District "D" Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell gathered at the Morial Convention Center with representatives from Young Audiences, National Art Education Association and Crayola as they unveiled four New Orleans themed tiles created by students from New Orleans public and charter schools.

The tiles will be used to create a mural to demonstrate that New Orleans' rich culture with deep roots in the arts is still alive and thriving. The mural project is aimed at revitalizing arts education programs in New Orleans public and charter schools, including William J. Fischer, Martin Behrman, Harriet R. Tubman and Kate Middleton Elementary.

"New Orleans is known for its rich artistic culture. It is important that we continue to foster artistic creativity in our children and make sure they experience the benefits of arts education," said Councilmember Hedge-Morrell.

The Council passed Resolution R-08-139 urging the U.S. Census Bureau to reconsider its low population estimates and encouraging all efforts to provide more accurate estimates reflecting the actual population of the City.

The U.S. Census Bureau's annual population estimate serves as a basis for determining the amount of federal funding cities receive for essential human services. The U.S. Census estimate of the New Orleans population as of July 2007 underestimates the actual population of the City by roughly 60,000 people.

An undercount of this degree would result in a loss of nearly $56 million to the City of New Orleans over the next three years, depriving the City of funds vitally needed to supply mental health and substance abuse services, to provide care for children and the elderly and to address the homelessness problem.

This Resolution reflects the Council's belief that the low population estimate threatens to hinder New Orleans' recovery by presenting an inaccurate picture of the City and denying New Orleans the funds which are essential to recovery efforts.

To view complete News Release click here.

Representatives from the Louisiana Restaurant Association as well as the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB) came before the Council to update Councilmembers on the status of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry in New Orleans.

The Council unanimously passed Resolution R-08-134 formally requesting approval by the Governor and Louisiana Legislature of the entire New Orleans Tourism and Hospitality 2008 Legislative Funding Request.

This Resolution reflects the Council's belief that the Tourism and Hospitality Industry has been the leading economic engine for the economy of New Orleans and the region, and the funding of the industry is critical to the recovery of New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana.

To view complete News Release click here.

The Council passed Resolution R-08-136, co-authored by Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow and District "C" Councilmember James Carter, supporting the non-partisan efforts of LatiNola Votes! to increase New Orleans Hispanic citizen voter registration and participation in the electoral process.

LatiNola Votes! is a non-partisan, eight-month voter registration campaign with the goal of registering 2,000 new Hispanic voters for this fall's presidential-congressional elections. This campaign was launched by Puentes New Orleans, Inc. - a community development organization created to address the needs of New Orleans' growing Hispanic community.

The Council emphasized the importance of the Hispanic community in New Orleans' economy and culture and encouraged all eligible New Orleanians to actively participate in the democratic process and register to vote.

To view complete News Release click here.

The City Council passed Resolution R-08-135, authored by District "A" Councilmember Shelley Midura, authorizing and requesting that the Regional Planning Commission, the Mayor's Office and other City departments and agencies work together to complete and submit an application for the City of New Orleans to the League of American Bicyclists' Bicycle Friendly Community Program.

The Bicycle Friendly Community Program is a national program recognizing communities for their efforts in promoting a safe and efficient bicycling environment and providing guidance for future improvements.

"This is a great program and we are proud to encourage a safe bicycle friendly environment here in New Orleans," said Midura

To view complete News Release click here.

District "E" Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis joined Brad Pitt, former President Bill Clinton and volunteers from the Clinton Global Initiative for the groundbreaking of Brad Pitt's Make it Right project.

The Make it Right project will construct 150 sustainable and affordable homes in the Lower Ninth Ward.

"We greatly appreciate Mr. Pitt's generosity as well as the heartfelt dedication of all of the volunteers here today. By working together we can rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward and ensure the return of residents longing to come back home," said Councilmember Willard-Lewis.

The mission of Make It Right is to be a catalyst for redevelopment of the Lower Ninth Ward, by building a neighborhood comprised of safe and healthy homes while preserving the spirit of the community's culture.

Councilmember-at-Large Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson gathered with Executive Director of the Office of Recovery Management, Dr. Edward J. Blakely and numerous representatives from Volunteers of America to celebrate the groundbreaking of Terraces on Tulane located on 3615 Tulane Avenue

The Mid-City development will be a 200-unit community for low-income senior citizens featuring all the necessary amenities as well as health and medical services, planned activities, a community room, computer lab and on-site parking.

Councilmember-at-Large Clarkson said, "This is a great development and a strong symbol of recovery and rebuilding in New Orleans - on behalf of the entire City, thank you so much for all of the great work that you do."

Terraces on Tulane is part of Volunteers of America's "Coming Back Home" initiative - focused on replacing housing lost during Hurricane Katrina and giving residents the opportunity to re-establish their communities in New Orleans. Construction on the development is expected to be complete by late 2009.

