COVID-19
When COVID-19 struck New Orleans in March 2020, Mayor Cantrell spearheaded a strong response to the pandemic that put the people of New Orleans first. Her response to COVID-19 has been guided by science and facts, and her tested leadership has come through for New Orleanians during this difficult time. Not only has Mayor Cantrell imposed independent and more thorough measures to control COVID-19 than the rest of the state, she has overseen a sweeping response to provide assistance to New Orleans residents in need as a result of the pandemic.
New Orleans’ COVID-19 positivity rate has consistently been lower than the majority of the state’s since the first wave of the pandemic
Fair Share
When she took office, Mayor Cantrell pledged to fight to get New Orleans the fair share of revenue it needs to upgrade and repair its infrastructure, with an eye towards long-term sustainability. Mayor Cantrell stood up for our city and went to the Legislature in Baton Rouge, brought together stakeholders, and forged the Fair Share Agreement that secured over $200 million to revitalize and modernize our city’s infrastructure. Mayor Cantrell’s leadership resulted in an agreement that people in the private and public sectors, and at the state and local levels, could get behind. With this agreement in hand, Mayor Cantrell has quickly used the funds it produced to make significant investments in New Orleans’ infrastructure, with multiple projects completed or underway throughout the city.
Sustainable Infrastructure
Mayor Cantrell’s efforts to address New Orleans’ infrastructure problems have gone beyond the Fair Share agreement. She has taken a comprehensive approach to solving problems ranging from roads and bridges to water and electricity.
Equity and Accessibility
As our Mayor, LaToya Cantrell has stood up for vulnerable and marginalized members of our community. Mayor Cantrell understands that equity and accessibility are far-reaching issues that can impact all aspects of many residents’ lives. In her first term, she has sent a strong message to the world that there is no place in our city for hate.
Finance and CNO Operations
Mayor Cantrell has pursued policies to prudently manage New Orleans’ public finances and to maximize the city’s resources to best serve New Orleans residents. Credit agencies have even recognized New Orleans’ improved financial situation by upgrading the city’s credit rating from A2 to A3.
Health
Even before the pandemic, public health was a priority for Mayor Cantrell. As mayor, she has been committed to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all New Orleans residents. In large part due to Mayor Cantrell’s efforts, Orleans Parish has jumped from 60th in 2011 to 36th in 2019 in Louisiana parish health rankings.
Affordable Housing
Mayor Cantrell pledged to make affordable housing a priority of her administration, and she has. Working with partners at the state and national levels, the Cantrell Administration has made tens of millions of dollars available to expand the availability of affordable housing in New Orleans and created a pipeline for future affordable housing.
Public Safety
Mayor Cantrell has emphasized a holistic approach connecting public safety to public health to protect residents and help them thrive. Mayor Cantrell oversaw a national search for a new NOPD chief and presided over historic lows in violent crime, with the lowest murder rate in nearly 50 years. The Mayor believes that NOPD must meet our community where it is, but also that addressing crime requires more than a focus on NOPD. It requires a focus on the entire system. She also recognizes that public safety goes beyond crime, and has continued to support our fire department and other emergency services.
Jobs and Economic Development
When our local economy thrives, the whole city thrives. Mayor Cantrell is committed to attracting, retaining, and growing business in New Orleans. She will continue to work towards and inclusive economy where all New Orleanians have access to quality amenities in their neighborhoods and a good-paying job.
Communication, Data, and Technology
Government is most successful and responsive when it is in touch with the communities it serves. Mayor Cantrell has worked to connect city government to the people. Whether it’s the city’s new Neighborhood Navigators Program, or establishing an active social media presence for city departments, Mayor Cantrell has made effective communication with the people a central consideration for all of New Orleans government.