot a series of remediation gardens around the City during the next year. The team will plant the first garden today in honor of Earth Day at 1237-1241 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in Central City. Volunteers began working at 8:30 a.m. and will be at the site until 4 p.m.

"This is an important project that has the potential to have a major impact on our communities," said Dr. Earthea Nance, director of infrastructure and planning in the Office of Recovery and Development Administration. "The City and its partners will focus on a small area, but if we have the level of success we anticipate, this will serve as a model for residents who want to remediate their yards in an effective and cost-conscious manner."

Earlier this month, the city’s Department of Parks and Parkways kicked off an initiative to replant more than 100 trees on two major thoroughfares throughout the city.

Last week the department completed the first phase --15 Bald Cypress and nine Nuttal Oak trees were planted along Paris Avenue in Gentilly.

This week, Parks and Parkways will also finish planting 100 Live Oak trees, a project in partnership with the St. Charles Neighborhood Association. The completion of the planting of these trees throughout the City’s Garden District will be celebrated in a dedication ceremony early next month. The neighborhood association raised money for the tree planting through Save the Oaks, a non-profit organization.

Who: Executive Director of Recovery and Development Administration Dr. Edward Blakely; Dr. Earthea Nance, Director of Infrastructure and Planning; Alice Strong of Gardenbasket.com: partners from Dillard University, Delgado Community College and the People's Environmental Center; and volunteers from City Year Louisiana.

What: In honor of Earth Day, the City of New Orleans and its partners will plant a sunflower garden at 1237-1241 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard as a means of remediating the soil of lead contamination. Students from Dillard University will measure the lead content before planting and after harvesting the sunflowers. Horticulture students from Delgado Community College will supervise the planting and harvesting.

As the City Council's Housing and Human Needs Committee meets today to discuss the proposed Public Habitation ordinance, I encourage the committee members to give favorable consideration to the proposal and forward it to the full City Council for quick action. Without this ordinance, our ability to effectively address this homelessness challenge is severely limited.

Local boys aged 14 and 15 are invited to try out for a soccer team that will represent the City of New Orleans in South Africa in July.

In preparation for the World Cup in 2010, Durban, South Africa will host the One Nation Cup, July 7 through July 11. New Orleans has been invited to form a team of 16 male soccer players aged 14 and 15 to participate in the tournament against 15 other teams from cities around the world. Durban and New Orleans are sister cities.

CITY SOLICITS CERTIFIED LIFEGUARDS FOR SUMMER AQUATICS PROGRAM

Next month, The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will begin offering lifeguard certification courses to those interested in working in the upcoming Summer Aquatics Program. The department is now also accepting applications for certified lifeguards to participate in the program. Those interested can apply at NORD’s main office located at 800 Race Street.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin returned Sunday from a weeklong trip to China, where he visited three cities: Beijing, Zhengzhou and Shanghai. Mayor Nagin was one of 222 Mayors who participated in the International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism.

“This visit was a major step toward strengthening ties between Chinese businesses, tourists and our city,” Mayor Nagin said. “China is a massive market and attracting more visitors and business to our city is important to our future and recovery. Most of the people we met seemed very receptive to all this great city has to offer.”

The City of New Orleans today announced a workshop to introduce Disadvantaged Businesses to the business opportunities created by current recovery projects. The workshop will be held on April 17th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive.

Citizens and tourists should not be alarmed by the sight of smoke at the corner of Common Street and Carondelet Street on Saturday and Sunday (April 13 and 14).

As a part of ongoing film activity in the Central Business District, simulated smoke will be used and may be seen rising from a building at the corner of Common Street and Carondelet Street. This smoke will be seen from a distance, but no fire will be present. Officials from the New Orleans Fire Department and the New Orleans Police Department will be present to monitor and assist with the scenes

There will be no major traffic disruptions as a result of the filming.

For more information, citizens may contact the Office of Film and Video at (504) 658-0923 or the City’s information line at 311.

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) and the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will team up to restore NORD’s Kenilworth Park. Today’s event is another example of the fraternity’s commitment to the recovery and rebuilding of the City of New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast Region.

The City of New Orleans has been awarded two grants totaling $400,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration for use in brownfields assessment.

Brownfields are sites that potentially contain a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. The expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of these sites is severely limited unless they are remediated.

The grants will be used to conduct environmental site assessments and support community involvement activities at potential brownfield sites. Through strategically integrating the brownfields assessment grant into the implementation of the recovery plan, the grant will benefit targeted neighborhoods where redevelopment has been identified as critical to enhancing the City's viability as a place to live, work and play.

Since the start of the red-light camera enforcement program seven days ago, 1,150 red-light violators have been cited. The City began issuing citations after a 30-day warning period and public education campaign designed to educate drivers on their safety concerns, and the importance of stopping at red lights.

The New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness, along with key local, regional, state and federal agencies, is diligently monitoring the flood stages of the Mississippi River as well as the New Orleans levee system.

HUD Secretary, Alphonso Jackson, was central to an effort that will lead to the complete transformation of public housing in New Orleans. I have worked diligently along with members of the City Council to ensure units that are torn down will be quickly replaced and that residents are active participants in this redevelopment process. At this time, I believe that this important step in our recovery will continue as planned and I look forward to working alongside Mr. Jackson's successor. I wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Starting April 1, the City of New Orleans will begin issuing citations to red-light traffic camera violators at select intersections throughout the City. The citations follow a month long warning period that also included the testing of the cameras for efficiency, and a training session with Public Works Hearing Administration staff and commissioned law enforcement officers. The training and the program was administered by American Traffic Solutions Inc. (ATS).

During today’s City Council Budget Committee meeting, the New Orleans Department of Finance will present its action plan to resolve issues identified in the 2006 audit report.

The department asked finance consulting company PFM, who worked with the City to develop the 2008 budget, to develop the plan after the release of the audit’s management letter. Many of the changes are already underway, and PFM will meet monthly with key staff to ensure that the plan’s goals are met.

What: Mayor C. Ray Nagin will host a press conference to highlight the city’s top priorities for the upcoming State Legislative Session.

Dr. Edward Blakely, Executive Director of the Office of Recovery Management and Development Administration, and District C Councilmember James Carter will co-host a community bike ride through the city’s Bunnyfriend neighborhood at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 29.

Saturday’s bike ride will be the continuation of a citywide community effort to garner continued civic participation in the rebuilding and recovery process. The tour of the Bunnyfriend neighborhood will take citizens through a range of residential and burgeoning commercial properties in the St. Claude area.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin approved the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) demolition permits for the Lafitte Housing Development with plans established to rebuild affordable housing units in the City of New Orleans. City Code 26-11 mandates Mayor Nagin’s approval for the release of demolition permits for four housing developments that include B.W. Cooper, C.J. Peete, St Bernard and Lafitte Housing Developments in anticipation of their redevelopment by the year 2010 on a mixed income model. Today, the Mayor and Council agree that the conditions set by the Council’s Motion have been met and therefore, the Mayor has agreed to release the final permit for the Lafitte housing redevelopment.

Beginning March 31, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD), in partnership with the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) and New Orleans Council on Aging, will expand its adult and senior citizen fitness classes to the NORD Behrman Center, 2529 General Meyer Avenue in Algiers.

The City of New Orleans announces that City Hall will be closed on Friday, March 21 in observance of the Easter holiday. Emergency and essential services will continue to be provided throughout this time.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will host a press conference to address the U.S. Census Bureau's estimate of the population of New Orleans. Mayor Nagin will be joined by Councilmember-At-Large Jackie Clarkson, Council Budget Chair Cynthia Hedge-Morrell and demographers Greg Rigamer of GCR and Associates and Allison Plyer of the Greater New Orleans Community Data Center. Leaders in the nonprofit, business and tourism sectors also will participate.

The City of New Orleans Office of Film and Video announced today that there will be no public parking under the I-10 Overpass between St. Louis Street and St. Bernard Avenue on Thursday March 20th from 3 a.m. until 8 p.m. The parking area will be closed due to the filming of the World Wrestling Entertainment feature film 12 Rounds.

The City of New Orleans Office of Film and Video today announced that the Crescent City Connection Police Department will intermittently hold traffic passing on the Crescent City Connection Bridge on Tuesday, March 18 from 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. due to film activity. Citizens traveling from the Westbank to the City should expect minor delays to allow the production company to film very simple driving shots. Crashes or special effects are not a part of the filming. The Crescent City Connection will not be closed during this time.

For more information citizens can contact the City Information Hotline by dialing 311 or call (504) 658-2299.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and a delegation of New Orleans officials will meet with federal lawmakers and top administrators on Wednesday and Thursday as they highlight the City’s recovery needs for the upcoming budget session.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, the City of New Orleans’ Department of Public Works, along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of FEMA eligible street repairs. The department also announced the start of a major citywide street repair project also approved by FEMA. The event took place on Wildair Drive between Warrington Drive and Filmore Street at 2:30 p.m.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and other City and State officials hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony commemorating the completion of the rehabilitation of Robert E. Lee Boulevard in Lakeview - the second roadway construction project that began following Hurricane Katrina.

The City of New Orleans’ Department of Parks and Parkways along with Parkway Partners, a non-profit organization that supports the city with the beautification of its public green spaces, will co-host the City’s annual tree planting sale on Saturday, March 8 from 8 a.m. to noon at 2829 Gentilly Blvd.

Dr. Edward Blakely, Executive Director of the Office of Recovery and Development Administration for the City of New Orleans, will deliver the prestigious Elliot Richardson Lecture at the Annual Conference of the American Society for Public Administration, on the afternoon of March 9, 2008 at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

The City's Freeze Plan will be in effect tonight and Saturday night to provide temporary shelter for homeless citizens.

Weather forecasts indicate the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans will reach 38 degrees or below during the next 48 hours. All citizens should prepare to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the potentially dangerous effects of this weather. Exposure to temperatures near freezing, combined with strong winds, for an extended period of time can cause serious medical problems.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be joined by City and State officials as he hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, March 7 to commemorate the completion of street repairs to Robert E. Lee Boulevard in Lakeview. This ceremony marks the completion of the second major roadway construction project undertaken in the City since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Last week, Dr. Jullette Saussy, Medical Director and Director of New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (EMS) received top honors at the EMS State of the Sciences Conference- otherwise known as “A Gathering of Eagles.” Members of the U.S. Metropolitan Municipalities EMS Medical Directors Consortium along with other emergency medical technicians from across the nation attended the event that took place in Dallas, Texas.

