This report examines the history and current state of the operating budget and compares revenues and expenditures, including salaries, for the City of Harahan, a municipality in Jefferson Parish. The report includes information on comparable Louisiana cities.
In this report, BGR examines three separate propositions on the November 15, 2025, ballot that would authorize the City of New Orleans to borrow a total of $510 million for capital improvements.
This Beyond the Ballot report enhances public transparency and accountability for the 2019 New Orleans bond authorization and helps residents understand its uses and impacts.
This BGR NOW report re-emphasizes key recommendations to help preserve and strengthen the City of New Orleansâs financial health.
The reform and modernization of local government is a lasting legacy of Hurricane Katrina. By envisioning positive change and reforming local government, residents, advocates and policymakers created a better future for Greater New Orleans. BGR is proud to have been a leader in these efforts with our independent, nonpartisan research and monitoring. On the 20th […]
BGR’s Candidate Q&A reports ask the candidates for mayor, City Council and sheriff in the October 11, 2025 primary election to explain how they will address important public policy issues if elected. BGR developed the questions based on our body of research. Many of these issues have close ties to concerns that voters themselves have […]
This report discusses City of New Orleans financial practices that are out of step with recommendations by government finance experts and calls for improvements.
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) has updated its interactive Property Tax Dashboards with the latest rates for Jefferson, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes. First launched at the beginning of 2024, the dashboards help residents, business owners and policymakers navigate the complexities of property tax rates, taxing bodies and dedicated purposes across the three parishes. […]
This letter to New Orleans’ mayor and City Council highlights ways to strengthen the future use of Housing Trust Fund money. In November 2024, New Orleans voters amended the City charter to dedicate annual funding to the trust fund. This amount will equal at least 2% of the City of New Orleans General Fund budget […]
This On the Ballot report informs Jefferson Parish voters about a December 7 proposition for a new property tax for pay raises for teachers and other employees of the Jefferson Parish Public School System.
This On the Ballot report informs New Orleans voters in the November 5, 2024, election about a proposal to amend the City charter to require an annual budget appropriation for the Cityâs Housing Trust Fund.
This report analyzes the impact of the 2019 âFair Shareâ deal to direct new tourism dollars to maintain streets, drainage and other infrastructure in New Orleans. BGR finds that the deal is delivering on its promise, with opportunities for improvement.
Property taxes are a basic means of financing local government, but the public faces a confusing array of tax rates, taxing bodies and dedicated purposes across the New Orleans region. To help explain these taxes, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) today launched an interactive, online tool. BGRâs property tax dashboards for Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Tammany […]
This BGR NOW report urges the City of New Orleans and the Orleans Parish Sheriff to resolve a long-running disagreement over funding the jail. The dispute flared anew last fall when the City Council denied the Sheriffâs request for a $12.4 million funding increase. Voters subsequently rejected a Sheriffâs Office proposal to increase its property […]
OVERVIEW These On the Ballot reports inform New Orleans voters about three propositions on the October 14, 2023 ballot: the renewal of a property tax for public school facilities and charter amendments on code enforcement and the City budget process. The Orleans Parish School Board is seeking to renew a property tax of up to 4.97 […]
Today, BGR sent a letter to the mayor and the New Orleans City Council urging greater planning and public reporting for the City of New Orleansâ use of its primary financial reserve. The City Councilâs budget committee is meeting tomorrow, May 23, to consider more than $73 million in appropriations from this reserve, called the […]
OVERVIEW In this letter to the Jefferson Parish Council, BGR recommends ways in which the council can improve planning and public reporting for one-time spending made possible by the receipt of federal pandemic relief funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). In June 2022, the council allocated the Parishâs $84 million of ARPA funds […]
OVERVIEW In this report, BGR explores how the City of New Orleans has deployed pandemic relief funds it received through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, and what impacts this unprecedented one-time money had on City finances and budget priorities.
OVERVIEW In this On the Ballot report, BGR analyzes a new 7-mill, 10-year property tax for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office on the April 30, 2022 ballot.
OVERVIEW In this release, Handle with Care: Public Planning and Accountability Must Guide Spending of Federal Relief Funds, BGR offers guidance to government entities on harnessing the opportunities presented by unprecedented federal funding to spur recovery from the pandemicâs economic, fiscal and health impacts.
OVERVIEW On the Ballot: Jefferson Parish Water and Sewer Taxes, March 20, 2021 provides voters in Jefferson Parish with analysis of two property tax propositions to replace existing water and sewer system taxes. Although the propositions will appear as separate items on the March 20 ballot, BGR analyzed them together because of their similarities. The […]
Overview On the Ballot: Jefferson Parish Inspector General Tax Renewal, November 3, 2020 is intended to help voters in the unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish make an informed decision on whether to renew a 10-year, 0.5-mill property tax dedicated to the Office of Inspector General and the Ethics and Compliance Commission. While the tax is […]
OVERVIEW Welcome to the inaugural edition of PolicyWatch, a periodic newsletter that draws on BGRâs body of independent, nonpartisan research to address current public policy issues. This edition focuses on the City of New Orleansâ finances as it faces a pandemic-induced budget deficit. It discusses the Cityâs proposal to borrow up to $100 million as […]
OVERVIEW As the City Council reviews the proposed $722 million 2020 operating budget, BGR Now: A Framework for Assessing New Orleans’ Proposed 2020 Budget outlines key findings of BGR’s recent City budget study to help inform citizens and policymakers. BGRâs study, A Look Back to Plan Ahead, analyzes growth in revenues and changes in expenditures […]
Overview On the Ballot: New Orleans Bond and Tax Propositions, November 16, 2019 studies three propositions to let the City issue bonds for capital improvements, levy a new tax for maintenance, and levy a new tax on short-term rentals. If voters approve, the City of New Orleans would be able to: Issue up to $500 […]
Overview A Look Back to Plan Ahead: Analyzing Past New Orleans Budgets to Guide Funding Priorities reviews a decade of City General Fund budgets. It also lays a foundation for examining potential opportunities to reallocate revenue to critical needs.
