Helena Moreno officially becomes New Orleans' mayor
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Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: Courtesy of the Moreno campaign.
Helena Moreno has been the de facto mayor of New Orleans since she was elected in October — and Monday she makes it official.
Why it matters: Moreno has promised a sharp break from outgoing Mayor LaToya Cantrell's leadership as she takes over a city facing a "terrible" financial situation.
The big picture: Moreno's swearing-in ceremony starts at 9am Monday at the Saenger Theatre.
- The invite-only event is expected to be packed with local, state and national dignitaries. Watch the livestream.
- Kamala Harris — Moreno's friend who is kicking off her book tour Tuesday at the Saenger — will likely attend.
Zoom in: Actor Bryan Batt and journalist Michelle Miller will open the ceremony.
- Moreno tells Axios her husband will hold the family Bible for her oath of office.
- The Caesars Superdome and CCC will light up blue and gold for the inauguration.
- Parking will be restricted near the Saenger on Monday.
Behind the scenes: The mayoral transition has been rockier than expected, Moreno administration leaders say.
- Cantrell and Moreno have been in a few shared meetings together since the election, but "there really has not been that much communication," Moreno says.
- They didn't schedule a one-on-one meeting before the inauguration.
Catch up quick: The Cantrell administration's relationship with Moreno and the council has been especially tense since the financial crisis came to light last year and then worsened in October.
- Cantrell, in her budget proposal, blamed council members for overspending and putting the city in a bind.
- Moreno blames Cantrell for the "mess" she's being left with, which is leading to furloughs and layoffs for city employees.
- While Cantrell has vetoed the council's actions — which members later overrode — she's stayed out of public efforts to solve the payroll problems, leaving Moreno, incoming chief administrative officer Joe Giarrusso and City Council President JP Morrell to take the lead.
Between the lines: Cantrell made history when she was elected as the city's first female mayor in 2018.
- Now, she is leaving office with a 20% approval rating and federal corruption charges.
- She spent her final days giving out more keys to the city. Go deeper.
- Moreno also made history as the city's first Latina mayor, winning the seat outright with 55% of the vote in the primary.
What's next: Moreno says she plans to sign executive orders immediately after her inauguration to undo several Cantrell policies.