A recent news report that promised to “shed light” on what the Mayor of the City of New Orleans “actually does,” instead offered but a mere bird’s-eye view of Mayor Nagin's dedicated, consistent efforts on behalf of this recovering city. Thus, we find it necessary to set straight what we found to be a misleading and inaccurate example of community journalism. Mayor Nagin’s 2007 calendar shows him to be anything but “disengaged,” as the news report purports.
Last year, during the time period that WWL requested to review, and that other media organizations now seek to review, Mayor Nagin held more than:

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin met with Governor Bobby Jindal to discuss the City's recovery priorities for the upcoming Special Session and regular State Legislative Session.

The City of New Orleans today announced the launch of the new Recovery Projects Information Website developed to help current and displaced residents track the progress of the City’s recovery projects. Citizens can access the link on the City’s website at www.cityofno.com.

FEDERAL COORDINATOR OF GULF COAST REBUILDING CHAIRMAN DONALD E. POWELL’S RESIGNATION

The City’s Freeze Plan will be in effect tonight to provide temporary shelter for homeless citizens.

The weather forecast indicates the temperature or wind chill factor in the City of New Orleans is expected to reach 38 degrees or below tonight. All citizens should take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the potentially dangerous effects of this weather. Exposure to temperatures near freezing, combined with strong winds, for an extended period of time can cause serious medical problems. Tonight's weather conditions require all individuals to seek shelter.

Mayor Nagin has released the following statement regarding the death of former New Orleans Fire Chief Warren McDaniels:

On Saturday, February 23, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will participate in Sign-Up Saturday, an event designed to educate and activate the community on a health and social level.

Sign-Up Saturday is sponsored by Sports Care USA Inc. and will give the city’s youth the opportunity to meet with different health professionals, private organizations, clubs, camps and local event organizers to sign up for a healthier lifestyle. NORD will participate in this event by signing up youth participating in the department’s athletic and academic activities.

The City of New Orleans today announced 35 projects that will be undertaken by the City's new Project Development Unit (PDU). Assignment of the projects to the PDU is a result of the successful response to the second RFP for architects for design work which will move more projects forward for construction.

During the next two weeks, the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways will plant 30 Green Ash, a fast growing native shade tree, and six (6) East Palatka Holly, a small evergreen tree with attractive foliage which produces a heavy crop of berries in the fall and winter months, on the Leon C. Simon Drive neutral ground between Elysian Fields Avenue and The London Avenue Canal.

The City of New Orleans will host a media briefing to discuss the City's Project Delivery Unit, recovery projects ready to move forward and other recovery topics. During the briefing, an update will be provided regarding the website that will provide recovery project information.

New Orleans – Fifty (50) professional architectural/design firms have been selected to serve in a professional “pool” to provide services as the city prepares to launch multiple recovery/restoration projects through its Project Delivery Unit (PDU). The rationale for the pool is to expedite the A/E process by having evaluated and approved firms on hand to assign to projects without delaying the rebuilding process by issuing out individual Request for Proposals (RFP)s.

On Wednesday, February 20, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Office of Recovery and Development Administration will host the third Networking and Business Appreciation Event to honor business owners for their resilience and commitment to rebuilding New Orleans. The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave.

A photograph in the Wednesday, February 13 edition of the Times-Picayune misrepresented Mayor C. Ray Nagin's handling of a new M-4 gun that was recently acquired by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).

This statement is in response to the recent Jackson Square vendors' concerns regarding the special event that is scheduled for Friday evening, February 15, from 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight in Jackson Square and its immediate perimeter. The NBA followed the City of New Orleans protocol of all events that have taken place in Jackson Square for such use.

The photo selected to depict the public safety press conference on yesterday by the Times Picayune grossly misrepresented the Mayor of the City of New Orleans, the Superintendent of Police and the men and women of the police department. The press conference held by the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) was designed to display to the public the department's new crime fighting and life saving equipment. Further, the announcement acknowledged the entities that have worked in cooperation with the city to make this new equipment a reality-the State of La Delegation authorized over $6million in the last legislative session for the purchase of new equipment as well as to acknowledge other organizations that donated equipment to this recovering police force.

Effective immediately, the City of New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness has opened the New Orleans Recreation Department Cut-Off Center, located at 6600 Belgrade Street, as a shelter for trailer residents in New Orleans metro area, during this period of inclement weather. Residents needing shelter are strongly encouraged to go to the NORD center.

As the City of New Orleans continues its recovery, New Orleans East residents remain hopeful that property located in the proximity of the I-10/I-510 split, Lake Forest Boulevard and Michoud Boulevard, will be redeveloped to demonstrate and heighten the area’s revitalization.

As professional athletes from throughout the country arrive in New Orleans for the NBA All-Star Game, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD), along with NIKE and other national basketball organizations, will host a series of events to celebrate the game and to announce a major basketball court rehabilitation project sponsored by NIKE.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin testified today before the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials regarding "The Role of Intercity Passenger Rail During National Emergencies." The hearing was held at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, 1001 Loyola Ave. The text of the testimony follows:

The City of New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) has partnered with the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) and the New Orleans Council on Aging to develop a vital program for seniors.

Yesterday, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Councilmembers Arnie Fielkow and Cynthia Hedge-Morrell met with staff from the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to discuss the status of the rebuilding and repopulation plans for the city's public housing developments.

Due to some reports of problems accessing the City of New Orleans website, on Thursday, no late fees will be charged on property taxes paid through today, February 1, 2008.

Property owners may continue to pay their 2008 taxes through midnight today without late fees.

The City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways wants to remind all citizens and visitors that placing large objects on public green space along designated parade routes is prohibited.

The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and the Office of Emergency Preparedness, along with New Orleans Emergency Medical Services will announce the establishment of a temporary urgent care clinic on Friday, February 1, at 11 a.m.

The Mardi Gras Temporary Urgent Care Clinic, erected on Tulane Avenue, just off of S. Prieur Street, near University Hospital, will open at noon on Friday to help facilitate medical services in the City during the biggest weekend of Mardi Gras 2008.

NEW ORLEANS, (January 30, 2008) – The City of New Orleans, Chase and Enterprise Community Partners are sponsoring a real-estate design competition that will tap into the brain-power of the city’s college students.

Parishwide Recovery Advisory Committee
2:00 – 5:00 PM
New Orleans Museum of Art

As the city gets ready for the NBA All Star Game and events, NBA Cares, the league’s social responsibility initiative committed to addressing social issues across the nation, will join the New Orleans Recreation Department and KaBOOM! in rebuilding a playground in Gentilly.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and New Orleans Police Superintendent Warren Riley will host a commemorative ribbon cutting event to symbolize the re-opening of the New Orleans Police Department Headquarters today, marking a major move forward in the City’s recovery. The public is invited to attend.

On February 1, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works Parking Division will restart enforcement of City Ordinance Code 154-1200, which requires no-parking hours on designated streets in the French Quarter to facilitate street sweeping and maintenance. The ordinance has not been enforced since Hurricane Katrina.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the New Orleans Department of Public Works held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of Pirate's Alley and to launch a major initiative to rehabilitate historic sidewalks in the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD).

Today, the City of New Orleans presented New Orleans District Attorney Keva Landrum-Johnson with a check in the amount of $1 million that represents the City's portion of the Orleans DA Improvement Project. These resources are in accordance with a commitment made by the Mayor and City Councilmember's to ensure that the future operations of this public safety agency are sustainable and improved. The New Orleans Business Council also made a contribution of $50,000 to the City to assist in this effort.

The Department of Sanitation is hosting the next recycling drop-off event on tomorrow, January 12, from 9 a.m. until noon. Interested residents can bring their recyclable material to the East Bank location at the corner of N. Claiborne Avenue and St. Peter Street (near Orleans Avenue) or to the West Bank location at the New Orleans Public Library, on the corner of General DeGaulle and Holiday Drive.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin launched a new era in New Orleans culture today when he hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the renovated Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. Mayor Nagin was joined by members of the New Orleans City Council, Director of Gulf Coast Recovery Jim Stark, Louisiana Recovery Authority Director Paul Rainwater, other elected officials, and local arts organizations. The ceremony, which was followed by a tour of the refurbished facility, precedes a week of performances showcasing renowned local, national and international talent.

On New Year’s Eve, Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be joined by the Crescent City Countdown Club and the New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation to ring in 2008 with the city’s annual gumbo pot drop.

Mayor Nagin was on hand on January 12 as the Recovery School District launched demolished Lake Area Middle School as part of the district’s Quick Start Initiative which will result in the new construction or complete renovation of five new schools in New Orleans by 2009. Lake Area Middle School will be replaced by new construction.

As part of the festivities leading up to Christmas, Mayor Nagin welcomed more than 10,000 people to the 61st Annual Caroling in Jackson Square on December 16. The Square brimmed with candlelit faces and spirts were as high as the spires of the Saint Louis Cathedral. The event was led by the Patio Planters, the Social and Garden Club of the French Quarter.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin was joined by Executive Director of Recovery Development and Administration Dr. Edward Blakely, Humanitas Executive Director Bridget Vincent and local seniors as he announced the construction of Wisdom Manor, a 30-unit affordable housing complex for the elderly.

– Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin was joined by Executive Director of Recovery Development and Administration Dr. Edward Blakely, Humanitas Executive Director Bridget Vincent and local seniors as he announced the construction of Wisdom Manor, a 30-unit affordable housing complex for the elderly.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin was joined by Executive Director of Recovery Development and Administration Dr. Edward Blakely, Humanitas Executive Director Bridget Vincent and local seniors as he announced the construction of Wisdom Manor, a 30-unit affordable housing complex for the elderly.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will host a press event to discuss the construction of Wisdom Manor, a 30-unit affordable housing development for the elderly. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete by July. The $4 million facility is elevated for hazard mitigation, with the lower level being used for parking and a community room. It is being built by Humanitas Inc. with funding assistance from the City of New Orleans

This Saturday, December 15, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host the NORD All Star Bowl, one of the most significant games this year for city youth. The “Bowl” will reunite NORD participants who have been separated since Hurricane Katrina.

