The decisions that could define New Orleans this year
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New Orleans is heading into a consequential year with a new mayor, limited resources and an unusual level of state and federal involvement in city affairs.
Why it matters: Decisions made in the coming months could determine whether the city gains momentum or slips behind on safety, infrastructure and economic development.
- Here's what we're watching in 2026.
New administration
Helena Moreno gets sworn in Monday as mayor, along with new council members Matthew Willard, Aimee McCarron and Jason Hughes.
- They'll take office amid intense budget constraints. Will they be able to get things done?
- And, what will their relationship be with Gov. Jeff Landry, AG Liz Murrill and other Republican state leaders?
Federal involvement
President Trump sent the National Guard to New Orleans last month — at Landry's request — to back up local law enforcement.
- Trump also sent Border Patrol agents here for an immigration crackdown. Moreno and other leaders asked the agency for transparency, along with additional requests.
- So far, those demands have gone unanswered.
The intrigue: Will the scope or timelines change for the two federal groups in New Orleans — and how much say will city leaders have?
NOPD with no consent decree
The New Orleans Police Department is entering its first year without federal oversight in more than a decade.
- The City Council turned many of the key elements of the consent decree into city law in November.
What we're watching: Will the reforms hold, or will NOPD backslide without a federal monitor?
Cantrell in court
Mayor LaToya Cantrell's federal corruption trial is set for October.
- If convicted, she faces between five and 20 years in prison for each of her 11 charges, according to Axios' Chelsea Brasted. Go deeper.
Progress in New Orleans East
Lincoln Beach: The grand opening has been delayed yet again, with public access now expected to begin in 2027.
- Will the groundbreaking actually happen this year as planned?
Six Flags: Work has also been moving too slowly at the Bayou Phoenix property, Moreno previously said.
- Developer Troy Henry previously laid out big plans for the former Six Flags location. Will more of those ideas turn into reality this year?
Zoom in: Moreno has repeatedly said she wants to focus on New Orleans East during her term, including opening a City Hall annex. Will that come to fruition?
Developments
Various groups are working on big, expensive and often delayed projects — the River District, Riverfront for All, the old naval facility, former Charity Hospital, City Park's master plan and the municipal auditorium.
- Plus, the proposed music museum and the new Omni Royal hope to break ground this year.
The intrigue: Will this be the year Plaza Tower gets renovated — or demolished?
Infrastructure improvements
Roads: French Quarter streets are a mess, and it's unclear when construction will end.
- And then there's the rest of the torn-up city streets ...
Bourbon Street: Various groups are looking at how to improve safety. Physical barriers? Make it pedestrian-only?
Lead pipes: The city started a federally mandated program last year to publicly identify lead pipes. The map is out, and it's not good news.
- Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans is behind schedule on replacing the city's lead pipes. Property owners are responsible for replacing components on their land.
Also on our radar
⛪️ Archbishop Gregory Aymond has begun the process of retiring. What will the country's second-oldest archdiocese look like under James Checchio?
🏈 The Saints showed promise at the end of the season with new head coach Kellen Moore and quarterback Tyler Shough. What will happen during the offseason? And will Cam Jordan be back? Our fingers are crossed.
🤑 We aren't hosting the Super Bowl this year, but we have several other events in the works. City Council members are mulling a new fee for promoters along with other contract changes to make events more financially viable for the city.
⚖️ The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue a decision this year on Louisiana's congressional map. Which option will they choose?
- Meanwhile, we're watching more election confusion with Landry's move to a closed primary system for some offices, starting this year.