Questions for a New Parish Council is the second in a two-part 2019 Candidate Q&A Election Series providing the views of candidates for Jefferson Parish government on important public policy issues, such as tax dedications and contracting. Questions for a New Parish Council provides voters with the candidatesâ answers to 16 questions developed from BGRâs […]
Questions for a New Parish President is the first in a two-part 2019 Candidate Q&A Election Series providing the views of candidates for Jefferson Parish president on important public policy issues affecting Parish government. Questions for a New Parish President provides voters with the candidatesâ answers to 16 questions developed from BGRâs body of research. […]
In this letter to the Mayor and City Council, BGR suggests the City of New Orleans develop a strategy to requalify for tax-exempt status for future bond issues. This would save interest costs for taxpayers financing infrastructure and other capital projects. Discovering the Issue While conducting research for a report on the Cityâs budget, BGR […]
Overview The report analyzes a May 4, 2019 tax proposition in Jefferson Parish for a new 7.9-mill tax to fund pay raises for teachers and other school employees. The new tax would run for 10 years, beginning in 2019. It is expected to generate $28.8 million in the first year. If voters approve the tax, […]
OVERVIEW Today BGR releases three reports on Jefferson Parish tax renewals for drainage works, juvenile services, and animal shelter and health services that voters will consider on November 6, 2018. If approved, each tax would be renewed for 10 years, from 2021 to 2030. On the Ballot: Jefferson Drainage Property Tax Renewal Voters in Jefferson […]
OVERVIEW This On the Ballot report reviews a constitutional amendment on the November 6, 2018 ballot that would allow eligible homeowners to phase in an increase in property taxes resulting from a reappraisal. The four-year phase-in process would apply only to residential properties subject to the homestead exemption that increase in assessed value by more […]
OVERVIEW BGR examines the April 28, 2018, proposition before voters on the west bank of Jefferson Parish to approve a new property tax for the West Jefferson Levee District. This is the Levee District’s second attempt at a new tax to cover the increased costs of raising and armoring levees and maintaining pump stations. The […]
Overview BGR’s On the Ballot report examines the proposed amendment on the November 18, 2017, ballot to establish the Savings Fund of the City of New Orleans in the City’s home rule charter.
Overview BGR’s On the Ballot report examines the proposed 10-year property tax millage to provide additional funding to increase the pay of Jefferson Parish School Board teachers and other employees.
Overview BGR examines propositions on the October 14, 2017 ballot for 10-year renewal of two existing property taxes to operate and maintain Jefferson Parish’s public transportation system. The report examines a number of issues related to Jefferson transit, including route inefficiencies identified in a Regional Planning Commission study and challenges connecting with public transit in […]
Overview BGR’s On the Ballot report examines the proposition on the April 29, 2017 ballot for 10-year renewal of an existing property tax for Jefferson Parish public libraries.
Overview BGR studies four dedicated taxes up for renewal on the December 10, 2016 in Jefferson Parish: a sales tax for parish sewerage, road and drainage projects, law enforcement and municipal governments in Jefferson; and three property taxes for parish drainage, recreation and public schools.
Overview BGR analyzes two property tax propositions meant to sustain west bank flood protection systems and three proposed St. Tammany charter amendments before voters on November 21, 2015. The tax propositions include a new tax for the West Jefferson Levee District and a tax renewal for the Algiers Levee District in New Orleans. Both levee […]
Overview In On the Ballot: October 19, 2013, BGR explains, analyzes and takes positions on three tax propositions on the ballot in Jefferson Parish and two proposed charter amendments in New Orleans, one of which would reform the Sewerage & Water Board. The Jefferson tax propositions are renewals of property taxes for the Jefferson Parish […]
Overview BGR examines charter amendments, tax propositions and state constitutional amendments on the October and November 2011 ballots. The October 22 ballot includes a Jefferson Parish charter amendment to establish the Office of Inspector General and an Ethics and Compliance Commission, as well as a related property tax to fund both entities. It also includes […]
Overview On the Ballot: Jefferson Parish, April 30, 2011 examines four proposed tax renewals. One is a sales tax renewal for the Jefferson Parish Public School System. The other three are property tax renewals that support Jefferson Parish drainage, juvenile services, and a combination of the Parish’s animal shelters and public health facilities and the […]
Overview On November 24, BGR sent a letter to the Mayor and City Council on the proposed 2011 budget for the City of New Orleans. The letter contains suggestions that would free up millions of dollars.
BGR analyzes 10 State constitutional amendments on the ballot for November 2, 2010. The amendments concern a wide variety of issues, including: Salary increases for elected officials Allocation of State of Louisiana severance taxes Property tax exemption for disabled veterans Limiting tax increases for non-elected taxing authorities Extending the period following a disaster for retaining […]
Overview In The Price of Civilization: Addressing Infrastructure Needs in New Orleans, BGR provides information on New Orleans’ core infrastructure needs â including streets, the systems of the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, schools and the Orleans Parish jail â and assesses the community’s capacity to fund those needs.
Overview In Forgotten Promises: The Lost Connection Between the Homestead Exemption and the Revenue Sharing Fund, BGR examines the decline of the State of Louisiana’s funding mechanism for compensating local taxing bodies for the costs of the homestead exemption. The report provides data on compensation for New Orleans, Jefferson Parish and St. Tammany Parish.
Overview With the primary on the way, BGR submitted questions to all mayoral candidates on topics in four areas: the cityâs budget, city services, infrastructure and blight. Four candidates â Rob Couhig, John Georges, Mitch Landrieu and James Perry â responded. BGR is presenting the Q&A to the public in a web-only, four-part series, Questions […]
Overview BGR examines two property taxes for public transit up for renewal by Jefferson Parish voters in the April 4, 2009, election.
Overview BGRÂ provides analysis of local propositions as well as amendments to the state constitution appearing on the ballot for November 4, 2008. A proposition in New Orleans would amend the city charter to make comprehensive changes to planning and land use decision making in the city. A proposition in Jefferson Parish would expand the permissible […]
Overview This release calls on the City of New Orleans to conform to charter requirements in producing its capital budget, which is developed by the mayor and reviewed by the New Orleans City Planning Commission and City Council.
Overview This release raises concerns about proposed budget approvals for the New Orleans Office of Recovery Management’s plans in advance of a public vetting of those plans. New Orleans recovery planning process following Hurricane Katrina requires transparency and public input.
Overview In Budgeting in a Time of Crisis: A Review of the City of New Orleansâ 2007 Budgets, BGR examines the Cityâs operating and capital budgets for 2007, the second fiscal year following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Overview BGR analyzes three tax propositions to go before voters in Jefferson Parish on March 31, 2007. The propositions would renew property taxes levied parishwide or in large portions of the parish that provide funding for the public schools, recreation and drainage.
Overview On September 30, Louisiana voters were asked to approve 13 constitutional amendments. This report focuses on those that are amendments relevant to Greater New Orleans in four arenas: coastal restoration and flood protection, expropriation, the homestead exemption, and unfunded state mandates. In addition, BGR provides an expanded discussion of the proposed amendment on expropriation, […]
Overview BGR and the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, Inc. (PAR) have issued a joint report calling for a full appraisal of financial options for local governments in fiscal crisis, including municipal bankruptcy.