Three national nonprofit organizations announced grants intended to improve public education in New Orleans. Mayor C. Ray Nagin offered remarks during the December 13 event.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will host a groundbreaking event to announce the start of a reconstruction project on Papania Street between Chef Menteur Highway and Dwyer Canal. The project will include the reconstruction of the asphalt roadway, new concrete sidewalks with handicap ramps, and subsurface utilities, including sewer, water and drainage.

Weeks after holding its first internet-based tax sale, the City of New Orleans will hold a second sale from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. today.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will spread Christmas cheer to needy children from the New Orleans area at his 5th annual Toy Give-A-Way on Saturday, December 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Dryades YMCA, 2220 Oretha Castle Haley.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will spread Christmas cheer to needy children from the New Orleans area at his 5th annual Toy Give-A-Way on Saturday, December 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Dryades YMCA, 2220 Oretha Castle Haley.

This Saturday, December 8, Mayor C. Ray Nagin will hold a One New Orleans Luncheon from noon until 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Robert Fresh Market, located at 135 Robert E. Lee Drive in Lakeview. This event is the last installment of the Merci Beaucoup, or Many Thanks, campaign. During this event, Mayor Nagin will discuss recovery and general municipal information with Lakeview residents.

Officials from Mayor C. Ray Nagin’s administration met with representatives from the State Department of Facilities and Planning today to discuss final plans regarding the staging, demolition and reconstruction of two state owned buildings and the impact these activities will have on Duncan Plaza, where many homeless people now reside.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and New Orleans Recovery Authority (NORA) Executive Director Joe Williams today signed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) that will guide the working relationship between the organizations and define NORA’s role in the city’s recovery.

Today, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will launch the Remote Operation Asset Management (ROAM) solution pilot program to remotely monitor and control street and area lighting assets. The program will assist Public Works and the city’s maintenance contractor, Robinson Industries, in proactively identifying and resolving street light service needs.

The feature film “WAKING MADISON,” is set to begin filming scenes on Friday, December 7, on the westbound track of the street car line in the 3600-3900 blocks of St. Charles Avenue, from 3:30 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, December 8.

As part of the next phase of the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program, the city will hold a resident information session on Friday, December 7, 2007 from 6-8pm in the Council Chamber at New Orleans City Hall, 1300 Perdido St.

IN AUGUST WE HONORED 25 BUSINESSES IN ALL FIVE OF OUR COUNCIL DISTRICTS FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE CITY. ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2007, WE HONORED ANOTHER 25 BUSINESSES FOR THAT SAME COMMITMENT TO REBUILDING AND FOR THEIR TIME, SERVICE AND CONTINUED REBUILDING EFFORTS IN NEW ORLEANS.

On Thursday, November 1, Mayor C. Ray Nagin presented his 2008 fiscal year budget address to the New Orleans City Council focusing on four main priorities: Public Safety, Recovery and Livable Communities, Opportunities for Youth, and High Performing Government.

Today, in his 2008 fiscal year budget address to the New Orleans City Council, Mayor C. Ray Nagin proposed bold initiatives that will continue to accelerate the recovery of New Orleans. Mayor Nagin’s 2008 budget proposal focuses on four main priorities, including Public Safety, Recovery and Livable Communities, Opportunities for Youth, and High Performing Government.

The Department of Sanitation is hosting the next recycling drop-off event on tomorrow, October 27, from 9 a.m. until noon. Interested residents can bring their recyclable material to the East Bank location at the corner of N. Claiborne Avenue and St. Peter Street (near Orleans Avenue) or to the West Bank location at the New Orleans Public Library, on the corner of General DeGaulle and Holiday Drive. The department has also scheduled future recycling events for December 1 and on January 12 and March 8, 2008; times and locations are to be determined.

DUE TO FLOODING CONDITIONS CITY HALL OFFICES
CLOSING AT 3 P.M. TODAY
Mayor Approves Parking on Neutral Ground

Due to severe flooding conditions that are expected to persist throughout the remainder of the day and later in the evening, New Orleans City Hall and all city government offices will close at 3 p.m., today. Essential offices will remain open.

Replacement of street and traffic signs has been a major infrastructure repair priority for the City of New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina damaged approximately 25,000 traffic signs throughout the city. Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis (District E) will unveil the first street sign to be replaced in the 9th Ward at 11 a.m. Saturday, at the corner of Jordan Avenue and N. Galvez Street. The unveiling will mark the start of the third and final phase of street and traffic sign replacement in New Orleans.

The City of New Orleans is proud to announce that the Mayor's Office of Technology has been nominated for two awards by the Louisiana Technology Council and Greater New Orleans (GNO), Inc.

New Orleans Fire Department and McDonald’s, Celebrate Fire Prevention Week October 7 – October 13, 2007

On Wednesday, October 10, 2007, The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) will partner with McDonald’s Corporations to offer a night of fundraising, and fire education activities at McDonald’s restaurants throughout the New Orleans area.

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) invites all female youth ages 6-15 to register to participate in NORD’s Girls Volleyball Season. To register, call the NORD office at (504) 658-3000.

Parents also may register their youth at the Behrman Center, 2529 General Meyer Avenue; Cut-Off Center, 6600 Belgrade Street; St. Bernard Center, 1500 Lafreniere Street; or the Treme Center, 900 North Villere St.

The City of New Orleans continues to reach milestones during this third year of recovery. The following is an update from the operational departments on the status of core city services.

What: Dr. Edward Blakely, Executive Director of Recovery Management, and City Councilmember Stacy Head will hold the second session of the Commercial District Development Series from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. today on South Claiborne Avenue.

Ride will begin and end at St. Roch Market, which has been identified for redevelopment 

As the City's recovery moves ahead, Executive Director of Recovery Management Dr. Ed Blakely is continuing his effort to involve all citizens in the rebuilding process.

The City of New Orleans has posted on the City's website a Request for Proposals for Demolition and Debris Removal and another for Project Management Services for Demolition and Household Hazardous Waste Management Services.

The City of New Orleans has posted on the City's website a Request for Proposals for Demolition and Debris Removal and another for Project Management Services for Demolition and Household Hazardous Waste Management Services.

The City Hall sign officially returned to beacon status this past weekend, reflecting the city's third year of recovery. The sign, affixed on the front face of the 10-story building, was damaged by the storms of 2005 and was repaired through the city's public bid process.

"Our thoughts and prayers of comfort are with the family of Sheriff Harry Lee today. Sheriff Lee was an important member of the Greater New Orleans community. As Jefferson Parish Sheriff, he was committed to public safety. Even when people disagreed with his techniques, few doubted his dedication. He was an original, and he will be missed."

The Department of Sanitation continues to remind all Orleans Parish residents that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Debris Removal Mission has ended and all residents and business owners are responsible for the removal and proper disposal of all storm related, construction and demolition debris. Citizens are urged to utilize the free-of-charge drop-off site located at 2829 Elysian Fields until tomorrow, September 29.

September 24, 2007 - The City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways is asking for adult and youth volunteers to participate in Design Day with Kaboom!, a national organization tasked with creating play spots for neighborhood kids, to help create plans to rebuild a playground in Joe W. Brown Memorial Park in New Orleans East.

September 21, 2007 - The Department of Sanitation reminds all Orleans Parish residents that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Debris Removal Mission has discontinued and all residents and business owners are responsible for the removal and proper disposal of all storm related, construction and demolition debris. Citizens are urged to utilize the free-of-charge drop-off site located at 2829 Elysian Fields until September 29.

September 21, 2007 - The City of New Orleans will close three emergency shelters opened this evening at 10 p.m., now that the threat of strong winds associated with Tropical Depression #10 has passed.

September 21, 2007 -- The City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) is preparing for the effects of the tropical depression currently positioned 45 miles southeast of Pensacola, Fla.

The City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Preparedness will host a press briefing to discuss the city's preparations for Tropical Depression #10. The department will announce the shelter locations for FEMA trailer residents during the press briefing.

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS URGES TRAILER RESIDENTS TO SEEK SECURE SHELTER 

September 19, 2007 -- The City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) is urging residents housed in trailers to seek secure shelter in the event that the current area of low pressure off the southeast coast of Florida organizes into a tropical storm.

The New Orleans City Council is expected to ratify on Thursday (September 20) nine appointments that Mayor C. Ray Nagin recently made to boards and commissions.

September 14, 2007 - This week, the City of New Orleans Public Works Department announced that it reached a milestone in repairing more than 50,000 potholes this year. Two of the very popular PK2000s, better known as "Pothole Killers," have moved systematically throughout the city repairing potholes since January.

Septmber 14, 2007 – Dr. Edward Blakely, Executive Director of Recovery Management, and District C Councilmember James Carter will host a bike ride through a portion of Algiers on Saturday (September 15) morning.

(New Orleans - September 12, 2007) – The Board of Review has begun posting the schedule for appeals hearings by property owners from the recent revised property tax assessments on its website www.NewOrleanstaxappeal.com.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 6, 2007) - The city's Department of Public works has met its initial goal of repairing 50,000 potholes this year by utilizing the Pothole Killer, which has moved throughout the city since January.

September 6, 2007 – Today, the New Orleans City Council, acting in their capacity as the Board of Review, has announced that its contractor, Frilot, L.L.C., has begun the process of administering the Board of Review appeal process for property owner appeals from the recent revised property tax assessments. Frilot, L.L.C. has reviewed most of the 5000 plus individual appeals that were filed and has begun to organize those appeals for the review process.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 5, 2007) – A total of 120 property owners took advantage of a four-day drive to provide proof that their homes have been remediated and to qualify for an additional inspection to have their properties removed from the Imminent Health Threat demolition list.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 5, 2007) – Tomorrow at 10 a.m., Kenya Smith, Executive Assistant to the Mayor for Intergovernmental Relations, will appear before the New Orleans City Council to discuss the City’s federal policy agenda items for the 110th Congress.

