The big easy dealA budget that invests in what we need
The Big Easy Deal is our community-driven vision for how New Orleans can invest public dollars to help every resident thrive.
Each year, coalition members, community leaders, advocates, and residents come together to develop a set of budget priorities rooted in what New Orleanians say they need most. The result is the Big Easy Deal: a roadmap for investing in housing, infrastructure, health, youth, and community safety.
About the dealA community vision for public investment
$171 million in investments that strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life.
The Big Easy Deal is a comprehensive budget proposal developed by the Big Easy Budget Coalition. It outlines strategic investments across five key areas: Housing & Economic Stability, Infrastructure, Health & Food Security, Youth & Families, and Community Safety.
The building blocks for thriving communitiesWhat New Orleans needs to thrive
Safe, healthy communities are built through sustained investments in the people, programs, and infrastructure that help everyone flourish.
We need a comprehensive community safety ecosystem.
By investing in violence intervention and prevention programs, New Orleans can holistically and preventively address the complex root causes of violence. Investments like the Trauma Recovery Center and Peace Ambassadors lay out the groundwork for a more effective, community-engaged, and sustainable anti-violence.
We need a strong public health system and robust food security.
Access to high-quality food and proper nutrition improves adult and youth health and social outcomes. Investments like anti-hunger grants and Family Connects ensure residents are fed and supported.
We need to invest in youth, their families, and the culture that raises them.
Funding services and programs that support self-esteem, strong interpersonal relationships, and a sense of interdependence improve social, economic, and mental health outcomes for young people and their communities. Investments like the Youth Master Plan and Youth Data Hub build a better future for young people.
We need stable housing and employment.
Reducing homelessness and creating housing stability for those most at risk will also reduce health care costs, decrease incarceration, boost incomes, and help children succeed in school. Investments like renters' assistance and workers' bill of rights support create housing stability.
We need infrastructure that supports life.
Clean and safe streets, reliable and accessible transportation, and sustainable green infrastructure improve every aspect of our lives—from the air we breathe to how we get to work. Investments like Opportunity Pass (free youth transit) and Green infrastructure expansion
How the deal is madeBuilt by community, backed by data
We spend six months getting the Big Easy Deal together each year.
The Big Easy Deal is shaped through community engagement, coalition meetings, policy research, budget analysis, and resident surveys. We listen to what New Orleanians say they need to thrive, review the City's fiscal realities, identify proven solutions, and work with community partners to develop recommendations.
Research and survey
We survey over 300 people from across the city about their budget priorities at community events and online.
(01)
Identify top issues
We break into working groups based on key issues and list out the top budget items in each category.
(02)
Meet with City departments
We meet with City departments to align priorities, make sure they’re prepared to use the investment, and define the cost.
(03)
Community listening
We bring the draft deal to community groups and survey respondents to get their input, feedback, and support.
(04)
Finalize the Big Easy Deal
We incorporate changes and feedback, then members ratify the deal by consensus.
(05)
Engage the City Council
We engage with City Council members to seek their support for specific investments.
(06)
Get involvedHelp make the deal a reality
The Big Easy Deal only works when residents show up and demand better.
Join the coalition, attend budget hearings, contact elected officials, and help advocate for investments that strengthen New Orleans.