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.
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 BGR NOW report analyzes a proposal in the spring legislative session to increase pension benefits for New Orleans firefighters. While the proposal will not move forward, BGR finds several concerns and risks for the City of New Orleans...
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...
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 August, the New Orleans City Council excluded hotel room rentals from a new sales tax for enhanced public safety in the French Quarter despite questions about whether the exclusion is permissible under state law. While BGR has...
OVERVIEW BGR’s report, On the Ballot: French Quarter Sales Tax, April 24, 2021, is intended to help French Quarter voters make an informed decision on a proposition for a 0.245% sales tax to pay for supplemental police patrols and...
OVERVIEW On the Ballot: French Quarter Sales Tax Renewal, December 5, 2020 is intended to help French Quarter voters make an informed decision on a proposition to renew a 0.2495% sales tax to pay for supplemental public safety services. The...
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.
