Today BGR releases On the Ballot: New Orleans Bond and Tax Propositions, November 16, 2019. The report analyzes three separate propositions that would authorize the City of New Orleans (City) to:
- Issue up to $500 million in bonds for capital improvements.
- Levy a new 3-mill property tax that would yield $12 million annually for maintenance of City infrastructure, facilities and equipment.
- Levy a new occupancy tax on short-term rentals that would yield several million dollars annually to fund infrastructure of the City and Sewerage and Water Board and promote tourism.
The propositions are part of the City’s effort to increase funding for infrastructure improvements and other municipal needs. For each proposition, the report provides a separate overview, relevant background information, and an analysis grounded in BGR’s mission of promoting the efficient and effective use of public resources. It also provides BGR’s position on each proposition.
Click here to read the full report, an InBrief Summary and the media release.
This report is the latest in BGR’s On the Ballot series, which provides voters with objective, nonpartisan analysis of significant ballot propositions in the New Orleans metropolitan area. In producing On the Ballot reports, BGR recommends positions consistent with its mission of promoting informed public policy and the effective use of public resources for the improvement of local government. On the Ballot reports bring to light the strengths and weaknesses of ballot propositions and assess the potential for government expenditures or actions to efficiently achieve beneficial outcomes for citizens.