Overview BGR analyzes two of four state constitutional amendments that will appear on the November 2, 2004, ballot. The two amendments would modify the homestead exemption and the veterans’ preference to apply for civil service positions. In addition, BGR provides voters in New Orleans with information on a proposed $260 million bond issue and Jefferson […]
Overview BGR analyzes a property tax renewal for the Jefferson Parish Public School System, considering the taxpayersâ investment and its importance to the school system.
Overview In this report, BGR predicts tight financial times ahead for Jefferson Parish Government. What can the Parish Council and Parish President do about it? This report offers an array of options for keeping the parish coffers filled.
Overview Among the propositions on the ballot for October 4, 2003, are three constitutional amendments relating to coastal restoration, and another providing for the possible state takeover of failing public schools, many of which are in New Orleans. BGR analyzes these four amendments, along with two local propositions. The Jefferson Parish ballot proposition would increase […]
Overview This report examines the history and current state of the operating budget and compares revenues and expenditures, including salaries, for the City of Harahan, a municipality in Jefferson Parish. The report includes information on comparable Louisiana cities.
Overview This edition of BGR’s Outlook series discusses the financial challenges facing the Jefferson Parish Public School System and the current academic performance of its schools.
Overview In this report, BGR reviews the four proposed changes in the Louisiana constitution that voters will decide on November 7, 2000. The amendments would: (1) authorize the state to establish a corporation to be the stateâs principal economic development organization (Louisiana Inc.) and to exempt it from civil service; (2) change state individual income […]
Overview This issue of the Outlook series examines the capital budget process of the City of New Orleans and critiques the implementation of the 1995 voter-approved building program.
Overview This issue of Outlook updates the financial status of the Jefferson Parish Public Schools with a focus on the revised fiscal year 1999 and the adopted fiscal year 2000 operating budgets.
Overview BGR examines four dedicated property tax millages on the ballot for renewal in Jefferson Parish. Voters will decide the proposed renewals on March 27, 1999. All four of the propositions provide for the continuation of basic services such as public transit, recreation and fire protection at existing authorized millage levels.
Overview This edition of Outlook provides an overview of Jefferson Parish Government and the Parish’s fiscal outlook, including final general government revenues and expenditures between 1988 and 1997, and an examination of the 1999 Jefferson Parish adopted budget.
Overview This is the first report in BGR’s Outlook series on the Orleans Parish School Board. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the Board’s fiscal outlook with a focus on the FY 1999 (July 1, 1998 through June 30, 1999) operating budget.
Overview In this issue of Outlook, BGR focuses on one specific area of Jefferson Parish Governmentâthe public works function, which manages streets, water, sewer, drainage and other infrastructure. The purpose of this report is to provide a brief overview of how this department is organized, where it receives its funding and how it spends its […]
Overview This report reviews the City of New Orleans’ property service charge proposal on the ballot for December 5, 1998. The primary intended uses of the new revenues include pay raises for most City employees and for all Orleans Parish public school employees.
Overview This report provides a short analysis of the potential creation of three separate neighborhood-based special tax districts in New Orleans and a recommendation on two proposed amendments to the Louisiana Constitution relative to the governance of higher education. The neighborhood districts will provide additional funding for enhanced security and in some cases, beautification and […]
Overview This report provides a synopsis and short analysis of all 18 proposed amendments to the Louisiana Constitution on the October 3, 1998, election ballot. The topics include assessment freezes for senior citizens and properties undergoing restoration, as well as parish severance tax allocations and remediation of blighted property: Establishes community college system Increases parish […]
Overview This issue of the BGR Outlook on Jefferson examines the Jefferson Parish School Board’s finances. The 16-page report analyzes the factors leading to recent operating budget deficits and discusses potential solutions.
Overview This report is the fourth in BGRâs program of governmental oversight and monitoring of Jefferson Parish governments. This report provides updated budgetary information on the Parish Council, District Attorney and Sheriff.
Overview This is the first in a new series of reports highlighting the finances of Jefferson Parish local government. It provides an overview of parish general-purpose government revenues and expenditures over the past ten years and comparison of current-year operating budget.
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) released a new report today examining the Sewerage & Water Board’s effort to develop a drainage funding proposal that can keep up with New Orleans’ growing needs. At a time when storms are becoming more...
Today the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) released two reports providing independent, nonpartisan analysis to New Orleans voters on propositions in the November 15 election. Early voting begins Saturday, November 1. On the Ballot: $510 Million New Orleans Capital...
Today the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) released Beyond the Ballot: Analyzing Spending and Impacts of the 2019 New Orleans Bond Authorization. The report finds that the City of New Orleans raised a total of $589.6 million for capital improvements...
Thatâs the name of the new report just released by independent local research organization Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR). President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray shares the shocking things not required to be included in the budget, why we need to...
The New Orleans City Council is planning to ask the state’s top auditor to examine the city’s finances and provide clarity on the size of its budget deficit after a city budget hearing this week left council members with...
As New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrellâs administration prepares measures to address the cityâs budget deficit, there is confusion over what the shortfall actually is. Officials tossed around various numbers at a City Council budget committee meeting this week, without...
NEW ORLEANS (press release) â The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) issued a new report warning that New Orleans is facing a projected $102.5 million budget shortfall in 2025. BGR urges the mayor and City Council to adopt stronger financial management practices as...
This audio recording is no longer available. BGR President Rebecca Mowbray discussed a September 11 BGR NOW re-emphasizing key recommendations made this spring to help preserve and strengthen the City of New Orleansâs financial health.
NEW ORLEANS â A report released by a local government watchdog highlights the City of New Orleansâ growing budget deficit, which is on track to top $100 million by the end of the year. âThere’s a concern about looming...
The City of New Orleans is at a tipping point. As the races for mayor and City Council heat up, frustrated residents are demanding better City services and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Cityâs improved post-pandemic financial position is at serious...
NEW ORLEANS (press release) â The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) won three awards at the national Governmental Research Association conference July 13-16 in Providence, R.I. BGR was honored for Outstanding Policy Achievement for its efforts to encourage the City of New Orleans to meet...
Voters will head to the polls in October to decide New Orleans’ municipal elections, with the seats of the Mayor, City Council and Orleans Parish Sheriff being the major positions up for grabs. In our quest to remain a...
Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, BGRâs June 18 Breakfast Briefing discussed the disaster’s lasting impact on local government reformâand what lessons public officials and citizens can use to inspire future change. This event was free to...
The reform and modernization of local government is a lasting legacy of Hurricane Katrina. By envisioning positive change and reforming local government, residents, advocates and policymakers created a better future for Greater New Orleans. BGR is proud to have...
NEW ORLEANS â The trial over millions of dollars the Orleans Parish School Board claims it is owed by the city of New Orleans has been delayed after a judge ruled that an essential party is missing from the...