NEW ORLEANS., LA (September 4, 2007) - Gentilly residents are accustomed to walking and running along the St. Anthony Avenue walking path. However, prior to Katrina, the walking path only extended to a portion of St. Anthony, north of Gentilly Boulevard.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 4, 2007) – Less than six months after the City of New Orleans announced a plan to focus redevelopment efforts primarily on 17 strategic areas, a second target recovery area project has been established and is set to open to the public.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 31, 2007) – The Department of Parks and Parkways continues to encourage citizens to report damaged trees on public right-away’s by contacting the city’s information hotline by dialing 311 or (504) 658-2299

NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 25, 2007) – Today, the City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation announced the curbside debris removal mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will end on Thursday. The drop-off site at 2829 Elysian Fields Ave., which is free, will remain open until September 29. The Federal Emergency Management Agency tasked USACE with the debris removal mission following Hurricane Katrina.

This year’s events commemorating Hurricane Katrina, the levee breaches, and Hurricane Rita focus on the recovery and rebuilding of Southeast and Southwest Louisiana, namely Orleans, St. Bernard, Jefferson, Plaquemines Cameron, Calcasieu, and St. Tammany parishes.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 17, 2007) – The following is an update from the operational departments on the status of core city services.

Nearly two years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, New Orleans continues to experience a strong financial recovery, according to the most current financial indicators.

Today, the City of New Orleans will launch the Imminent Health Threat Demolition Resident Assistance Program to educate property owners on the process and criteria to remove a property from the Imminent Health Threat demolition list.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 10, 2007) – The following is an update from the operational departments on the status of core city services.

The Department of Sanitation and the Jefferson Parish Environmental Agency will host the third in a series of recycling drop-off events on Saturday, September 1. Recyclable items such as plastic containers, paper, cardboard, paperboard, shredded paper and metal containers will be accepted

 

Mayor C. Ray Nagin testified today before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations as part of the hearing on “Post Katrina Health Care: Continuing and Immediate Needs in the New Orleans Region, Part II.”

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Dr. William L. Jenkins, President of the LSU System, Dr. Michael Butler, Chief Executive Officer of the LSU Health Care Service Division, Dr. Lee Hamm, Interim Dean of the Tulane University School of Medicine, and a coalition of regional partners stood in solidarity this morning to announce that LSU is moving forward with efforts to develop a facility in downtown New Orleans.

Today, one day before the deadline, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works announces that the initial roadway damage identification process is complete and will be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for funding approval. This report ensures that street infrastructure repairs caused by the storm remain eligible for reimbursement under the FEMA Public Assistance program.

New Orleans East residents are seeing another sign of recovery as a new roadway construction project gets underway.

The following is an update from the operational departments on the status of core city services.

Approximately 800 youth are expected to attend an event on Friday July 27 as the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) celebrates the return of its annual summer culminating activity. Youth from NORD’s four summer camps, as well as the Anthony Bean Theatre camp, will participate in the event at Joe W. Brown Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Despite equipment losses and a workforce reduction of 58 percent, the Department of Parkways is mowing more than twice as much grass each week than it did prior to Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will welcome Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and City Councilman Michael Johnson to New Orleans today as the two visit to explore ways they can support the city.

The operational departments for The City of New Orleans continue to update citizens on the progress of the city’s recovery. The following are updates on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans.

Dr. Edward Blakely, Executive Director of Recovery Management, and District E Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis will host a bike ride through a portion of New Orleans East on Saturday (July 21) morning.

The City of New Orleans and the region scored a major economic victory today when Governor Kathleen Blanco signed Senate Bill 218, which is better know as the Broadway South tax incentive, into law.

The effort to remediate commercial environmental contamination received a major boost today when Mayor C. Ray Nagin was presented a $1 million check from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfield Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund.

Since he was first elected, Mayor C. Ray Nagin has prioritized using modern technology to increase citizens’ access to government, and implementing processes that allow citizens to make online payment of fees and fines is a key component of accomplishing that goal.

“This administration wants to consistently provide our residents with access to city information and services anywhere, anytime,” said Mayor Nagin. “We are leveraging technology to raise the level of knowledge among residents and those non-residents interested in knowing the story of our city’s recovery.”

NEW ORLEANS, LA (July 17, 2007) – Beginning on Saturday, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD), in partnership with the NCAA football, will provide a series of coaching clinics for registered NORD youth football coaches and participants.

NCAA Football hopes to register 150 participants by Friday, July 20. To register for the coaches’ clinics, log onto www.NCAAFootball.com/kids/neworleans and print out the registration form. Once the form is completely filled out, participates are asked to return them to the NORD office, 800 Race St.

The following is an update from the operational departments of The City of New Orleans regarding the progress of the city’s recovery.

The City of New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board is using mosquito fish to prevent the mosquitoes from breeding in unattended pools throughout the city.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin testified this morning before the Senate Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery of the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs regarding “ FEMA’s Project Worksheets: Removing the Most Prominent Obstacle to the Gulf Coast Rebuilding.”

Mayor C. Ray Nagin testified this morning before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding "The Future of VA Healthcare in South Louisiana."

A City of New Orleans delegation that includes City Council Sanitation Committee Chair Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis (District E), Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Brenda Hatfield and Director of Sanitation Veronica White will depart today on a trip to Germany to tour two integrated solid waste management facilities.

The operational departments for the City of New Orleans continue to update citizens on the progress of the city’s recovery. Next week, the Mosquito and Termite Control Board will update citizens on mosquito prevention.

 

This week, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will begin major enforcement of illegal parking on medians and sidewalks and throughout the city.

 

The operational departments for The City of New Orleans continue to update citizens on the progress of the city’s recovery. The following are updates on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans.

This week, the City of New Orleans received notice that it will obtain a national award for its outstanding achievements in solid waste collection and services. Twenty-two months after the city was inundated with millions of tons of storm debris as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Department of Sanitation is being honored by the Solid Waste Association of North America with the Special Waste Excellence Award for achieving the highest level of excellence in solid waste management.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, the New Orleans City Attorney Penya Moses–Fields and Orleans Parish District Attorney Eddie J. Jordan, Jr. will host the city’s second Contractor Fraud Fair & Seminar titled “Protecting Your Investment -- Part II” in the New Orleans City Council Chambers on Saturday, June 30 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The seminar will provide residents with information on how to recognize contractor fraud and related insurance claim issues.

A portion of Magazine Street that has been closed to vehicular traffic is scheduled to re-open within 60 days after being delayed while the city awaited documentation that a property owner had performed the required work.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will host a family picnic festival with New Orleans residents and city officials to celebrate the re-opening of Joe W. Brown Memorial Park in New Orleans East. The celebration will take place on Saturday, June 30 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis, District E, will join the Mayor in celebrating the return of this family gathering site to New Orleans East.

The City of New Orleans will receive a two-year grant of $200,000 plus valuable technical assistance as the result of being named a 2007 Solar America City by the U.S. Department of Energy.

State and local resources continue to focus on fighting crime in the city, evidenced by a team of seasoned investigators being added to the District Attorney’s Office and new vehicles being donated by the city earlier today.

Earlier this afternoon, the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) approved the Citywide Strategic Recovery and Redevelopment Plan.

The operational departments for The City of New Orleans continue to update citizens on the progress of the city’s recovery. Next week the Sanitation Department will announce a recycling update and The Department of Public Works will announce an update on the City’s Parking Amnesty Program.

 

More than 800 properties have been remediated this year as a result of Mayor C. Ray Nagin’s Home Remediation Program administered through the New Orleans Affordable Housing, Inc. (NOAH).

The city’s highly popular Pothole Killer will have company on the city’s streets beginning today when a second machine goes into operation and doubles the number of potholes projected to be repaired this year.

On Friday, June 15, the City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety, Office of Emergency Preparedness will participate in the Joint Publicly Assisted Exercise and simulation with emergency departments from St. Bernard, Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes.

The following are additional updates on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans. Next week, the city will announce developments with the Department of Public Works “Pothole Killer” and provide an update on street sign replacement, day and time to be announced.

On June 15, the New Orleans Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety, Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) in conjunction with the Jefferson Parish Office of Homeland Security will conduct a simulation to evaluate the City Assisted Evacuation Plan, which will be enacted to safely evacuate special needs residents from the city if Mayor C. Ray Nagin calls for a mandatory evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness urges all residents and visitors to register for the city’s new, high-tech emergency notification system that will deliver real-time messages via cell phone, email and pagers in the event of an emergency.

More than a year and a half after Hurricane Katrina hit Gulf Coast communities, emergency officials in New Orleans took the lessons they learned from Katrina and Rita and launched a city-wide interoperable emergency text communication system called NOLA Ready.

On Thursday, May 31, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security, Office of Emergency Preparedness will host a press briefing focused on the 2007 evacuation plan, the city assisted evacuation plan and hurricane preparedness for New Orleans residents. The city will also introduce the new, high-tech emergency notification system that will assist in delivering real-time messages in times of emergency.

On Friday, June 1, the City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation will begin intensive city wide enforcement of amended city Ordinance #22601, which was authored by Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis. The ordinance addresses the city’s waste collection and disposal process and increases penalties for violations. It also increases penalties for littering and illegal dumping.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin along with Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Brenda Hatfield and the city’s Public Works, Sanitation, and Parks and Parkways departments honored five exceptional employees in celebration of National Public Works Week.

 

Today, Larry Barabino, Jr., Director of the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will host an athletic shoe giveaway at 1 p.m. in partnership with Nike at NORD’s St. Bernard Recreation Center, located at 1500 Lafreniere St. The sports equipment company will donate 13,000 pairs of athletic shoes with an approximate retail value of $1 million to middle and high school students from the New Orleans Public Schools (NOPS), the Recovery School District (RSD), the Charter Schools and the local Catholic Schools. New Orleans Saints’ running back Deuce McAllister will attend to inspire local teens and to participate in the formal donation of athletic shoes.

The following is an update on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Col. Terry Ebbert, Director of Homeland Security for the City of New Orleans, announced today that the city will participate in a series of rigorous training exercises next week in preparation for the start of hurricane season. Mayor Nagin and selected city personnel including key leaders of the city’s first responder teams, city Department of Homeland Security and representatives from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOSEHP) will travel to the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland this weekend. Professionals in the field of emergency management will engage the city delegation in class training and scenario exercises for four and a half days.

