Research & resourcesData that drives change
Explore the research, reports, and tools shaping the fight for a more equitable New Orleans budget.
The Big Easy Budget Coalition combines community voices with data-driven research to advocate for investments that help all New Orleanians thrive. These resources highlight what residents are asking for and how public dollars can better reflect those priorities.
Community prioritiesWhat New Orleanians are telling us
Our advocacy starts by listening to the people most impacted by budget decisions.
From 2023 to 2025, the coalition conducted survey research to better understand what residents need to thrive. Across neighborhoods, people consistently called for greater investments in affordable housing, youth opportunities, mental health services, infrastructure, education, and programs that strengthen community wellbeing and safety.
How community advocacy won budget investments
This case study explores how the Big Easy Budget Coalition successfully organized for millions of dollars in community investments and helped advance a more equitable vision for the city budget.
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Using the budget to build a thriving New Orleans
This primer outlines seven proven ways New Orleans can build safer, healthier, and more thriving communities by investing in the root causes of well-being—from housing and youth to violence prevention, public infrastructure, and participatory budgeting—instead of relying on costly, reactive criminal justice systems.
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Review the Mayor’s Budget proposal
Dive into the City's proposed operating budget to see how public resources are allocated and how spending priorities align with community needs.
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IN THE NEWSTracking progress & accountability
The latest stories, announcements, and advocacy efforts shaping the future of New Orleans' budget.
12/06/2023
2024 New Orleans Budget Invests $26 Million Toward the Big Easy Deal
Investments in housing, violence prevention, and crisis response are making a difference, but urgent needs remain.
10/01/2025
Facing a deficit, Mayor Cantrell proposes sales tax and fee hikes in final budget
Mayor LaToya Cantrell proposes sales tax and fee hikes to cover New Orleans' $100M deficit.
2025
First Look at the 2026 Budget
See what's in the proposed 2026 budget, what's at stake, and how you can take action.
10/16/2024
How would millions in cuts affect New Orleans city services?
Community advocates pushed for greater investment in housing, youth services, and infrastructure while scrutinizing the city's proposed spending priorities.
11/30/2023
More money for police, housing next year in New Orleans
The 2024 budget increased investments in housing and violence prevention while maintaining significant funding for policing.
05/23/2023
City Council to vote on spending budget surplus as advocacy groups decry lack of transparency
Community advocates urged the City Council to invest surplus and ARPA funds in housing, youth, and community safety while calling for a more transparent and equitable budget process.
12/01/2025
Council passes Moreno-helmed $1.59 billion budget
Mayor Cantrell lodged a last minute protest against the revised budget, which her administration had little involvement in crafting.
04/12/2022
Vera Institute proposes additional spending on prevention to tackle violent crime
Group says the city should use federal funds for mental health treatment, violence intervention programming.
Downloadable resourcesTools for budget advocacy
Access reports, fact sheets, research, and campaign materials.
Explore and download the resources that power our work—from budget analyses and policy recommendations to community education tools that help residents advocate for a more equitable New Orleans.
Voter guideThe Big Easy Budget Guide
See where candidates stand on budget priorities, transparency, accountability, and investments that help New Orleans thrive.
The Big Easy Guide helps voters understand how candidates think about the city budget and the role public investment plays in shaping our future. We surveyed candidates for Mayor, City Council, Assessor, and Clerk of Court about their budget priorities, commitment to transparency and accountability, and their vision for creating a more equitable New Orleans.