BATON ROUGE, La. (WVUE) – A proposal to increase Louisianaâs homestead exemption for the first time in more than four decades is gaining traction at the State Capitol. The measure, authored by Rep. Matt Willard (D-New Orleans), would allow...
When Congress passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in March 2021, it allocated $350 billion in assistance to state and local governments â providing the largest infusion of cash to local governments since the start of...
As New Orleans officials grapple with an April 17 meeting where they literally will argue about whether or not the city faces a budget crisis, they should welcome some new recommendations from the Bureau of Governmental Research, even if...
NEW ORLEANS â The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR), a private, nonprofit, and independent research organization based in New Orleans, released the report âImproving Financial Management Practices for the City of New Orleansâ on April 7, highlighting concerns about...
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who built a multi-billion dollar business and led the nationâs largest city for three terms, has a motto: âIf you canât measure it, you canât manage it.â The next mayor of New Orleans...
This recording is no longer available online. Read BGR’s report urging the City of New Orleans to improve its financial management practices.
Listen to Newell Normand’s commentary in response to BGR’s report urging the City of New Orleans to improve its financial management practices.
NEW ORLEANS â After months of unclear back-and-forth from city leaders regarding the city’s financial standing- sparked by the Mayor pulling out of a multimillion dollar settlement with the Orleans Parish School Board- a new report released by the...
New Orleans officials donât have a long-term plan for the cityâs finances or safeguards for the cityâs reserves, leaving municipal budgets vulnerable at an âinflection pointâ in the cityâs history, according to a new report from the Bureau of...
The recent dispute about a proposed $90 million legal settlement between the City of New Orleans and the Orleans Parish School Board has raised concerns about the Cityâs financial health. It also revealed troubling disagreements within the administration about...
NEW ORLEANS (press release) â The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) updated its interactive Property Tax Dashboards with the latest rates for Jefferson, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes. The update reveals most millage rates were lowered in Jefferson and...
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) has updated its interactive Property Tax Dashboards with the latest rates for Jefferson, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes. First launched at the beginning of 2024, the dashboards help residents, business owners and policymakers...
A government watchdog group has issued guidance that it says City Hall and its partners must follow before dispersing millions of dollars in new, voter-approved funding for affordable housing programs. The Bureau of Governmental Research initially opposed the Housing...
Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) sent a letter to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and members of the City Council highlighting several ways to strengthen the future use of Housing Trust Fund money. In November, New Orleans...
NEW ORLEANS (Dec. 18, 2024) â Yesterday, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) sent a five-page letter to Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the City Council, offering a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the newly approved...
If you want proof that every vote counts, check out the results of the Jefferson Parish School Boardâs property tax proposition on Dec. 7. The new 10.89-mill tax would have given public school teachers a significant pay raise, but...
After voters in Jefferson Parish narrowly rejected a tax proposal in Saturday’s election to fund pay raises for teachers and staff, school board members say they plan to regroup and return next year with another ballot proposition to raise...
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE)âJefferson Parish voters will decide on Saturday (Dec. 6) on a proposed property tax increase to boost pay for public school teachers and staff in the parish. Superintendent James Gray said Jefferson Parish, home to Louisianaâs largest...
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. (WGNO) â Voters in Jefferson Parish will decide if teachers and other school employees should get a pay raise. The proposition will be on the Dec. 7 ballot and in the form of a 10.89-mill property...
A recording of this interview is no longer available online. Click here to read BGR’s report on the Jefferson Parish school tax proposition.
NEW ORLEANS (press release) â The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) published a new report last Thursday: On the Ballot: Jefferson Parish School Tax, December 7, 2024. The report is intended to help Jefferson Parish voters make an informed...
The Jefferson Parish School Board is asking voters to approve a new property tax on the Dec. 7 ballot to fund pay raises for both teachers and staff. The 10.89-mill tax would raise an additional $48 million per year...
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) published a new report today, On the Ballot: Jefferson Parish School Tax, December 7, 2024. The report is intended to help Jefferson Parish voters make an informed decision on a proposed 10.89-mill property tax...
New Orleans voters on Tuesday (Nov. 5) approved two new amendments to the cityâs charter: one that will add a âworkersâ bill of rightsâ and another that will require the city to set aside millions per year in a...
New Orleans is poised to see a massive influx of taxpayer funding for local affordable housing projects after voters approved a charter amendment during Tuesdayâs election. Over 75 percent of the city voted âyesâ on the amendment, handing supporters...
New Orleans voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly backed a city affordable housing fund and symbolic support for private sector workers, while Jefferson Parish voters agreed to allow city government to fire certain staffers at will. In an election that also...
As the City Councilâs leading advocate on the quest for more affordable housing, District B Councilmember Lesli Harris has a lot at stake in the November 5 Election. Harris is heading up the effort to pass the New Orleans...
Other than the bitterly divisive presidential race, the Nov. 5 ballot features few contested elections in Orleans and Jefferson parishes. In fact, the hottest local item appears to be a proposed City Charter amendment to create permanent local funding...
NEW ORLEANS â City leaders in New Orleans want to allocate a chunk of money from the general fund for affordable housing needs. The proposal is on the ballot in November as Charter Amendment 1. The proposal is to...
NEW ORLEANS â As city and state leaders clash over homeless encampments in New Orleans, Lesli Harris and other city leaders are advocating for a long-term solution thatâs already in the works. That solution, the Housing Trust Fund, is...
Proposition one on the ballot is asking New Orleans voters to approve two percent of the city’s general fund to pay for affordable housing. Click here to review BGR’s report on the ballot proposition.
The Bureau of Governmental Research discussed its report, On the Ballot: New Orleans Housing Trust Fund, November 5, 2024 Election, on The Good Morning Show on WBOK 1230 AM. Click here to watch the segment.
While the presidential race is still very much a toss-up, some winners are already certain when the votes are counted in New Orleans on Nov. 5: advocates of affordable housing and persons in need of housing assistance. The New...
I love New Orleans. I love the architecture, the arts, the culture, the food, the music, the people. I love our gumbo population, with its strong Black base. But there’s no denying that some of my city’s neighborhoods have...
It is no secret that New Orleans is facing a housing crisis. Like many other cities across the nation, New Orleans is contending with a decreasing supply of low-cost housing coupled with cost-of-living increases across the board. The city...
Voters in New Orleans will see two proposed city charter amendments on the Nov. 5 ballot, with early voting beginning Friday. Here are the Times-Picayuneâs recommendations. Home Rule Charter Amendment No. 1: No The bad news is that New...
Members of the River District consortium and other New Orleans developers are the main financial backers of a November ballot initiative that would direct millions of city tax dollars annually to affordable housing projects. New Orleans developer Louis Lauricella,...