Stephanie Dupuy, Director of the New Orleans Film Commission and Executive Director of Arts and Entertainment, announces her retirement from public service effective May 31, 2007.

Tomorrow, May 19, marks the last day for area youth to apply to participate in the Mayor’s Summer Youth Experience Program, a job program for the city’s youth ages 14-21.

Yesterday, the City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security, Office of Emergency Preparedness, began a series of informational sessions to educate individuals in a variety of organizations and media outlets in New Orleans on the city’s evacuation plan and the city assisted plan for special needs residents.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin traveled to New York to participate in the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit where he will join both national and international leaders in discussing the effects of global warming and major weather events on the City of New Orleans.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Larry Barabino, Jr., Director of the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD), today announced this year’s schedule of NORD summer youth programs. The variety of programs is designed to keep the city's youth engaged and active, and to provide exposure to the arts and sports activities.

The following is an update on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans.

WHAT: The City of New Orleans Health Department along with the McDonogh #35 School Health Clinic will host a dedication ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new school based health clinic located on the grounds of the McDonogh #35 Senior High School.

WHO: Dr. Kevin Stephens, Director of the City of New Orleans Health Department along with Dr. Evangeline Franklin, and Philip White, Principal of McDonogh #35 High School

The following is an update on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans.

 

The partial demolition of the property located at 1336-40 Magazine Street and 1025 Melpomene Street is expected to be complete by the end of this week, which will move the street closer to reopening to vehicular traffic.

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin has developed a list of priorities for the Legislative session beginning today that will accelerate the recovery of New Orleans and Louisiana.

This afternoon, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Executive Director of Recovery Management Dr. Edward Blakely and members of the administration attended a special meeting with the City of New Orleans Board of Liquidation, a city agency that manages city debt, to review recovery needs and to request that the Bond Issue cover the gap between estimated rebuilding costs and funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The following is an update on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans.

The City of New Orleans Office of Recovery Management today announced it has received $1.54 million to further integrate recommendations from the Unified New Orleans Plan (UNOP) and other planning initiatives into the recovery activities of city agencies.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Dr. Edward J. Blakely, Executive Director of Recovery Management, will host a press conference to announce grants totaling $1.54 million provided by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Last week, residents in the City of New Orleans collected a total of 19,290 pounds of recyclable goods in the first of a series of recycle events. The City of New Orleans co-hosted the day in partnership with the Jefferson Parish Department of Environmental Affairs and the Foundation of Baton Rouge. Together, Jefferson Parish and Orleans Parish residents collected a total of 41,180 pounds (20 tons) of recyclable goods.

 

SDT Waste and Debris Services L.L.C., the city’s trash collection vendor in the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD), will begin delivering personalized carts to residents and small business owners as a part of the enhanced sanitation services in the City of New Orleans.

The following is an update on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans.

On Friday April 20th, 2007, the New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness (NOOEP), New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS) and New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Public Safety are sponsoring a training class and full scale drill to instruct local public safety personnel on the proper way to handle incidents involving Amtrak passenger trains.

Launched January 24th, just over two months ago, the One New Orleans Fast Track Road Home Program is a two-year pilot loan program designed to assist up to 1,000 eligible Orleans Parish homeowners.

The City of New Orleans has won a lawsuit in which a development company sought approximately $4.5 million in damages, claiming that the City violated the company’s constitutional rights when it transferred ownership of a nearby street.

The New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness (NOOEP) has been advised by the regional National Weather Service office and the Storm Prediction Center that there is a SLIGHT TO MODERATE risk of severe weather until early Saturday evening.

Dr. Edward Blakely, the city’s Executive Director of Recovery Management, invites residents from throughout the city to join him as he continues his series of neighborhood bike rides at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 14.

The following is an update on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin gave opening remarks today before the start of the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security regarding the "Katrina Impact on Crime and the Criminal Justice System in New Orleans."

The following is an update on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans.

 

The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) will participate in 'Community Giving Day' through a partnership with the Whole Foods Market Arabella Station.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, Damon Harmon from DNA Creative Media Inc., and actor Louis Gossett, Jr. will host a press conference at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 5, 2007 to announce a partnership to build a community center in Mid-City.

 

Mayor C. Ray Nagin invites post-baccalaureate students to apply for the city’s eighth annual Mayoral Fellows Program. This program offers students the opportunity to serve in New Orleans city government while helping create a cadre of potential leaders for our community.

The following is an update on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans.

Lisa Ponce de Leon, Chief of Staff for Economic Development and International Affairs for the Mayor’s Office of Planning and Development along with City Council Vice-President Arnie Fielkow and World Trade Center Managing Director Eugene Schreiber returned from Washington, D.C. on Thursday, March 29. The delegation deemed the diplomatic trip, on behalf of the state of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans, a resounding success.

Dr. Edward Blakely, Executive Director of Recovery Management for the City of New Orleans, today announced the first 17 targeted recovery zones that will spur redevelopment and accelerate our recovery.

The New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will get some help with preparing its playgrounds and fields for the spring baseball season.

The following is an update on the progress of the recovery of core city services in the City of New Orleans. Updates can be found on the city’s website at www.cityofno.com in the Community On One Page.

Today, Lisa Ponce de Leon, Chief of Staff for Economic Development and International Affairs for the Mayor’s Office of Planning and Development along with City Council Vice-President Arnie Fielkow and World Trade Center Managing Director Eugene Schreiber, will announce a diplomatic initiative to reach out to the more than 150 foreign embassies in Washington D.C. during a trip to the Capitol next week.

The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation will partner with the Jefferson Parish Department of Environmental Affairs to host Recycle Day on April 14 in preparation for Earth Day, a day of programs and events developed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment, that will take place on April 22.

On February 1, the New Orleans City Council passed Ordinance number 22499 M.C.S. The Ordinance, authored by Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, amended and reordained Chapter 26 of the Code of the City of New Orleans, to add a new Section designated as Section 26-264, Condemnation of Public Safety and Welfare.

 

Today, the City of New Orleans Office of Planning and Development will begin the process of demolishing or remediating the first 267 eligible structures of the over 1200 identified that were deemed an “Imminent Health Threat” under the Imminent Health Threat Ordinance.

 

Today, City of New Orleans operational departments that provide basic services updated residents on the current status of the recovery and rehabilitation of key infrastructure elements as well as progress of critical city services.

 

The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) will welcome 37 new officers during a graduation ceremony for the department's first recruit class since Hurricane Katrina. The new officers will be sworn in at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 16, at Loyola University's Roussel Hall.

Dr. Edward Blakely, the City’s Executive Director of Recovery Management, will continue his series of neighborhood bike rides at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, with an excursion that will begin and end in front of the Museum of Art, 1 LeLong Ave. at City Park.

 

Dr. Evangeline Franklin, Director of Director of Clinical services and Employee Health, testified today about the status of healthcare in New Orleans before the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Dr. Franklin's testimony focused on two weeklong health intervention programs the New Orleans Department of Health hosted along with several partners.

Today, the City of New Orleans Mosquito and Termite Control Board along with volunteers from Operation Blessing and Campus Crusade for Christ co-sponsored a major clean-up effort of water-holding trash containers in selective areas to reduce the number of potential mosquito breeding sites throughout the city.

 

Dr. Kevin Stephens, Director of the City of New Orleans Health Department, testified today about the status of healthcare in New Orleans before the U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Dr. Stephens’ testimony focused on the status of healthcare challenges in New Orleans.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin encourages citizens both here in the city and those who remain displaced to register for Mayor Nagin’s Home Remediation Program which guts, boards, cuts the grass and in some cases pressure washes the homes of Orleans Parish homeowners who meet the eligibility requirements. This service, which is provided through NOAH, the city’s non-profit development corporation, is free-of-charge. Priority is given to senior citizens.

Today, City of New Orleans operational departments that provide basic services updated residents on the current status of the recovery and rehabilitation of key infrastructure elements as well as progress of critical city services.

 

 

 

New Orleans is experiencing a strong financial recovery, according to indicators measured by the City’s Department of Finance.

 

The City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways along with Parkway Partners, a non-profit organization that supports the city with the beautification of its public green spaces, will host its annual tree and plant sale on Saturday, March 10th from 8 a.m. to noon at 2829 Gentilly Blvd.

Today at 11:30 a.m., Mayor C. Ray Nagin, along with Louisiana Works, will unveil the new state-of-the-art JOB1 Career Solutions Mobile Unit at the Audubon Tea Room, 6500 Magazine Street. The unveiling will take place in conjunction with the “Driving to Rebuild New Orleans” job fair hosted by JOB1, the City’s Office of Workforce Development.

 

The New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness (NOOEP) has been advised by the regional National Weather Service office and the Storm Prediction Center that there is a moderate risk of severe weather until approximately 6:00 p.m. today.

The City of New Orleans has filed form SF-95, claiming $77 billion in damages as a result of a break in the levees following Hurricane Katrina.

 

Earlier this month, Mayor C. Ray Nagin welcomed Larry Barabino, Jr. as the Director of the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD).

The New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness (NOOEP) has been advised by the regional National Weather Service office and the Storm Prediction Center that there is only a slight risk of severe weather from this afternoon through tonight, with approximately a 5% chance of tornado activity in Southeast Louisiana.

 

Richard’s Disposal Inc. and Metro Disposal Inc., along with the City of New Orleans Sanitation Department are requesting that all residents and small business owners who have received their new trash collection carts, place their old trash cans out for disposal. Both contractors will collect garbage only from the city cart.

The New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness (NOOEP) has been advised by the regional National Weather Service office that there is moderate risk of severe weather beginning Saturday afternoon and ending Sunday night for our region.

 

Beginning Wednesday, February 21, 2007, filming for Paramount Pictures “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” will cause several street closures and diversions.

 

The New Orleans Health Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers stress that people must take personal responsibility for their behavior during the Mardi Gras season. “Emergency rooms are for emergencies,” said Dr. Jullette Saussy, Director of EMS.

An information technology expert with 20 years of leadership experience in the banking, healthcare and governmental sectors has been named Acting Chief Technology Officer for the City of New Orleans.

