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Contact:
Ronald J. Pursell
Council Chief of Staff
(504) 658-1082
rjpursell@cityofno.com
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New Orleans, LA - March
20, 2008 - Today, the New Orleans City Council passed resolutions urging
the U.S. Census Bureau to reconsider its low population estimates for New
Orleans and supporting New Orleans' Tourism & Hospitality Industry, LatiNola
Votes! Hispanic Voter Registration Campaign and a bicycle friendly New Orleans.
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Urges Reconsideration of U.S. Census Bureau
Population Estimates
 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 population 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.
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Supports Tourism & Hospitality Industry
 Today, 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
NOMCVB Representatives Industry in New Orleans.
Jim Funk, President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association presented a status report on the local Louisiana Restaurant Industry, highlighting the industry's significant progress since Hurricane Katrina.
Funk said, "The restaurant industry is a vital part of the New Orleans economy and we continue to lead recovery efforts in spite of the mounting challenges we face."
President and CEO of the NOMCVB, Steve Perry, gave a presentation on the 2008 State Legislative agenda and the Tourism and Hospitality 2008 Legislative funding request. Perry asked that the Council join the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans Inc. in unanimous support of the funding request.
"We carry the brand of this great City to the national and international markets. You will not find a more ardent economic development partner than you will in us and we appreciate your support," said Perry.
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.
The Council emphasized the importance of transitional funding to sustain effective and aggressive marketing efforts required to grow the hospitality industry and remain competitive in the national economy.
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Supports Hispanic Voter Registration Campaign
 The Council passed Resolution R-08-136, co-authored by Councilmember-at-Large Fielkow and Councilmember 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.
Councilmember-at-Large Arnie Fielkow said, "I am very excited to support this initiative. As we continue our recovery, it is important that we hear from all of the voices in the community - the work of LatiNola Votes! is essential in this process."
This Resolution reflects the Council's belief that it is the responsibility of government to encourage full participation of all of its citizens in the election process.
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.
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Encourages Bicycle Friendly New Orleans
 The City Council passed Resolution R-08-135, authored by Councilmember 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.
Councilmember Midura 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.
The Resolution cites the work done by the City of New Orleans to encourage a bicycle friendly community. These efforts include the City Planning Commission New Century New Orleans Transportation Master Plan's provision for a city-wide network of bicycle routes, as well as the Greater New Orleans Pedestrian & Bicycle Program's efforts to improve the bicycle and pedestrian environment of New Orleans through design workshops for engineers and planners and law enforcement officer training.
The Resolution reflects the Council's support of a bicycle friendly New Orleans and surrounding region, promoting the usage of bicycling as both a means of transportation and for recreational purposes.
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