NEW ORLEANS – Mayor Helena Moreno will travel to Paris, France, this week to officially represent the City of New Orleans during the historic New Orleans Saints game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, while using the international spotlight on the city to pursue new economic opportunities, explore innovative infrastructure and flood resilience solutions, and strengthen partnerships that could deliver long-term benefits for New Orleans.
Mayor Moreno will depart Wednesday, October 21, for a working visit to Paris that includes meetings with Paris city leaders, representatives of international organizations and private-sector companies, along with events showcasing New Orleans’ world-renowned culture and the Saints.
The visit will provide an opportunity to learn firsthand how Paris is addressing challenges that New Orleans also faces, particularly stormwater management, drainage and infrastructure resilience, while opening doors for potential investment and business partnerships.
The Mayor’s agenda includes several key priorities:
- Infrastructure and flood resilience: Meet with Paris officials and learn firsthand about infrastructure projects and innovative approaches to stormwater management, drainage and maintaining aging infrastructure, with a focus on lessons that could be applied in New Orleans.
- Economic development and investment: Meet with business and industry leaders, including representatives from the technology and international maritime and shipping sectors, to explore potential investments, job creation and new economic opportunities for New Orleans.
- International partnerships: Meet with Paris city officials to strengthen ties between the two cities and explore opportunities for continued collaboration.
- United Nations engagement: Meet with leadership of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to discuss cultural connections, international partnerships and opportunities involving New Orleans.
- Cultural diplomacy: Participate in the New Orleans Jazz Museum Festival in Paris and other cultural events that celebrate New Orleans music, heritage and its global influence.
- Saints and New Orleans celebration: Join Saints fans who have traveled to Paris to cheer on their team, celebrate their shared love for New Orleans and proudly represent the city together on an international stage.
Mayor Moreno is personally paying for her travel expenses. Her office is also coordinating with the U.S. Embassy in Paris regarding her travel and movement throughout the city as a precautionary measure in light of recent protests.
All of the Mayor’s deputy mayors and the City’s Chief Administrative Officer will remain in New Orleans throughout the visit, ensuring continuity of city operations and ongoing work on the administration’s priorities.
The Mayor will share updates with the public throughout her visit, including information about meetings and initiatives being explored. Upon her return, she will report back on the outcomes of the trip, the potential economic and other benefits for New Orleans, and opportunities for follow-up action.
“This is a historic opportunity for both Paris and New Orleans, two of the most extraordinary cities in the world,” said Mayor Moreno. “I’m incredibly proud to be there representing the people of New Orleans as our Saints take the field in Paris. The game puts an international spotlight on our city, and I want to make the most of that opportunity. I have a packed schedule of meetings focused on bringing new ideas, partnerships and economic opportunities back home. Whether it’s learning how Paris is tackling stormwater challenges, opening doors for new business investment or building on our incredible cultural assets, my focus is on what can benefit the people of New Orleans. I look forward to sharing what I learn, the connections I make and how those opportunities can translate into real results for our city.”