S&WB

This year, the Louisiana Legislature approved major changes prompting New Orleans leaders to evaluate how the Sewerage & Water Board (S&WB) should be governed. The newly formed Public Utility Modernization Process Subgroup (PUMPS) is currently advising the mayor, City...

In a Capitol Commentary submitted to the Senate Local and Municipal Affairs Committee on May 6, BGR urged policymakers to ensure that House Bill 1243, which would give the New Orleans City Council sweeping authority over the Sewerage and...

BGR examines New Orleans’ drainage funding challenges and outlines what any future stormwater proposal must deliver to earn public trust. OVERVIEW New Orleans faces significant and growing drainage challenges that existing funding sources cannot adequately address. The city relies...

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 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...

In a November 28 letter to the City Council, BGR recommends that the council create a formal process to objectively evaluate S&WB funding proposals for the city’s water, sewer and drainage systems. BGR also recommends that the council develop...

This report connects the flawed governance structure of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (S&WB) to key problems affecting the city’s water, sewer and drainage systems and examines potential paths to long-term improvement.

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....

OVERVIEW This On the Ballot report informs voters on a proposed City of New Orleans charter amendment to change the composition of the Sewerage & Water Board’s board of directors. On December 8, 2018, New Orleans voters will consider...