Government

New Orleans, Louisiana
The city is governed by a Mayor-Council structure. A mayor and seven council members make up the governing body. The mayor is elected for a four-year term in a nonpartisan at-large election, while five council members are elected from single-member districts and two at-large members are elected citywide. Members serve four-year staggered terms.
The city council is the legislative body that establishes policy, approves the budget, and oversees city operations. The mayor serves as the city’s chief executive officer, overseeing departments and implementing policies. Unlike a Council-Manager system, New Orleans does not have a city manager; the mayor directly administers city agencies.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office manages legal processes, court security, and corrections. Additionally, the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority oversees levees and flood protection efforts in the region.
Contact Information
City Hall: 1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 658-4000
Website: nola.gov
Mayor’s Office: Mayor LaToya Cantrell
Phone: (504) 658-4900
Email: mayor@nola.gov
City Council: For a list of council members and their contact information, please visit the City Council Members page.
General Inquiries and Non-Emergency Services: Dial 3-1-1 or (504) 539-3266
Website: NOLA 311
Emergency Services: For emergencies requiring police, fire, or medical assistance, dial 9-1-1.
For a comprehensive directory of city departments and their contact information, you can visit the City Departments & Offices page.
If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to the appropriate department or use the 3-1-1 service for non-emergency inquiries.
GOVERNMENT NEWS
Ongoing Manhunt for Escaped Inmates in New Orleans Jail
News Summary A month after ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail, two remain at large. Law enforcement is actively searching for Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves while eight...
Louisiana Legislature Concludes 2025 Session with Key Laws
News Summary The Louisiana Legislature wrapped up its 2025 session, approving a $51 billion budget and over 100 new laws aimed at tackling issues like car insurance rates and traffic...
Churchill Downs Inc. Struggles with Fair Grounds Operations
News Summary Churchill Downs Inc. is in discussions with Louisiana officials regarding the future of Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans after announcing plans to surrender its racing license...
Severe Thunderstorms Prompt Flash Flood Warning in New Orleans
News Summary New Orleans is under a flash flood warning due to severe thunderstorms causing heavy rainfall. The warning, activated by city officials, includes measures for safe parking and cautions...
Protests Erupt Amidst Increased ICE Enforcement Operations
News Summary Following a targeted operation by ICE agents, protests have erupted across major U.S. cities, highlighting heightened tensions within immigrant communities. The detainment of 25-year-old Paola Clouatre during a...
New Orleans City Council Backs Fair Grounds Race Course
News Summary The New Orleans City Council has unanimously approved the creation of a Fair Grounds Interim Zoning District to protect the Fair Grounds Race Course. This emergency zoning measure...
Resignations Shake Leadership at Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority
News Summary The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East has seen the resignation of four board members, raising concerns about the agency’s effectiveness as hurricane season approaches. The resignations come amidst...
Escaped Inmates Raise Safety Concerns in New Orleans
News Summary A major escape from the Orleans Parish Prison has left New Orleans in shock as ten inmates fled, coinciding with the upcoming municipal elections. Eight have been recaptured,...
New Orleans on High Alert as Authorities Pursue Escaped Fugitives
News Summary New Orleans is in heightened awareness as U.S. Marshals ramp up efforts to recapture escaped inmates Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey. Their jailbreak, noted as the largest in...