Tommy hears from BGR and from Councilmember Lesli Harris about affordable housing. Click here to listen. Click here to read BGR’s On the Ballot report.
NEW ORLEANS (Oct. 12, 2024) â The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) expressed concern this week regarding a proposed charter amendment in New Orleans that would mandate a minimum annual budget allocation of 2% of the Cityâs General Fund...
Affordable housing is getting harder to find in New Orleans, and city leaders want to put millions in taxpayer dollars toward solving the issue. Residents will see a question on their ballot on Election Day asking them to vote...
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) â New Orleans voters will decide whether to dedicate millions of local tax dollars to affordable housing. The proposition will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. According to a 2024 report from the National Low Income...
NEW ORLEANS (press release) â District âBâ Councilmember Lesli Harris, who chairs the Quality of Life Committee and has been an advocate for affordable housing, issued the following statement in response to BGRâs new report on the Housing Trust...
Construction is set to begin on a blighted, century-old firehouse on Louisiana Avenue that will become New Orleansâ first city-owned property to include both affordable housing units and an early childhood education center, city leaders said Wednesday. As part...
NEW ORLEANS (press release) â The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) has released an On the Ballot report analyzing a proposed charter amendment in the Nov. 5 New Orleans election. The proposition would require an annual budget appropriation for...
A good government group has come out in opposition to a plan that would dedicate millions in public funding to affordable housing programs each year if approved by New Orleans voters this November. According to a report released Wednesday...
Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) releases an On the Ballot report analyzing a proposed charter amendment in the November 5 New Orleans election. The proposition would require an annual budget appropriation for the City’s Housing Trust Fund equal to at least...
Itâs a problem New Orleanians know all too well: Housing costs in the city have skyrocketed in recent years, forcing long-time residents to cheaper suburbs and shrinking the cityâs tax base. Past efforts to help people with their rent...
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. â Amid a simmering political scandal, Jefferson Parish voters bit the bullet in December 2016 and renewed a tax for drainage improvements. But the following year, the Parish Council decided not to raise the tax to...
Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research released a report analyzing the impact of the 2019 âFair Shareâ deal to direct new tourism dollars to maintain streets, drainage and other infrastructure in New Orleans. BGR finds that the deal between the City...
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) won three awards from its peer organizations in the Governmental Research Association (GRA) at its national conference July 21-23 in Asheville, N.C. BGRâs 2023 report calling for governance reforms for the Sewerage and...
Renata Young blocks her front door with sandbags when it rains. During a recent downpour, the water near her home in Treme was pooled ankle-high above each of the blockâs four overwhelmed catch basins. More than three years ago,...
New Orleans City Council members are pressing forward with plans to enshrine an unprecedented local investment in affordable housing into the City Charter, a move aimed at expanding programs to help first-time homebuyers, rehab rental units and provide financial...
To help explain these taxes, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) launched an interactive, online tool.
About an hour north of Jackson, Miss. the Justice Department is investigating a small townâs police force. The allegations? Unlawful stops, retaliation, racist roadblocks and excessive force. As the Gulf States Newsroomâs Kat Stromquist reports, residents still worry they...
BGR President and CEO Becky Mowbray discussed our new Property Tax Dashboards on WWL Radio with host Tommy Tucker. Although the audio clip is no longer available online, you can click here to explore the dashboards.
NEW ORLEANS â From the Bureau of Governmental Research: Property taxes are a basic means of financing local government, but the public faces a confusing array of tax rates, taxing bodies and dedicated purposes across the New Orleans region....
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) â The Bureau of Governmental Research released a new online dashboard designed to help residents in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes better understand their property taxes. According to the BGR, the dashboard serves as an...
Property taxes are a basic means of financing local government, but the public faces a confusing array of tax rates, taxing bodies and dedicated purposes across the New Orleans region. To help explain these taxes, the Bureau of Governmental...
The New Orleans City Council approved the city’s $1.57 billion budget on Friday, greenlighting most of the spending that Mayor LaToya Cantrell proposed for 2024. That budget, along with an additional $56 million in spending on a variety of...
The New Orleans City Council is set to approve most of Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s proposed $1.57 billion city budget on Friday, with pay raises on the way for New Orleans police, more money set aside in a “rainy day”...
Mayor LaToya Cantrell wants to tackle some of New Orleans’ most stubborn issues over the next year: public safety, infrastructure and improving residents’ quality of life. But anyone looking for major new initiatives from the mayor who has two...
NEW ORLEANS â From the Bureau of Governmental Research: New Orleans voters will head to the polls on Saturday to vote in several prominent races, including one for Louisianaâs next governor. But they will also decide three important local...
Saturdayâs elections for statewide and parish offices along with a number of other ballot initiatives will be the culmination of many months of hard work and millions of dollar spent by candidates, their supporters and public and quasi-public agencies...
Louisianans head to the polls Saturday to vote in the gubernatorial primary. Why it matters: Just about every statewide office is up for grabs, so voters will make a big impact on the state’s direction for the next several...
BGR President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray discussed BGR’s renewed call for the City of New Orleans and the Orleans Parish Sheriff to develop a cooperative agreement to fund the Orleans Justice Center, the parish jail. Audio recording is not...
BGR President and CEO Rebecca Mowbray discussed BGR’s reports on the October 14, 2023, ballot propositions with WWL Radio host Tommy Tucker. Audio recording not available online.
New Orleans voters heading to the polls Oct. 14 will punch ballots for governor, the legislature and several other state and local elected positions. They’ll also see three citywide ballot measures, one aimed at renewing tax funding for school...
This year, Louisiana voters are once again being asked to weigh in on a number of policy issues. At the state level, lawmakers have proposed four amendments to the Louisiana constitution, while here in Orleans Parish voters will be...
Election day is almost here. And there is more on the ballot than candidates running for office. Voters in many municipalities are also being asked to consider ballot measures related to local governance. In the city of New Orleans,...
Excerpt: PW HRC Amendment Prop. No. 1 of 2 â Art. VI, Sec. 6-102 & 6-104 â CCShall Article VI, Sections 6-102 and 6-104 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of New Orleans be amended to move...
Orleans Parish School Board facilities millage renewal: Yes In the grueling recovery from Hurricane Katrina, the $1.8 billion lump sum settlement with FEMA to rebuild New Orleans schools was a high point. Saddled before the storm with facilities so...
NEW ORLEANS â The Bureau of Governmental Research has published a report calling on the City of New Orleans and the Orleans Parish Sheriffâs Office to resolve a long-running disagreement over funding for the parish jail. The dispute flared last fall...
