After a month-long review of the City of New Orleans Operating Budget, the City Council formally adopted the 2008 Budget.

The budget approved by the Council reflects support, guidance and authorization of a stepped-up recovery but differs from the Nagin Administration's budget blueprint as presented on November 1st.

The City Council's action reaffirmed a Council Resolution passed late last summer to not roll forward property tax millage rates, making certain that an undue financial burden is not placed on taxpayers. The Council stated its position that it did not intend to roll forward property tax millages last summer after it received preliminary estimates indicating that the total value of assessed property within the city had substantially increased.

Budget presentation and comprehensive testimony was offered to the City Council by the heads of city departments and other municipal agencies throughout the month of November. The Council is fully supportive of a quicker recovery pace but during the budget process has moved with careful review, management and oversight of the proposed 2008 City Budget, with the goal of staying a deliberate course of recovery and rebuilding for New Orleans.

For a complete News Release click here.

The New Orleans City Council's Special Projects and Economic Development Committee reviewed plans for a new economic development model for New Orleans.

Participants included Dr. Ed Blakely, Director, Office of Recovery Development and Administration; the RAND Corporation; the Horizon Initiative and members of the local university and business communities.

Councilman Fielkow said, "The presentations are the culmination of these collaborations, but it is just the first step. All stakeholders in this effort will continue to work together to determine the appropriate public-private partnership model for New Orleans. This is an essential sign of progress in our city and hopefully represents an exciting new day for New Orleans business efforts."

In August a forum of local business leaders and economic development experts testified to best practices in economic development before the Council Committee. Following that meeting, the Council approved a Committee Resolution supporting a "best practices" assessment of how other municipalities handle economic development.

Councilmember-at-Large Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson took her oath of office on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 in the Council Chamber.

"I am so pleased that there was such a diverse vote. I'm proud of that and I take this seriously. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and let's go rebuild this city," said Councilmember-at-Large Clarkson.

The swearing-in immediately preceded the City Council's budget hearing. Councilmember Hedge-Morrell said, "This is an exciting day. We will swear Mrs. Clarkson in and then we are going to put her straight to work at the budget hearing."

Councilmember-at-Large Clarkson has served the citizens of New Orleans for over sixteen years. Since the Mayor-Council form of government was enacted in 1954, she is the first councilmember to be elected to three non-consecutive terms. In 1990 and 2002, Councilmember Clarkson represented Council District "C."

She is a former Louisiana legislator, representing District 102 in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1994 - 2002. As a State Representative, she was recognized for her leadership, championing landmark legislation that focused on ethics and government reform, women's healthcare, fiscal reform, education, child protection, law enforcement, and neighborhood preservation.

The Presidential Debate Commission's reasoning for passing on New Orleans as a debate site is not justified. Post Katrina, New Orleans has twice successfully hosted its signature events - Mardi Gras and Jazz Festival and will host the Sugar Bowl, the College Football National Championship, Mardi Gras and the National Basketball Association's All-Star Game - all within a six-week period early next year. Our willingness to pay for related debate expenses coupled with our capabilities with regard to hotel rooms and a proven record of being America's host city is unrivaled.

This was a clear missed opportunity for our nation's presidential candidates to be present in a city that is experiencing the reality of all of the challenging issues facing every American city.

New Orleans and its citizens are dealing with public safety and crime issues, education, healthcare delivery, housing shortages, high utility costs, infrastructure challenges and employment and labor shortages - all issues debated everyday by potential presidential candidates.

Given the national attention and support that New Orleans has received in its efforts to recover and rebuild - this decision comes as a surprise and a disappointment.

It is unfortunate that our nation will not be given the opportunity to view the presidential debate in a forum that is the best suited for a discussion of relevant issues facing our country. We urge the commission to reconsider its decision.

For a complete Statement click here.

The City Council in conjunction with the Mayors Military Advisory Committee (MMAC) hosted the 14th annual Military Appreciation Day as part of its regular Council Meeting.

