BGR examines the City's proposal to sell rights to future Caesars casino lease revenues for $102.6 million in emergency cash and finds the deal makes sense, but only if safeguards are added. The ordinance must include spending restrictions and...
Update, April 2026: Now that the City is moving forward with bond issuances, BGR has published guidance for residents on what to watch for and sent recommendations directly to the Mayor and City Council. Read the letter here. ...
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 Orleans’s 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...
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...
This report discusses City of New Orleans financial practices that are out of step with recommendations by government finance experts and calls for improvements. Read our September 2025 follow-up report, issued as the City’s fiscal challenges worsened and it...
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 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.
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...
