New Orleans, LA – December 6, 2010 -
Dear Friends,
I write this newsletter a little more rested than the last one. On Wednesday, December 1, after more than six weeks of deliberation, the City Council adopted the 2011 Operating and Capital budgets for the City of New Orleans.
Speaking at the Hispanic Construction Summit about the wealth of opportunity in the field of construction in New Orleans
Mayor Landrieu proposed a budget on October 15, two weeks earlier than usual. The Council combed through each line of the document, trimming it as much as possible while ensuring funding for the city’s priorities, from blight eradication to crime prevention. As you all know, improving recreation has been my top priority, and the near doubling of funding for recreation in the 2011 budget is great news! The money will fund the new public-private partnership, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, which 74% of voters supported on October 2. A homerun for our youth!
I have also been a leading advocate for economic development since taking office in 2006, and the new Mayor is incredibly dedicated as well. I wholly agree with the need for seed money to attract new business, as was in the Mayor’s proposed budget. The new NOLA Business Alliance will receive $1.5 million per year from the Economic Development Fund and will be the lead force on behalf of the city for economic development.
Speaking of economic development, New Orleans made great strides this fall. Announcements for new projects (that are funded!) keep popping up in my inbox, from hospitals and hotels to small businesses. Proof of a lively economy is seen in our unemployment rates, which remain well below the national average. Goldman Sachs substantiated their belief in the New Orleans business climate with a $20 million commitment to small business loans and business education for small business owners in New Orleans. What a vote of confidence in the City!
The budget process coincides with Thanksgiving every year, and every year makes us pause from our ledgers to
Handing out Turkeys at the United Teachers of New Orleans Turkey Giveaway
reflect on all that we as a city are thankful for. We all know that it takes more than money to make this city work, and New Orleans is blessed with a citizenry that relishes in community involvement. Thank you for proving that we are not now, and never were, the city forgotten by care. I urge you to continue your involvement in the community this holiday season, whether it is improving your neighborhood playground or helping to feed the hungry.
Best wishes for your holiday season.
Your City Council President,
Arnie Fielkow
Contact:
Danielle Viguerie
Communications Director
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow
Ph: 504-658-1063
daviguerie@nola.gov