 

 

Today, Civil District Court Judge Kern Reese ruled that the City of New Orleans is “not in contempt” in application of the Civil Service Commission’s calculations of longevity pay for New Orleans firefighters.

Today, the City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation began rolling out the new trash collection carts to residents and small business owners that have registered for the new sanitation collection services.

 

Mayor C. Ray Nagin continues his One New Orleans Conversations this year with citizens to discuss the status of the city’s recovery, as well as, listen to citizens’ concerns on various issues. This afternoon, Mayor Nagin held his 9th community conversation with The Metro New Orleans Student Leadership Council which consists of 50 high school students from different schools around New Orleans to engage them on topics such as education, housing and crime. Following his meeting with the student council, Mayor Nagin hosted a small press briefing.

 

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and members of the city of New Orleans Housing Department staff were prepared today, with bulldozers in place, to demolish the structures at 1347-1351 Magazine Street, 1336-1340 Magazine Street and 1035 Melpomene Street, and reopen the street.

 

 

Mayor Nagin along with Colonel Terry Ebbert, Director of the City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security, will join neighboring parish leaders and emergency preparedness officials in announcing a new development in the communications systems for Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes. The announcement will take place at the Orleans Parish Communications District station, 100 City Park Ave., at 2 p.m.

The New Orleans Health Department will co-host the 2nd Annual Greater New Orleans Medical Recovery Week in partnership with Operation Blessing, International Medical Alliance (IMA) and Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps (RAM).

 

Crime Update

The Mayor’s Office of Special Events today announced that free tickets are available to the public for special seating in Lafeyette Square during the first week of Mardi Gras, February 9 – 11, 2007. Tickets are limited to four per person and available on a first come first serve basis.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the city of New Orleans Department of Public Works hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking marking the start of the second roadway project since Hurricane Katrina under the Bond Issue voted on by citizens in 2000.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, in partnership with Liberty Bank and Chase, today launched the One New Orleans Road Home Fast Track Program designed to provide construction loans to accelerate neighborhood revitalization across Orleans Parish. The program is a two-year pilot program created by leveraging $11 million from the city’s annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and NHIF funds.

Only $98 million of the $194 million obligated to Orleans Parish by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damages to the Criminal Justice System has been obligated to the City of New Orleans to keep this critical system functioning after the devastation resulting from Hurricane Katrina and subsequent flooding.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin displayed his Saints spirit today when he provided details of his wager with Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley regarding Sunday’s NFC Championship game between the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears.

 

Mayor C. Ray Nagin welcomed Theophile A. Duroncelet, Jr. as the new Director of the Office of Criminal Justice Coordination. This appointment is a step further in the city’s proactive efforts to reform the criminal justice system and combat crime.

Today, the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) will team with KaBOOM! and Playworld Systems to rebuild Taylor Playground, located at 2601 So. Derbigny. Dr. Brenda Hatfield, the city’s Chief Administrative Officer, will join Larry Barabino, Interim Director of NORD, in welcoming the volunteer efforts.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will display his Saints spirit today when he provides details of his wager with Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley regarding Sunday’s NFC Championship game between the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears.

 

 

As part of his redevelopment efforts for the City of New Orleans, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, along with Executive Director of Recovery Management Dr. Edward Blakely, Director of Finance Reginald Zeno and other city administrators began a series of meetings today with members of the Wall Street community to discuss the city’s financial needs and to pursue alternative sources of funding in the private sector.

The City of New Orleans has enacted its emergency freeze plan for tonight, Tuesday, January 16.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Martin Luther King Jr. Commission hosted a Memorial Program to honor the life of Civil Rights Activist, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Commission will sponsor a series of events to commemorate the life of Civil Rights Activist, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s theme is “Help Somebody: Every New Orleanian Can Make A Difference.”

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin along with the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) hosted a press briefing at 4:30 p.m. to honor the Coca-Cola Company for the restoration of NORD’s Wesley Barrow Stadium, located at 6500 Press Drive.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin along with Larry Barabino, Jr., Interim Director of the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD), will host a press briefing at 4:30 p.m. to honor the Coca-Cola Company for its clean-up efforts and restoration of NORD’s Wesley Barrow Stadium, located at 6500 Press Road in the Pontchartrain Park neighborhood.

One Murder is Too Many

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin along with New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Warren Riley, District Attorney Eddie Jordan, members of the New Orleans City Council and community leaders held a press briefing to outline initiatives to address the crime rate in New Orleans and to discuss critical efforts on the part of the criminal justice system and the community in addressing crime.

The City of New Orleans has enacted its emergency freeze plan for the next two nights, tonight and Tuesday, January 8 – 9, 2007.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will kick-off the 2007 Carnival Season with the city’s annual King Cake Party on Saturday, January 6, at 10 a.m. in Gallier Hall. The University of Maryland at College Park Marching Band will perform at this year’s event.

Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works for the City of New Orleans, today, announced the final phase of its Hurricane Katrina storm drainage structure (catch basin, grated inlet, drop inlets, and manholes) repair program developed to restore damaged structures affected by Hurricane Katrina or the subsequent debris removal operations.

The City of New Orleans has enacted its emergency freeze plan for tonight, Tuesday, January 2.

On Saturday, December 30, 2006, Larry Barabino, the Interim Director for the New Orleans Recreation Department, will host a press briefing to recognize the philanthropic efforts of Mark Monninger, a West Coast entrepreneur.

As Mayor C. Ray Nagin and his Administration focus on instilling belief and hope with a vision of One New Orleans for all citizens, the City of New Orleans continues to accelerate recovery from the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina and failed levees that flooded 80% of the city.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will join the citizens of New Orleans in ringing in the New Year in Jackson Square on December 31, beginning at 9 p.m. with festivities.

The City of New Orleans announces that City Hall will be closed on Monday, January 1, 2007 in observance of New Year’s Day. Emergency and essential services will continue to be provided throughout this time.

The Department of Finance, Bureau of Revenue, will hold its 2007 Mardi Gras Fixed Locations Permits lottery at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2007 in the lobby of the Civil District Court Building.

Today, at 10 a.m. Mayor C. Ray Nagin’s Human Relations Commission (HRC) will announce its 2007-2008 initiative on diversity and inclusion: “We Believe in One New Orleans” in the Mayor’s Press Office on the second floor of City Hall.

SDT, L.L.C and the City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation will launch its collection cart registration drive on Friday, December 22 at 10 a.m. Residents and small business owners in the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD) are urged to register for one (1), 32 gallon standard collection cart (37.5 inches high, 19 inches wide and 23.75 inches in depth) free-of-charge as part of the Disney like services via the city’s website at www.cityofno.com or at SDT, L.L.C. Waste and Debris Services located at 937 Esplanade Avenue.

The City of New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness continues to advise citizens on the status of weather conditions.

Tomorrow, December 22 at 10:00 a.m., Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the Human Relations Commission will announce the commission’s 2007-2008 initiative on diversity and inclusion: “We Believe in One New Orleans” in the Mayor’s Press Office.

Today at 2:30 p.m., Mayor C. Ray Nagin and members of the City Council will announce the appointment of the seven members of the Ethics Review Board. The event will take place in the Mayor's Press Room on the second floor of City Hall.

Tomorrow, December 21, Mayor C. Ray Nagin will be joined by members of the City Council to announce the appointment of the seven members of the Ethics Review Board.

Today, at 11:30 a.m., the City of New Orleans, Office of Planning and Development and 3980 Cambronne Development, LLC will mark the successful opening and renovation of 124 affordable housing units at the Palmetto Apartments located at 3980 Cambronne Street.

Today, the City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation reported that an additional 1170 residents and small business owners registered to receive one (1), 96 gallon standard collection cart free of charge.

Today, the City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation reported that an additional 1771 residents and small business owners registered to receive one (1), 96 gallon standard collection cart free of charge.

The City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Hornets are partnering to collect donations for Mayor Nagin’s Annual One New Orleans Toy Giveaway at Duncan Plaza scheduled on Saturday, December 16, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Today, the City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation reported that over 15,000 residents and small business owners not located in the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD) have completed their registration for a personalized, bar coded trash collection cart via the city’s website at www.cityofno.com, in the lobby of City Hall and other locations.

The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation reported today that over 10,000 residents and small business owners not located in the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD) have completed their registration for a personalized, bar coded trash collection cart via the city’s website at www.cityofno.com, in the lobby of City Hall and other locations.

The City of New Orleans has enacted its emergency freeze plan for the next two nights, tonight and Friday, December 7 – 8, 2006.

Today, over 4,000 New Orleans residents and small business owners completed registration for their personalized, bar coded collection carts. Registration continues for residents and small business owners not located in the French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD) via the city’s website at www.cityofno.com, in the lobby of City Hall and other locations.

Richard’s Disposal, Inc. and Metro Disposal, Inc. will launch a citywide collection cart registration for residents and small business owners not located in the French Quarter or the Central Business District beginning today, December 5th at 10 a.m. via the city’s website.

Tomorrow, Mayor C. Ray Nagin, accompanied by Council President, Oliver Thomas, Councilman-at-Large Arnie Fielkow, Council Budget Chair Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, and Executive Staff will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with new congressional leadership and address several critical pending issues of the second session of the 109th Congress.

Today, city employees participated in a pilot registration for the city's new sanitation collection carts. City employees were asked to log on to the city’s website at www.cityofno.com to register for their collection carts via Richard’s Disposal, Inc and Metro Disposal, Inc.

The City of New Orleans has enacted its emergency freeze plan for tonight, December 4, 2006.

Today, Mayor C. Ray Nagin will hold a press conference to announce key Executive Staff appointments for the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Management and Executive Counsel to the Mayor.

As a part of Mayor C. Nagin’s One New Orleans initiatives, the Mayor has been hosting a series of One New Orleans Conversations throughout the City of New Orleans.

The City of New Orleans has enacted its emergency freeze plan for the next three nights, tonight, Saturday and Sunday, December 1 – 3, 2006.

The City of New Orleans has enacted its emergency freeze plan for the next two nights, tonight and Tuesday, November 20 – 21, 2006.

