NEW ORLEANS — Mayor Helena Moreno released the following statement regarding the City’s decision to withdraw its application from next week’s State Bond Commission meeting. The application sought the Bond Commission’s approval, not for state funding, but for the City to obtain a temporary loan from a private financial institution to help maintain city services while the administration continues implementing its financial recovery plan. Moreno also addresses reports and warnings that, beyond the Bond Commission matter, some state leaders may pursue separate punitive actions aimed at the City and the City’s finances.
Mayor Moreno issued the following statement:
“I made the decision to withdraw our application before next week’s Bond Commission meeting because it had become clear that denial was imminent. Fortunately, we have identified a path to get us through 2026 without needing Bond Commission approval for a third-party loan, but it won’t be easy.
Beyond the Bond Commission matter, we are hearing warnings that some state leaders may pursue separate efforts to target the City’s finances, including the casino lease proceeds that recently strengthened our reserves and other critical funding sources. Targeting finances will be detrimental to city services which we are improving every day, along with public safety where we have made historic strides. Our murder rate is now so low that it is comparable to levels not seen since 1969.
New Orleans is on a roll. We are finally making significant progress.
The State of Louisiana needs New Orleans just as much as New Orleans needs the state. We may not always agree, but I believe we all share a responsibility to do what is best for the people of Louisiana.
We are the premier host city of Louisiana that brings the Super Bowl, Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, major conventions, and countless visitors because we are built to host. From the Port of New Orleans and our healthcare industry to the Saints, the Pelicans, and so much more, the business and financial benefit New Orleans provides to Louisiana is extraordinary, and we are only getting better.
The success of New Orleans matters not only to the people who live here, but to people across the region, the state, and the country. The love for this city crosses party lines because New Orleans is one of the most special cities, not just in America, but in the world.
Any state leader seeking to defund New Orleans to punish, weaken or destroy it must face the harsh truth and consequences that, ultimately, doing so is self-harm to Louisiana.
I’ll navigate state and local disagreements, but the future of New Orleans is too important to be distracted by politics. I will continue to lead with focus, determination, optimism, and a spirit of collaboration. That is why I remain open and committed to working in good faith with Governor Landry, Attorney General Murrill, and state leaders.
There is too much work to do, too much opportunity to seize, and too much momentum to allow it to be slowed down.
Let’s stand together, strong and all in for New Orleans.”