Working to build
thriving communities
We advocate for budget equity—the just and fair allocation of government resources—to create the conditions for all New Orleanians to participate and thrive.
Building a New Orleans where all residents can thrive, especially Black residents, communities of color, and low-income communities.
what we doEveryone in New Orleans deserves to thrive.
Advancing budgets that prioritize equity, safety, and opportunity for all New Orleanians.
We organize, advocate, and build collective power to ensure public dollars are invested where they matter most. From housing and youth programs to violence intervention and food access, we champion solutions that create long-term stability and real safety. We have won over 80+ million in community-aligned priority investment.
TimelineFrom then to now
And what’s coming next
2020
Pandemic exposes deep inequities
COVID-19 laid bare long-standing racial and economic disparities across New Orleans.
2021-2022
Advocates organize for equity
As federal ARPA dollars arrived, community advocates united to form the Big Easy Budget Coalition to demand budget equity and investments.
2023-2024
Creating impact for our community
We released our first Big Easy Deal and secured more than $40 million in community investments in our first year — and $45 million in the second.
2025-Present
Creating impact for our community
ARPA spending uncovered deeper structural issues in the City's budget process and outcomes. Today, we advocate for changes to the process and investments in thriving communities
THE BIG EASY DEAL$100+ million for what works
New Orleans should be thriving but too many residents are still struggling to access housing, food, living wages, and real safety. Instead of reacting to harm, the Big Easy Deal invests millions in what actually prevents it. That means funding housing, violence prevention, youth development, and basic needs—addressing root causes and building safer, stronger communities.
Take ACtionJoin our coalition
Be part of the movement for a just and equitable New Orleans.
Together, we make change. Join more than forty organizations and countless residents working to shape a better future for.
Budget TransparencyShow us the money
A good budget is a transparent budget
We cannot have budget accountability and equity without transparency. We have drafted a set of common-sense policies and protocols to clarify and make the budget and budget process more accessible. We are calling on the City Council and the Mayor to adopt them.
RESOURCESFrom advocacy to impact
Learn how community action is shaping the future of New Orleans.
Explore our materials to learn how we got here—and how we can continue to push for the investments our communities deserve.
Big Easy Deal
Through constituent surveys, community partnerships, and engagement with city leaders, we developed the Big Easy Deal to reflect residents’ priorities. The plan calls for a $171 million investment: $117 million for housing and economic stability, $27 million for streets, transit, and climate, $11 million for health and food security, $10 million for youth, and $6 million for community safety.
(01)
Community Priorities Study
The research briefs summarize the annual results of the BEBC Survey from 2023 through 2025, including what people and communities need to thrive, perceptions of neighborhood safety and city spending, and priorities for city investments.
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Your Guide to the New Orleans Budget
The city budget shapes everything from housing and public safety to parks and public transit. Learn how New Orleans spends public dollars, who makes the decisions, and how you can help advocate for a budget that reflects community priorities.
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