The Department of Public Works, Parking Division, announces that starting Monday, November 20, 2006, the cashiering and tow lot at 400 N. Claiborne Avenue will open seven days per week, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Since Katrina, the office at 400 N. Claiborne has been running on a limited schedule (M-F, 8:30 AM to 5 PM).

The State of Louisiana extended the Renewal Community Commercial Revitalization Deduction (CRD) deadline from Monday, October 31, 2006 to Thursday, November 30, 2006.

Today, Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), Warren J. Riley, will present the department’s 2007 budget to the New Orleans City Council at 9:30 a.m. It will include initiatives to prioritize public safety in an effort to accelerate the recovery of New Orleans through the need for increased recruitment of police officers, a higher standard of technology and improved crime-fighting and departmental strategies.

Today, the New Orleans City Attorney Penya Moses–Fields and Orleans Parish District Attorney Eddie J. Jordan, Jr. hosted an ‘Open Contractor Fraud and Insurance Forum’ in the City Council Chambers to provide residents with information on how to recognize contractor fraud and related insurance claim issues.

Today, the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works, Street Lighting Division today announced the enhancement of street lights on Camp Street between Calliope and Canal Street.

Today, Veronica White, Director of the City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation will present the departments proposed budget to City Council at 9:30 a.m. and will focus on enhancing the quality of life for residents in New Orleans.

Today, Ann Macdonald, the Director of Parks and Parkways for the City of New Orleans will present the proposed 2007 budget for the department at 9:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers.

Today, Larry Barabino, Jr., Interim Director for the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD), will present the 2007 proposed budget for the department to the City Council at 9:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. To enhance the quality of life for youth, senior citizens and families, NORD is proposing a total budget of $2 million. The 2007 proposed budget will extend NORD to the entire community, strengthen present partnerships and restore critical infrastructure.

Today, Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works for the City of New Orleans will present the departments proposed budget to the New Orleans City Council at 9:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers.

Tomorrow, Donna Addkison, Chief Development Officer for the Mayor’s Office of Planning and Development will present the department’s 2007 budget that includes initiatives to utilize the city’s normal funding sources to accelerate the recovery of New Orleans. At 1:30 p.m., Addkison will make her presentation to the New Orleans City Council. These initiatives focus on three areas: gutting/remediation, demolition and housing rehabilitation.

Today, the City of New Orleans will begin departmental budget hearings at 9:30 a.m. and will end Wednesday, November 15. The New Orleans City Council is mandated by the Home Rule Charter to approve the city’s 2007 budget proposal by December 1, 2006.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will host a ceremonial groundbreaking on tomorrow November 7, 2006 marking the start of the first roadway projects since Hurricane Katrina under the Bond Issue voted on by citizens in 2000. The event will take place at the corner of General DeGaulle Drive and Kabel Drive in Algiers at 11:45 a.m.

Beginning Tuesday, November 7, 2006, filming for Paramount Pictures “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” will cause several street closures and diversions.

Today, New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin proposed bold initiatives to accelerate the recovery of New Orleans in his 2007 fiscal year budget address to the New Orleans City Council. Mayor Nagin emphasized the need to invest in the police department to reduce attrition and increase the number of officers on the street. The Mayor also introduced the One New Orleans Road Home Fast Track program designed to help citizens awaiting funding from the LRA.

The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation recently announced that the Army Corp of Engineers will discontinue storm-related debris removal services effective November 1, 2006 in zip codes 70112, 70113, 70114, 70115, 70116, 70130, and 70131. Residents in the listed areas will continue to receive weekly garbage collection by the city’s Sanitation Department.

Public Schedule for Mayor C. Ray Nagin

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans will host the first One New Orleans Halloween Kids Carnival on Tuesday, October 31, 2006, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Duncan Plaza, across from City Hall. Youth ages 12 and under are encouraged to wear costumes and bring bags for their treats.

On Thursday, October 19, 2006, Mayor C. Ray Nagin will join Governor Kathleen Blanco and LIFT Production executives to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the LIFT Film Factory which is owned and operated by LIFT Production, a Louisiana-based company.

This week in the City of New Orleans, Mayor C. Ray Nagin made a series of announcements ranging from the enactment of new Executive Orders to support minority-owned, women-owned and disadvantage businesses, improved city service trash collection, and continued updates on the city’s efforts to secure FEMA reimbursement payments for critical infrastructure recovery.

As a part of Mayor C. Ray Nagin’s One New Orleans 100 Day initiative to jumpstart city services and the quality of life, The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation will announce the award of two contracts to businesses that will provide twice-a-week semi-automated and automotive garbage collection to begin in January 2007. The contracts were a part of an open, public bid process.

As the city approaches the last two months of the 2006 Hurricane season, the Department of Homeland Security participated in a series of internal hurricane tabletop exercises in Baton Rouge at the State Emergency Operations Center on Thursday, September 28, 2006, to address post-storm operations. This is the largest exercise between federal, state, and local officials.

Today, the New Orleans City Council Budget Committee approved the Nagin administration’s request from September 18 for a 10% pay increase for all city employees, increase the minimum wage for new employees to $7.50 per hour, and City Council agreed with the Administration and the Civil Service Commission to continue to meet the terms of the Firefighter judgment mandated in February 2003.

The Mayor’s Office of Environmental Affairs (OEA) will hold a breakfast entitled, “Make Brownfields Your Business, ” this Friday, September 29, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. on the third floor of Gallier Hall located at 545 St. Charles Avenue, for potential investors and the general public interested in learning more about Brownfield investment and redevelopment opportunities.

On Thursday, September 28, 2006, the City of New Orleans, Neighborhood 1 is hosting a technical assistance workshop for all non-profit organizations interested in completing the SuperNOFA (Notice of Funding Available) registry applications at 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on the 21st floor conference in 1340 Poydras Street.

On Friday, September 29, 2006, Officials from the City of New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and members of the metropolitan business community will return from the “Rebuilding New Orleans Sourcing Conference” and trade mission trip in Shanghai, China where they communicated the tremendous investment opportunities in the City of New Orleans to the international community. The delegation departed New Orleans for Shanghai, China on Saturday, September 23, 2006.

The City of New Orleans has been informed that individuals have been posing as city agents contacting homeowners and requesting payment for voluntary demolition.

On Saturday September 23, 2006, the New Orleans Recrpation Department (NORD) will team up with the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons players to clean NORD’s Willie Hall Playground. The clean-up effort will take place from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at 1100 Milton St.

The City of New Orleans announced that City Hall will close at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 25, 2006, due to the New Orleans Saints Monday night football game in the Louisiana Superdome.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works today announce towing and parking enforcement plans for the New Orleans Saints first home game of the season on Monday, September 25, 2006.

The City of New Orleans is enhancing its normal demolition process of properties that do not fit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) demolition criteria.

Late yesterday afternoon on Wednesday, September 20, 2006, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and city officials traveled to Baton Rouge to meet with Chairman Donald Powell, FEMA representatives and representatives from the Louisiana Governor’s office to discuss the City’s outstanding FEMA project worksheets currently at the State and Federal levels.

On Monday September 18, The City of New Orleans received a unanimous vote from the Civil Service Commission in support of the10% across the board salary increase for city employees effective November 1, 2006 with continued implementation of firefighter longevity increases.

Last night, Mayor C. Ray Nagin greeted two classes of Mayoral Fellows. The Mayoral Fellows Program is designed to familiarize students with City Government from the inside. Mayor Nagin welcomed five new fellows and honored the outgoing class of participants at a reception at Café Reconcile in Central City.

Today, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Dr. Brenda Hatfield made a formal presentation to the Civil Service Commission regarding a 10% across the board salary increase for City of New Orleans employees together with continued implementation of firefighter longevity increases.

The City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways today announced a critical step in the recovery of the urban tree canopy of the city just days following the One New Orleans 100 Day updates focused on providing better city services.

On Monday, September 18, City officials will make a formal presentation to the Civil Service Commission regarding salary increase requests made this week.

Today, September 14, 2006, Mayor C. Ray Nagin participated in the re-opening of the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) St. Bernard Recreation Center at 2:30 p.m. The center, located at 1500 Lafreniere St., is the second largest NORD facility in the city.

On Monday, September 18, 2006, beginning at approximately 9 a.m., a one-block segment of Thalia Street which lies between St. Charles Avenue and Carondelet Street will be converted from its present two-way status to one-way operation in an eastbound direction (from Carondelet towards St. Charles).

On Thursday, September 14, 2006, Mayor C. Ray Nagin will participate in the re-opening of NORD’S St. Bernard Recreation Center. The event will take place at 2:30 p.m. at 1500 Lafreniere St. on the corner of Lafreniere and Hamburg.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 12, 2006)—Today, September 12, 2006, Mayor C. Ray Nagin
and his 100-Day Implementation Committee united to host a press briefing to update
citizens on the city recovery efforts implemented during the first 100 days of the
Mayor’s administration. The briefing, held in the 8th floor conference room in City
Hall at 10 a.m., included progress reports presented by each of the 100-Day
committee chairs.

Today, September 7, 2006, Donna Addkison, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Planning and Development, along with Penya Moses-Fields, the City Attorney for the City of New Orleans, updated citizens on the Code Enforcement phase of the Good Neighbor Plan on the 10th floor of the Amoco Building located at 1340 Poydras.

On Tuesday, September 5, 2006, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee will hold a press conference to announce the “Rebuilding New Orleans Sourcing Conference” set to take place Shanghai, China on September 26-28, 2006.

Beginning tomorrow, September 1, 2006, with a breakfast at the Rockefeller Foundation, Mayor C. Ray Nagin and his executive staff members will engage the New York financial community for a two-day tour on the recovery of New Orleans’ economic development, art, and entertainment one year after Hurricane Katrina.

The City of New Orleans announced that City Hall will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2006, in observance of Labor Day.

This week Mayor C. Ray Nagin and members of the One New Orleans Repopulation Committee will announce openings of the first Journey Home Center in Houston and the Welcome Home Center in New Orleans.

This week Mayor C. Ray Nagin and members of the One New Orleans Repopulation Committee will announce the opening of the New Orleans Journey Home Center in Houston, TX.