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) â As the New Orleans City Council prepares its 2024 budget, the Bureau of Governmental Research has released a report about a longstanding dispute over funding for the Orleans Parish Prison. According to the report, the...
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) published a report today calling on the City of New Orleans and the Orleans Parish Sheriffâs Office to resolve a long-running disagreement over funding for the parish jail. The dispute flared anew last fall...
Click here to watch the video, and here to visit the BGR webpage for this report.
NEW ORLEANS â From the Bureau of Governmental Research: On Sept. 21, the Bureau of Governmental Research released three On the Ballot reports for the October 14 election. The reports are intended to help New Orleans voters make informed decisions...
Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) releases three On the Ballot reports for the October 14 election. The reports are intended to help New Orleans voters make informed decisions on three separate propositions: a property tax renewal for...
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) won two awards from the Governmental Research Association (GRA) at its national conference July 24-26 in Worcester, Mass. BGRâs 2022 report calling for governance reforms for the Orleans Parish jail received the Most...
The New Orleans City Council on Thursday approved $32 million for a new affordable housing fund, nearly doubling the financing assistance available to developers planning large multifamily projects across the city. City officials say the additional subsidies are needed...
Becky Mowbray and Stephen Stuart join Tommy to talk about how the city is spending the money from the General Fund Reserve. Click here to listen to the interview.
The New Orleans City Council on Thursday (May 25) approved a city spending plan for more than $120 million â almost all of which comes from federal COVID pandemic relief funds. The money is going to a wide range...
The New Orleans City Council is set to vote Thursday (May 25) on a plan to spend tens of millions in city surplus dollars on city vehicles, affordable housing and assorted other projects as well as the last $54...
Standing before a gymnasium full of angry residents at the Avondale Playground in October, Jefferson Parish Council member Byron Lee made a pledge. âIf you need uniforms, call my office,â he said. âIf you need playground equipment, call my...
NEW ORLEANS â From the Bureau of Governmental Research: In an April 28 letter to the Jefferson Parish Council, BGR recommends ways in which the council can improve planning and public reporting for one-time spending made possible by the receipt of...
In an April 28 letter to the Jefferson Parish Council, BGR recommends ways in which the council can improve planning and public reporting for one-time spending made possible by the receipt of federal pandemic relief funds through the American Rescue Plan...
NEW ORLEANS â New Orleans East is getting some much-needed funding for some big projects. Councilman Oliver Thomas announced on social media this weekend that extra cash from the American Rescue Plan Act will be heading to New Orleans...
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – As residents complained about garbage left to rot on the streets for weeks, the company contracted to collect that trash in several neighborhoods was pleading with the city of New Orleans to fully pay the...
When the New Orleans City Council passed a massive, $262 million amendment to the 2023 budget in the waning hours before a Dec. 1 deadline, local activists were surprised. Thereâd been no formal notice that Mayor LaToya Cantrell and...
NEW ORLEANS â From the Bureau of Governmental Research: On Dec. 13, BGR released a new report that shows how the City of New Orleans has used the first half ($194 million) of its federal relief funds to weather...
A new report from the local think tank the Bureau of Governmental Research analyzed how New Orleans has managed the $388 million in federal COVID relief funds it received through the America Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA. The central...
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) highlighted a new report on the City of New Orleans’ uses of its federal American Rescue Plan Act funds in a webinar on December 14 on Zoom. The federal government has provided state...
A new report from the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) takes a closer look at the impacts of the City of New Orleans’ federal pandemic relief funds on its finances and budget priorities. Managing the Windfall: Tracking the City of...
Awards The Bureau of Governmental Research has received two research awards from the Governmental Research Association. BGR received a Certificate of Merit for Distinguished Research on a Local Government Issue for its method of analyzing local tax propositions in its âOn...
NEW ORLEANS â From the Bureau of Governmental Research: BGR received two research awards from the Governmental Research Association at a national conference held last month in Philadelphia. In addition, BGR recently welcomed Melanie Bronfin as a new member of its...
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) recently received two research awards from the Governmental Research Association (GRA) at its national conference held last month in Philadelphia. In addition, BGR recently welcomed Ms. Melanie Bronfin as a new member of...
Jefferson Parish residents voted Saturday to approve a 7-mill property tax increase that will generate an additional $28 million for the Jefferson Parish Sheriffâs Office. Sheriff Joe Lopinto had pitched the tax increase as a way to bring in...
Rebecca Mowbray and Paul Rioux of the Bureau of Government Research joined Newell to discuss why the JPSO tax proposition is something voters should support. Click here to listen: https://www.audacy.com/wwl/podcasts/newell-normand-20323/researchers-back-jpso-tax-proposition-1384034328 Click here for BGR’s report on the Jefferson Parish...
On the ballot for the April 30 election is a tax proposal from Jefferson Parish Sheriffâs Office. âWe were very eager to look at the proposal from the JPSO because Jefferson is the most populous parish in our region,â...
NEW ORLEANS â From the Bureau of Governmental Research: BGR has released a new report titled âOn the Ballot: Jefferson Parish Sheriffâs Office Tax, April 30, 2022.â The report is intended to help Jefferson Parish voters make an informed...
When Jefferson Parish voters head to the ballot box on Saturday, April 30, theyâll decide on a potential millage increase put forward by Sheriff Joseph Lopinto to fund the hiring of nearly 250 positions and pay raises for sheriffâs...
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto’s proposed 7-mill property tax to fund employee raises has picked up the backing of the Bureau of Governmental Research, which agreed with Lopinto’s assertion that increasing salaries is needed to help the agency keep...
Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) releases a new report, On the Ballot: Jefferson Parish Sheriffâs Office Tax, April 30, 2022. The report is intended to help Jefferson Parish voters make an informed decision on whether to approve...
Today, Governor John Bel Edwards joined the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) for a Virtual Breakfast Briefing to discuss his key priorities for 2022 and the potential impacts of new federal funding for Louisiana. Click here or on the...
After years of doing taxes the same way, Louisiana voters beginning Saturday are being asked to decide if the state should head in a different direction. Forty-three parishes, like Orleans, are choosing local leadership or deciding propositions, like East...
The City of New Orleans has received its first portion of federal pandemic relief funds through the American Rescue Plan. This historic federal investment will influence the City’s budget for the next few years. BGR recently discussed the need...
NEW ORLEANS â The City of New Orleans has received its first portion of federal pandemic relief funds through the American Rescue Plan. This historic federal investment will influence the Cityâs budget for the next few years. BGR recently...
NEW ORLEANS â The Bureau of Governmental Research has released guidance for government entities planning how to spend federal pandemic relief funds. The nonprofit watchdog said governments have âsubstantial flexibilityâ in spending the federal dollars, which creates a ârare...
