Budget & Finance

On the Ballot: $510 Million New Orleans Capital Bond Authorization

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.

Analyzing the Results of the 2019 New Orleans Bond Authorization

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.

New Orleans Needs a Sustainable Budget to Meet Residents’ Demands

This BGR NOW report re-emphasizes key recommendations to help preserve and strengthen the City of New Orleans’s financial health.

BGR Looks Back at Post-Katrina Government Reforms

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...

Candidate Q&A Oct. 11 Primary Edition: Mayor, City Council and Sheriff

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...

Improving Financial Management Practices for the City of New Orleans

This report discusses City of New Orleans financial practices that are out of step with recommendations by government finance experts and calls for improvements.

Strengthening Future Administration of New Orleans Housing Trust Fund

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....

BGR Reviews Housing Trust Fund Charter Amendment in New Orleans

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 City’s Housing Trust Fund.

BGR Analyzes Impact of ‘Fair Share’ Deal for New Orleans Infrastructure

This report analyzes the impact of the 2019 “Fair Share” 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...

Budget Agreement Critical to Solve Chronic Problems at New Orleans Jail

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 Sheriff’s request for...