The City of New Orleans has planned Hurricane Katrina memorial activities themed Remembrance, Renewal, and Rebirth on Sunday August 27, 2006 and Tuesday, August 29, 2006.

The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation today announces the schedule for future neighborhood clean-ups sponsored by each Neighborhood Association.

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works Parking Division will begin parking meter enforcement on Monday, August 14, 2006 in the mid-city area of New Orleans.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin's One New Orleans Criminal Justice Committee Announce Strategies to Correct Deficiencies in
Justice System.

The City of New Orleans Recreation Department is happy to announce its fall registration for the Bantam Football Season for youth ages six-thirteen.

 

The City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security today announced that the City, along with state and federal officials and local first responders, will continue to monitor the track of what is now Tropical Depression Chris.

Two critical roles for the City of New Orleans role in the recovery effort are to strategically devise safeguards to protect citizens’ properties and to implement safeguards to ensure that the financial investments of returning citizens are not depreciated by the intentional or unintentional failure of their neighbors to comply with the City ordinances.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin today announced two additions to the City of New Orleans Executive Staff in a press conference held in the press room in City Hall.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will make an announcement regarding executive staff positions for the City of New Orleans.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and 100-Day Committee.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and U.N. Messenger of Peace and Multi-Grammy Award Winner, Wynton Marsalis today outlined the three-day commemorative days of reflection surrounding the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the Rebirth of New Orleans.

The New Orleans Recreational Department (NORD) will raise the curtain on the 2006 summer theater season with the Summer Stages Children’s Theatre production of Schoolhouse Rock Live, which will premiere Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.

The City of New Orleans today announced the public schedule for Mayor C. Ray Nagin on Thursday, July 20, 2006.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Moday July 17, 2006.

The Chief Administration Office today announced that Greg Meffert, the City’s Chief Information Officer offered a letter of resignation on Friday, July 14, 2006.

Art Exhibit Features New Orleans Mayor

Today Mayor C. Ray Nagin announced the expiration of the Executive Order regarding the operation of the Chef Menteur Highway Landfill effective August 14, 2006.

NORD Receives Help from Volunteers to Clean Local Playground

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works, Parking Division is re-instating its Junked and Abandoned Vehicle Unit.

The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation strongly urges all New Orleans residents against illegal dumping of any household garbage, and residential and commercial storm debris.

The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation STRONGLY encourages residents against placing debris materials on the neutral ground and other areas that are not designated as dump sites because they may face fines of up to $1000.00

Mayor C. Ray Nagin today announced the Unified New Orleans Neighborhood Plan, an agreement between his office, the New Orleans City Council, local leaders and the Louisiana Recovery Authority to advance a single comprehensive land use planning process for the City of New Orleans.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Wednesday July 5, 2006.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Monday July 3, 2006.

The City of New Orleans announced that City Hall is open on today, July 3, 2006, but will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2006, in observance of Independence Day.

The City of New Orleans today announced the public schedule for Mayor C. Ray Nagin on Monday, July 3, 2006.

The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation today announced the air and water sample test results taken from the Chef Menteur Landfill during the months of May and June of 2006. These samples have been analyzed by Severn Trent Laboratory in Kenner, Louisiana, and all parameters have tested below health-risk levels.

 

The City of New Orleans today announced the public schedule for Mayor C. Ray Nagin on Thursday, June 29, 2006.

The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation today announced that three debris drop-off sites will remain open to New Orleans residents until further notice. The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation is currently working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to extend the deadline for use of these sites.

The Mayor’s Office of Environmental Affairs has teamed up with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Common Ground to conduct a wetlands planting project in the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge from July 6 - 7, 2006.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works, Maintenance Division today announced two major forward steps in re-establishing street maintenance services.

The New Orleans Recreation Department kicked off this summer’s programs today at the Whitney Young pool in Audubon Park. Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City’s Chief Administrative Office also announced the appointment of the New Orleans’ Recreational Department’s (NORD) new Interim Director Larry Barabino, Jr.

With the deadline quickly approaching for the SBA Disaster Relief Loan, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development in partnership with the SBA recently sponsored two workshops serving over 200 people, with five denials overturned and $200,000 in loans approved on the spot.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will roll out NORD’s series of diverse and cultural summer recreational events for the youth of New Orleans at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at the Whitney M. Young Memorial Pool in Audubon Park, 6500 Magazine St.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin, The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation and a City Council effort led by Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis today announced the approval of $5,000,000 for the City of New Orleans to fund the “One New Orleans Tactical Trash Force” (TTF).

The City of New Orleans situation report for Wednesday June 21, 2006.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Tuesday June 20, 2006.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works today announced that two Request for Qualifications (RFQs) for construction management and inspection services are currently being solicited.

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development in partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) will host a second financing workshop for small businesses from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2006, in Room 105 at Mercy Hall, Loyola University on the corner of Calhoun and Freret (parking provided in the Mercy Lot).

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works, Parking Division today announced that they will begin parking meter enforcement on Wednesday, June 21, 2006, in Uptown New Orleans.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Monday June 19, 2006.

Today Mayor C. Ray Nagin and The New Orleans City Council joined community leaders and the families of the five teenage victims slain this weekend in an unprecedented stand against crime in the City of New Orleans.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Wednesday June 14, 2006.

The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works, Traffic Engineering Division today announced the addition of staff to better assist those persons/companies that have dumpsters, containers, and temporary construction zones on City streets and sidewalks to file for the required permits. All permits have an application fee of $35.00.

The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation opened a third citizen’s drop-off site earlier this month on June 1, 2006. Citizens can now make multiple trips to dispose of residential storm debris and trash materials only to I-10 Service Road and Crowder site.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Tuesday June 13, 2006.

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works today announced that the department will send its construction and traffic engineers, as well as engineers representing design firms under contract to a two-day workshop sponsored by the Regional Planning Commission called Designing Streets for Pedestrian Safety. The workshop will take place from Wednesday, June 14 through Thursday, June 15, 2006, from 9 a.m. – 5 pm on the 21st floor of 1340 Poydras Street.

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development in partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) will host a financing workshop for small businesses from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2006, in the City Council Chambers, 1st floor of City Hall. The workshop will alert local small businesses of financing opportunities including the SBA Disaster Relief Loan Program.

Today New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, State Representative Austin Badon (D-New Orleans), State Representative Cedric Richmond (D-New Orleans) and representatives of Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans and the Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region announced their unified support for setting November 7, 2006, as the date for the proposed Orleans Parish assessor consolidation initiative to appear on the statewide ballot.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Friday June 9, 2006.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Thursday June 8, 2006.

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works, Parking Division will begin enforcing residential parking permits (RPP) in zones 1, 4, 6,10 and 14 effective June 19, 2006.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will join Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Benjamin Erulkar at a 10 a.m. press conference on Wednesday, June 7, 2006, in the Gallery of the Tidewater Building, 1440 Canal Street. The Mayor will receive a grant of $1.25 million for the design and construction of the New Orleans BioInnovation Center Louisiana Gene Therapy Research Consortium Project. Proceeds will be used to support the creation of the joint facility.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin today acknowledged the work of the City’s Department of Safety and Permits and Director Mike Centineo for issuing commercial and residential permits valued at more than 1 Billion dollars in construction rebuilding activity.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Friday June 2, 2006.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Tuesday May 30, 2006.

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works, Parking Division will begin parking-meter enforcement on June 5, 2006, in the Treme/ Rampart and Warehouse District areas. The Treme/ Rampart area is bounded by Rampart Street, Tulane, Claiborne, and Esplanade; the Warehouse District is bounded by Howard, Loyola, Poydras, and the Fulton Street.

The City of New Orleans’ 2006 real estate and business personal property tax bills have been mailed. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, tax bills were initially delayed because the Louisiana Legislature mandated reassessment of properties. The City Council adopted the final millage rates earlier this month, and reassessments have now been completed.

The City of New Orleans today announced the second term inauguration events for Mayor C. Ray Nagin on Thursday, June 1, 2006. The rebuilding of New Orleans continues to be the Mayor’s top priority and this year’s events will be done in the context of continuing efforts to rebuild the City.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Friday May 26, 2006.

The City of New Orleans today announced that the City Council has approved an ordinance to enable EarthLink, the nation’s next generation Internet service provider (ISP), to build a Wi-Fi broadband network in the Crescent City.

The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation today announced that a third citizen’s drop-off site will open on June 1, 2006. Citizens can now bring their storm debris and trash materials to Crowder Rd and I-10 service road.

The City of New Orleans announced that City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2006, in observance of Memorial Day. Emergency and essential services will continue to be provided throughout this time.

The City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security will conduct a series of internal tabletop exercises on Wednesday, May 24, 2006, to address post-storm operations. The exercises are a continuation of the two-day federal exercise designed to practice, review and revise emergency planning prior to the start of the 2006 hurricane season.

 

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the City of New Orleans Department of Homeland Security began the first of a two-day federal exercise to review emergency planning nine days prior to the start of the 2006 hurricane season.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Tuesday May 23, 2006.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and the New Orleans Department of Homeland Security along with state and federal officials will participate in a real-time Federal Exercise for hurricane protection.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Monday May 22, 2006.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will continue his tour of levee protection projects when he will join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to update the citizens on work at the 17th St. Canal levees and floodgate protection. This briefing will take place at the Old Hammond Highway Bridge in Lakeview at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2006.

Tonight the City of New Orleans announced a commitment letter with JP Morgan chase accepting their proposal on behalf of a group of banks and a term sheet to provide up to $150 million in available loans to the City was signed by Chief Administrative Officer, Dr. Brenda Hatfield.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Friday May 19, 2006.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin announced today that the City of New Orleans will team up with the Microsoft Corporation on technology initiatives to enhance financial systems, business operations, education, and public safety.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin will announce a major technology partnership between the City of New Orleans and the Microsoft Corporation on Thursday, May 18, 2006, at 11:15 a.m. in the Mayor’s Press Room, 2nd floor of City Hall.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin today announced an agreement between the City of New Orleans, JP Morgan Chase Bank and a combination of national and international banks to establish a line of credit for up to $150 Million allowing City services to continue.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Friday May 12, 2006.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Thursday May 11, 2006.

The City of New Orleans situation report for Wednesday May 10, 2006.