The Bureau of Governmental Research today releases Handle with Care: Public Planning and Accountability Must Guide Spending of Federal Relief Funds. This BGR NOW offers guidance to government entities on harnessing the opportunities presented by unprecedented federal funding to...
On March 20, voters in Louisianaâs Second Congressional District will choose a successor to former U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, who now works as a top aide to President Joe Biden. Voters in state House District 82, which encompasses Old...
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) has a new report out about water and sewer tax propositions in Jefferson Parish, to be voted on in the March 20th election. Stephen Stuart is the Research Director at BGR, Susie Dudis...
JEFFERSON PARISH (WVUE) –The Bureau of Governmental Research Tuesday released a report highlighting two Jefferson Parish tax proposals related to the parishâs water and sewer systems. The two propositions will appear on the March 20 ballot. The propositions will...
NEW ORLEANS â The Bureau of Governmental Research has released a new report expressing support for two Jefferson Parish tax propositions that will appear on a March 20 ballot. BGR said the report is intended to help voters in...
The independent nonprofit group Bureau of Governmental Research is backing two Jefferson Parish tax proposals, one for its water system and one for its sewage system, according to a report released Tuesday. The proposals are the parishâs plan to...
Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) releases On the Ballot: Jefferson Parish Water and Sewer Taxes, March 20, 2021. The report is intended to help voters in Jefferson Parish make informed decisions on two property tax propositions to...
Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) hosted a virtual Breakfast Briefing featuring Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. She discussed âLeading Jefferson Parish Today and Tomorrow: Reflections on 2020, Managing the Pandemic, and Future Priorities.â Following her presentation,...
Today, BGR releases this BGR NOW supporting three policy changes up for consideration by the Orleans Parish School Board that would strengthen NOLA Public Schoolsâ financial accountability measures and support the districtâs financial sustainability. The changes address financial oversight...
Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) hosted a virtual Breakfast Briefing featuring New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. She discussed “Looking Ahead to 2021: New Orleans’ Budget, Infrastructure and Policy Priorities” and then answered questions from the audience. BGR...
Even as itâs grown in popularity, Iâve never felt compelled to participate in early voting. I enjoy the ritual of walking to my local polling place, seeing neighbors and greeting the commissioners who show up year after year to...
NEW ORLEANS â In a new report, the Bureau of Governmental Research â a nonprofit watchdog group â recommends voters renew a 0.5-mill property tax dedicated to Jefferson Parishâs Office of Inspector General and the Ethics and Compliance Commission. BGR...
The Jefferson Parish Inspector General’s property tax renewal, which is on the ballot Nov. 3, got the thumbs up from an independent nonprofit Tuesday, when the Bureau of Governmental Research announced its endorsement. The .5-mill, 10-year property tax that...
Today, the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) releases On the Ballot: Jefferson Parish Inspector General Tax Renewal, November 3, 2020. The report is intended to help voters in the unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish make an informed decision on...
Today, BGR released the inaugural edition of PolicyWatch, a periodic newsletter that draws on BGRâs body of independent, nonpartisan research to address current public policy issues. This edition focuses on the City of New Orleansâ finances as it faces a...
The coronavirus outbreak and the efforts to slow its spread are set to levy a massive toll on the New Orleans economy, with the hospitality sector already seeing a sharp downturn in business and officials warning about likely cuts...
BGR President and CEO Amy Glovinsky and Vice President & Research Director Stephen Stuart talked about the 2020 Excellence in Government Awards program and a variety of issues related to local government in a live interview with Oliver Thomas...
Deputy clerks at Orleans Parish Criminal District Court can breathe a sigh of relief â at least for now. Clerk of Court Arthur Morrell said Monday that he has shelved his plan to furlough nearly all of his office’s...
The City Council has made a request to cut tax rates for property owners, and an agreement is under consideration. The plan is to move some individual millages around to prioritize infrastructure and public safety dollars over areas of...
As the New Orleans City Council reviews the proposed 2020 budget for the City of New Orleans, BGR presents here a collection of resources to help citizens understand the proposal in the context of recent City budget trends and...
Today, BGR releases BGR Now: A Framework for Assessing New Orleans’ Proposed 2020 Budget, which outlines key findings of BGR’s recent City budget study and connects them to the current 2020 budget process to help inform citizens and policymakers....
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...
Citizens in Orleans and Jefferson parishes who plan to vote in tomorrow’s election can inform their decisions with three BGR reports: On the Ballot: Housing Tax Exemptions in New Orleans, October 12, 2019 examines Constitutional Amendment No. 4, which...
Today, BGR releases A Look Back to Plan Ahead: Analyzing Past New Orleans Budgets to Guide Funding Priorities. The report reviews the Cityâs General Fund budgets from 2010 to 2019, focusing on growth in revenues and changes in expenditures. As...
Today BGR releases Questions for a New Parish Council, the second in a two-part report series providing the views of candidates for Jefferson Parish government on important public policy issues. Yesterday, BGR released the responses of the candidates for...
Today BGR releases Questions for a New Parish President, the first in a two-part series of reports providing the views of candidates for Jefferson Parish government on important public policy issues. Tomorrow, BGR will release the responses of the...
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. âResidents of Jefferson Parish voted to adopt a pay raise for teachers in the parish. A pay raise for all teachers at Jefferson Parish schools passed with nearly 80% of the vote. The proposition will raise...
With a new School Board, new superintendent and new goal to improve academic performance from a C grade to an A in five years, Jefferson Parish voters agreed Saturday (May 4) to raise property taxes for public education by $28.8 million. Approval with...
Jefferson Parish voters on Saturday resoundingly approved a new 7.9-mill, 10-year property tax to fund raises for teachers and other employees. The proposal from the Jefferson Parish School Board garnered 72 percent approval. In unrelated elections, the parish’s voters...
With broad backing of the parishâs leadership, including the business community and teachers unions at one time at odds, a new pay plan for Jefferson Parish teachers and school employees is a good proposal worthy of the support of...
Voters in much of the New Orleans area will head to the polls Saturday to consider mainly requests involving taxes, as a parks and recreation tax in Orleans Parish, a teacher pay tax in Jefferson Parish and a school...
Some very critical tax measures go before the voters on Saturday. Teacher pay raises and commitments to public greenspace and facilities in both Jefferson and Orleans. Even on the second Saturday of Jazz Fest, these millages are worthy of...
Lyndsey Jackson teaches deaf children ages 3 to 5 how to communicate, to treat one another with respect and to learn, so that theyâll be ready for kindergarten. She spends part of the day on the classroom floor at...
Maybe itâs poor timing, but the leadership of Jefferson Parish has an important tax proposal for teacher pay on the ballot just as the Legislature is contemplating a $1,000 raise for teachers from the state. The teacher pay raise...
