This On the Ballot report examines the November 15, 2025, proposed charter amendment on New Orleans’ City Attorney.
This On the Ballot report examines the November 15, 2025, proposed charter amendment on New Orleans’ City Attorney.
On the Ballot: New Orleans City Attorney Charter Amendment analyzes a proposed City charter amendment to clarify that the City Attorney represents the entire City of New Orleans, and not just the mayor or the City Council. It also would allow the council to block the mayorâs firing of the City Attorney under certain circumstances. BGRâs report analyzes whether the proposal would effectively address a clear problem or need, and whether it is necessary or desirable to change the charter to improve public outcomes.
The council proposed the amendment to help ensure even-handedness in the City Attorneyâs dealings with both branches. This followed legal disputes with the mayor in which the council questioned the City Attorneyâs neutrality and independence. The mayor vetoed the proposed amendment, but the council unanimously overrode the veto to place it on the ballot.
If approved by voters, the charter amendment would take effect January 13, 2026. This is the first day in office for the next mayor and City Council.
AGAINST. The proposed charter amendment is not necessary to achieve the desired goal of improving the working relationship between the City Attorney, the mayor and the City Council. It is clear from the current charter that the City Attorney and the Law Department represent the City as a whole, and not just the mayor or the council. The City Attorney also must advise both the mayor and the City Council and follow all other charter duties and ethical rules that the amendment seeks to affirm. From a practical standpoint, the amendment would provide greater cover for the City Attorney to give legal advice to both the executive and legislative branches of City government in a professional, neutral manner. But the same guiding principles for dealing with interbranch conflicts will apply even if they are not explicitly stated in the charter.
In addition, the council will be able to confirm the next mayorâs choice for City Attorney after a public hearing at which the council can vet potential appointees. It can evaluate their understanding of the City Attorneyâs duties to the City, the mayor and the council under the current charter, as well as the ethical rules and how they would apply to the position. A successful candidate could be held accountable for a failure to act consistently with the answers given during the public confirmation process. This public vetting may be a more effective way of fostering the City Attorneyâs positive working relationship with both branches than the proposed charter amendmentâs process for allowing the council to block the mayorâs firing of a City Attorney. That process is not clearly defined in the amendment and could lead to more interbranch conflicts.
Click here to download the full report.
This report is part of BGRâs On the Ballot series, which provides voters with independent, nonpartisan analysis of significant ballot propositions in the New Orleans metropolitan area. In producing these reports, BGR recommends positions consistent with its mission of promoting informed public policy making and the effective use of public resources to improve local government. On the Ballot reports highlight the strengths and weaknesses of ballot propositions and assess the potential for government expenditures or actions to efficiently achieve beneficial outcomes for citizens.
This On the Ballot report examines the November 15, 2025, proposed charter amendment on New Orleans’ City Attorney.
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