what we are working onCampaigns to win real investments for our communities
Advancing a shared budget agenda rooted in equity, safety, and opportunity
From the Big Easy Deal to ongoing budget advocacy, we’re organizing to secure funding for housing, violence prevention, youth, and basic needs across New Orleans.
The Big Easy Deal
A $171 million investment strategy to fund housing, prevention, youth, and basic needs across New Orleans
The Big Easy Deal advances a community-driven budget agenda that addresses the root causes of violence and builds safer, more equitable neighborhoods.
Join the coalition
Get updates, take action, and help build a budget that invests in housing, health, and opportunity for all New Orleanians.
ADditional campaignsAdvancing change across the budget
Alongside the Big Easy Deal, we lead and support campaigns that push for equitable investments and hold the city accountable to community needs.
FUTURE GENERATIONS
Investing in young people
The Youth Master Plan is a community-driven roadmap to help every child and young person in New Orleans thrive. Together, we’re advancing solutions rooted in youth wisdom, opportunity, and long-term wellbeing.
WATER JUSTICE
Funding resilient infrastructure
New Orleans needs sustainable funding to modernize critical water and drainage systems. We work to ensure infrastructure investments are equitable, transparent, and responsive to community needs.
BUDGET TRANSPARENCY
Open the budget books
Residents deserve clear, accessible information about how public dollars are spent. We’re advocating for real-time budget transparency, stronger public participation, and accountability that builds trust in government.
The budget processHow decisions get made
Understanding the budget process helps us organize, advocate, and win investments for our communities.
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City departments begin developing their funding requests and priorities. This is one of the most important opportunities to engage the administration early and advocate for community investments before proposals are finalized.
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The Chief Administrative Office (CAO) reviews department requests and compiles the proposed city budget. Community advocacy during this phase can help influence what makes it into the Mayor’s proposal.
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The City Council reviews, amends, and negotiates the budget based on priorities and community input. Councilmembers can propose changes, shift funding, and push for greater accountability.
This phase is where advocacy can directly influence outcomes, as decisions are debated and revised before final approval.
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City Council hosts public budget hearings where residents can provide testimony and advocate for their priorities. This is the key moment for public comments, coalition building, and community mobilization.
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Councilmembers analyze the proposed budget, negotiate changes, and consider public input. This is the best time to meet directly with elected officials to push for specific investments and policy changes.
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The City Council votes to adopt the final budget, determining how public resources will be allocated for the year ahead. The decisions made at this stage shape the services and investments communities receive.
Get InvolvedTake action with us
Join the movement for a more just and equitable New Orleans
Whether you’re attending a meeting, contacting elected officials, or organizing in your community, there are many ways to plug in and help win the investments our communities deserve.