The Marine Band kicked-off the ceremony with patriotic melodies followed by an update by local military commanders outlining the activities of their military organizations over the past year.

During the Military Appreciation Day, the City Council took the opportunity to express its gratitude to the military for its support during Katrina, the continued recovery efforts and current impact in New Orleans as well as their incredible work overseas.

The Council passed a resolution supporting a regional approach to the city's curbside recycling program and will consider authorizing matching funding for a feasibility study to look at the re-establishment of acute health care delivery in New Orleans East.

Council Taking Regional Approach to Curbside Recycling

Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow, Acting Councilmember-at-Large Michael Darnell and District "B" Councilmember Stacy Head formally requested the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) take up the recycling issue.

The Regional Planning Commission (RPC) has committed to conducting a joint parish recycling program feasibility study. The RPC study will investigate cost-sharing benefits and is expected to be complete within 60 days.

Council Focusing on Restoration of Healthcare in New Orleans

The City Council is considering authorizing $500,000 from the City's Economic Development Fund be transferred to the Orleans Parish Hospital Service District for a healthcare feasibility study. Specifically, the proposed study will determine the costs and scope of services needed to re-establish an acute healthcare facility in New Orleans East.

The funds under consideration in the Council Resolution would match a grant provided to the City by the Methodist Health System Foundation. Along with the Council, the New Orleans Health Department, in collaboration with the newly established Orleans Parish Health Service District Commission, is looking at ways to bring back an acute healthcare facility to east New Orleans.

City Council President and Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow is spearheading a joint Council-Administration Customer Service Task Force to improve citizen experience and enhance accountability at City Hall. The Task Force is a collaborative consisting of the Mayor's Office of Public Advocacy, the City Council Staff Offices and City Government Departments.

The Customer Service Task Force is actively pursuing budget options, volunteer involvement, technology integration and public and community outreach alternatives to implement City Hall "Best Practices" Customer Service with the goal of improving and enhancing the delivery of public services.

The joint Council-Administration Customer Service Task Force was established by a Council Resolution and has recently concluded its second meeting. The Task Force is targeting early 2008 to begin a phased-in implementation of the initiative.

For a complete News Release click here.

City Councilmember Stacy Head together with the Central City Partnership (CCP) and the 6th District Police hosted a community job fair in Central City at the Allie Mae Williams Auditorium.

Councilmember Head said of the turnout "I am so pleased to see so many people from the community taking advantage of this great opportunity and I look forward to continuing to bring events like this one to the Central City neighborhood."

The partnership between the CCP, the 6th District Police, Councilmember Stacy Head and the community is an effort to assist in the revitalization of the neighborhood with the goal of reducing crime and providing a vibrant quality of life for individuals and families.

The Community Job Fair provided New Orleans residents with an opportunity to speak with representatives from many prominent New Orleans and Louisiana-based businesses. Among the companies present at the job fair: Home Depot, Job One, Entergy, InterContinental New Orleans, Louisiana Center for Workforce Recovery, Harrah's Casino, and New Orleans Police and Fire Departments.

New Orleans Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow and Acting Councilmember-at-Large Michael C. Darnell together with Jefferson Parish Council Chairman Tom Capella concluded a series of successful meetings with key Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. The regional delegation leaves the Capital encouraged by the support voiced by Congressional leaders.

"We made great progress on Capitol Hill this week and I am optimistic the federal government will meet its obligation to fill the funding shortfall in the Road Home program," said Councilmember Fielkow.

"Our delegation outlined top priorities for the region including fully funding the Road Home program, ensuring the full implementation of a 100-year storm protection system, and securing federal dollars to address the challenges we face in mental health and criminal justice," said Acting Councilmember Michael C. Darnell.

Councilmember Capella commented, "I think we had a very successful trip. The recovery has not been forgotten in Washington, but 2008 is a critical year for us. It was important for the nation's leaders to hear us speak in one voice. We need to take advantage of every opportunity for this type of coordination in the future."

For a complete News Release click here.