News Summary
New Orleans has launched the Crescent City ID program, aimed at promoting equity and inclusion for residents who face barriers in obtaining traditional state IDs. This initiative, endorsed by Mayor LaToya Cantrell, provides essential identification services and serves multiple functions, including discounts at local businesses. The program begins on September 6, is inclusive of minors, and supports vulnerable populations. However, it has faced criticism from state officials concerned about its legitimacy and potential misuse.
New Orleans has officially launched the Crescent City ID program aimed at enhancing equity and inclusion for all city residents. The program was introduced on Monday and is designed to provide essential identification services to individuals who may struggle to access conventional state IDs. Mayor LaToya Cantrell emphasizes that this initiative is a vital tool for empowering residents and improving access to city services for those who need it most.
The Crescent City ID card serves multiple functions, acting as a government-issued ID, library card, recreation pass, and can also provide discounts at local businesses through an initiative called “Around the Crescent City.” Individuals seeking to obtain the ID can do so by presenting proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, making the process more accessible for those without traditional forms of identification.
Starting September 6, residents can sign up for the Crescent City ID program between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Treme Recreation Center. During this launch event, residents can obtain their first ID card. Additional opportunities to acquire the ID will be available through mobile pop-ups or appointment setups. The program is inclusive, allowing minors aged ten and older to apply with parental assistance, further expanding the reach of the ID to younger populations.
The IDs issued through this program aim to support vulnerable groups in New Orleans, including immigrants and the homeless, by providing them access to essential city services. The ID cards can also accommodate alternative names and gender markers (M, F, or X) to reflect the individual’s gender identity, ensuring a personalized and inclusive approach.
However, the Crescent City ID program has faced criticism from several state officials. Governor Jeff Landry has described the initiative as “the stupidest idea I’ve ever seen,” voicing concerns that New Orleans is not independent from the State of Louisiana, and suggesting that such an ID should not be created without state approval. Attorney General Liz Murrill also expressed worries over the potential misuse of these IDs to falsely represent immigration status or driving privileges.
Concerns have been echoed by the Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Hodges, who stated that Crescent City IDs do not hold recognition for official state business. Furthermore, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles remains the sole agency responsible for the issuance of official state IDs and driver’s licenses, highlighting the limitations of the new city ID initiative.
Kahlida Lloyd, the Director of Human Rights & Equity, champions the Crescent City ID as a tool for equity, aiming to dismantle barriers that hinder participation in city life. Program Manager Daisy Reyes-Cabral has noted that the benefits of possessing the ID extend beyond access to city services — residents will also gain connections to local resources and enhanced enjoyment of the city itself.
It is important to note that while the Crescent City ID seeks to enhance civic engagement, it does not confer driving privileges and cannot be utilized for federal services. It is specifically designed to function as a local identification tool, rather than a replacement for existing state-issued identification.
Through the Crescent City ID program, the city of New Orleans aspires to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity where all individuals have the ability to engage fully in city life, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WWLTV: Municipal ID Program in New Orleans Sparks Controversy
- The Guardian: New Orleans Municipal ID Card
- WGNO: New Crescent City ID to Grant NOLA Residents Equitable Access
- NOLA.com: New Orleans Municipal ID Program
- Biometric Update: New Orleans ID Emerges as National Test for Municipal Autonomy
- Wikipedia: Civic Identity
- Google Search: Crescent City ID
- Google Scholar: Municipal ID Program New Orleans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Identification
- Google News: Crescent City ID