The Council, along with the Mayor and officials from New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the Port of New Orleans and the Chamber of Commerce traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers and top administrators and highlight the City's recovery needs for the upcoming federal budget session.

During the two day trip, the New Orleans delegation met with leadership from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), principals from the Army Corps of Engineers, Congressional Committee Members, the Louisiana Congressional Delegation and other Members of Congress who represent constituencies across the country.

The New Orleans delegation highlighted some of the top federal priorities: funding for a systematic approach to hurricane and flood control, preservation and enhancement of the economic impact of the Port of New Orleans, funding for regional law enforcement and justice system support, and provision of housing solutions for the homeless, to name a few.

On the steps of City Hall, Council President Arnie Fielkow and District "C" Councilmember James Carter, along with representatives from St. Tammany Parish Council, Cox Sports Television (CST) and the New Orleans Hornets, announced the outcome of their persistent collaborative efforts to resolve the Hornets, North Shore and Gulf Coast broadcast dispute.

Cox Sports Television has signed a broadcast deal with DISH Network to carry CST broadcasts of Hornets basketball games on the North Shore as well as the Gulfport/Diamondhead market in Mississippi. The agreement will apply to many areas where Charter is offered and this will be the first time that the Gulfport/Diamondhead market will receive broadcasts of the Hornets games - ultimately providing wider regional access to Hornets game broadcasts.

The agreement between CST and DISH Network is the direct result of persistent efforts throughout the past few months by the New Orleans City Council, the St. Tammany Parish Council, CST and the Hornets to resolve the franchise's broadcast dispute. This deal represents a victory for the City of New Orleans, the North Shore, the Hornets and the team's fans across the region.

To view complete Joint Statement click here.

The Council supported the Human Relations Commission and passed Resolution R-08-108 urging approval of the 2008 legislative package of the Port of New Orleans. The Council also addressed the progress of the Louisiana Economic Development Department's Business Recovery Grant & Loan Program.

Supports Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission's (HRC) 2007 Report "We Believe in One New Orleans" was presented before the Council. The report provided insight into HRC's efforts to engage the community and outlined twelve recommendations aimed at alleviating human relations challenges in the City.

During 2007, the HRC conducted monthly community "listening sessions." These listening sessions provided a forum for cultural group leaders to discuss their contributions and their perceptions of respect and inclusion of diverse groups in New Orleans.

The 2007 Report includes twelve recommendations developed by the HRC to resolve existing human relations challenges and promote awareness and respect for all cultural groups in the City. The Council proposed the creation of a task force dedicated to acting on the Commission's twelve recommendations in a timely fashion.

Supports Port of New Orleans

The Council unanimously passed Resolution R-08-108 urging the Louisiana Legislature and Governor Jindal to approve the 2008 legislative package of the Port of New Orleans.

Gary LaGrange from the Port of New Orleans appeared before the Council to discuss improvements to the Port and trade opportunities in the Panama Canal.

The Council emphasized that approval of these projects is essential to the vitality of the Port, the recovery of the City and the creation of new and increased economic opportunities for the citizens of New Orleans. This Resolution reflects the Council's strong support of the Port of New Orleans' legislative package.

Addresses Business Recovery Grant & Loan Program

The Council received an update from the Louisiana Economic Development Department on the progress of the Louisiana Business Recovery Grant and Loan Program.

Michael Hecht, Director of Business Recovery Services for the Louisiana Economic Development Department, provided the Council with a report on the successes of Phase One of the program. Hecht also briefed the Council on the launch of Phase Two of the program and discussed steps going forward.

Hecht emphasized the department's efforts to simplify the grant and loan process - citing the numerous changes that have been made to streamline Phase Two of the small business grant program, including modifying program guidelines to include more worthy businesses.

To view complete News Release click here.

During a Youth and Recreation Committee meeting, the first step towards the potential reform of the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD) was announced. The Greater New Orleans After-School Partnership (GNOAP) is in possession of a grant that it has chosen to use toward a survey of recreation in the City and some of the "best practices" around the country. Upon the completion of the survey in 90-120 days, the Youth and Recreation Committee, in conjunction with the full City Council, intends to initiate reform steps for NORD.

"Children in New Orleans deserve the best - in education, healthcare and recreation. NORD has been doing a good job in fixing storm-ravaged facilities and offering recreation programs to kids, but for decades the department has not been funded or supported at the level it deserves," said Council President and Youth and Recreation Committee Chair Arnie Fielkow.

Specifically, the study commissioned by GNOAP will examine the governance mechanisms and funding streams of NORD. Additionally, similar recreation models throughout the country will be studied to give context to the current recreation system in New Orleans. GNOAP will contract with professional consultants, who have a vast amount of experience in parks and recreation, to conduct the independent study.

To view complete News Release click here.