VOTERS IN NEW ORLEANS AND JEFFERSON PARISH WILL GO TO THE POLLS ON MAY 4Â â during Jazz Fest â to consider several important property tax millages. In New Orleans, the sole item on the ballot is the proposed renewal...
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. âVoters in Jefferson Parish will soon decide if they want to pay more in property taxes to fund teacher pay raises. The property millage is on the May 4 ballot. The proposition would raise teachersâ pay...
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – In less than a month, Jefferson Parish voters will be asked to approve a property tax increase for teacher and support worker pay raises, though some voters are wondering why the tax is drawing support...
A nonpartisan research group is urging New Orleans and Jefferson Parish voters to support two tax measures that will be on the May 4 ballot. The private Bureau of Governmental Research announced Tuesday that it has endorsed a measure...
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – In a new report released Tuesday morning, the Bureau of Governmental Research weighs in on a proposed tax to give Jefferson Parish teachers pay raises. The BGR report comes down in favor of the proposal...
The Jefferson Parish public school systemâs $28.8 million tax increase was endorsed Tuesday (April 9) by the independent Bureau of Governmental Research, which called it a âwell-developedâ proposal to make teacher pay competitive with other local school systems. The property tax...
Jefferson Parish’s proposed 7.9-mill public schools tax landed a significant endorsement Tuesday, when the Bureau of Governmental Research backed the measure. The tax, which will appear on the May 4 ballot, would generate nearly $29 million a year in...
Today, BGR releases On the Ballot: Jefferson Parish School Tax Proposal, May 4, 2019. The report analyzes a May 4 tax proposition in Jefferson Parish for a new 7.9-mill tax to fund pay raises for teachers and other school employees....
There will be several proposed changes to the state constitution on the ballot next Tuesday. One of them, Amendment 6, is meant to ease the blow of a sudden increase in property taxes. Thatâs something experienced by many people...
Jefferson Parish voters will take up three parishwide tax renewals when they go to the polls Nov. 6, while voters in Grand Isle and parts of the west bank also will vote on taxes for their local fire departments....
Today the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) releases reports to inform voters on proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 6 and three proposed Jefferson Parish property tax renewals. Tax Phase-In Constitutional Amendment On November 6, 2018, voters statewide will decide whether...
Update: A clarification was added to this story to indicate that municipal taxes were not factored in the Louisiana Tax Commission’s rankings. Three parishes in metro New Orleans were in the Top 10 with the highest property tax rates among...
Voters on the west bank of Jefferson Parish on Saturday overwhelmingly approved a new property tax that will fund critical maintenance work on the federal levees that protect the area from flooding. After rejecting a similar tax proposal in...
When it comes to taxes, essential services have to be paid for, and one of them in Louisiana more than almost anyplace else in the world is flood protection. But a property tax millage for flood protection in West...
The Times-Picayune editorial board makes the following recommendation for Saturday’s (April 28) election. JEFFERSON PARISH WEST JEFFERSON LEVEE DISTRICT PROPOSITION To increase property taxes by 4.75 mills for 10 years for maintenance of the flood control system Yes The Southeast...
Today the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) releases On the Ballot: West Jefferson Levee District Property Tax, April 28, 2018. On April 28, voters on the west bank of Jefferson Parish will decide whether to approve a new property tax for the...
The Jefferson Parish School Board most likely will ask voters for a tax increase next spring to fund teacher pay raises and facility upgrades, but just how much of a hike has yet to be decided. At its meeting Tuesday (Dec....
METAIRIE, LA (WVUE) – Jefferson Parish School Board members are debating which way to go next after voters narrowly defeated a measure that would have raised teacher pay. The Jefferson Parish School System is drawing more students in recent years, thanks in...
Just days after Jefferson Parish voters narrowly rejected a new property tax to fund a pay raise for public school employees, School Board members are gearing up for new tax proposals they hope to put before voters in the...
Jefferson Parish School Board member Cedric Floyd said Tuesday (Nov. 21) that he wants voters to reconsider an 8.45-mill property tax that was rejected on Saturday. The tax, estimated to generate $27 million a year, would be dedicated to teacher and...
There are several issues and races on the ballot throughout south Louisiana for today’s election, including a statewide contest to pick the next treasurer and a high-profile race for mayor in New Orleans. We urge everyone to go to...
New Orleans voters have agreed to create a safety net for the city’s finances, establishing a “rainy day” fund with a charter change that gained citywide approval Saturday (Nov. 18). The city will be required to set aside for emergencies...
Jefferson Parish voters on Saturday narrowly rejected an 8.45-mill, 10-year property tax that would have paid for salary increases for school system employees, tossing aside arguments that the parish’s teachers need to be paid more to make the system...
Jefferson Parish voters narrowly rejected a new 8.45-mill property tax Saturday (Nov. 18) that school officials requested to boost teacher pay. With more than 41,600 votes cast, the tax was rejected by a margin of 484 votes. The tax was proposed...
In 7 1/2 years, together with the City Council and the people of New Orleans, we have righted the ship of government. Today, our financial house is stronger, going from a budget deficit to a budget surplus, and our...
Jefferson Parish schools are asking taxpayers to vote “yes” on Saturday to a new 8.5 mil property tax. The money would be used to give teachers and school employees their first across the board pay raise in 10 years....
The Jefferson Parish public school system is asking voters to approve a new 8.45-mill property tax on the Nov. 18 ballot that school officials say is needed to boost teacher pay. The tax would help increase the starting pay of first...
It’s been a rocky few months for the Jefferson Parish School Board: Longtime member Ray St. Pierre died, parents protested shifting attendance zones on the east bank, and board member Cedric Floyd tried to get Superintendent Isaac Joseph suspended....
Early voting begins Friday across the state for the Nov. 18 election, with the runoffs for New Orleans mayor and two city council seats drawing the most attention, along with a statewide race for treasurer and other local tax...
When Mayor Mitch Landrieu and a new City Council took office in May 2010, New Orleans was broke. The mayor and council took drastic measures to put the city’s fiscal house in order, and those tough choices have, for...
The government agency overseeing Jefferson Parish’s two bus systems is sitting on a big pile of cash: $21.2 million. And parish officials want more. They’re asking voters Oct. 14 to renew two property taxes that fund the conventional fixed-route bus service and...
Voters throughout Jefferson Parish will be asked Saturday to renew the 6.5-mill property tax that funds the parishâs public library system, while River Ridge and a handful of Metairie voters will decide whether to pay more to become part...
BGR won two awards from the Governmental Research Association (GRA) at its national conference in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. BGR won the award for Outstanding Policy Achievement for the report The Accidental Steward: The Orleans Parish School...
