NEW ORLEANS — A report released by a local government watchdog highlights the City of New Orleans’ growing budget deficit, which is on track to top $100 million by the end of the year.

“There's a concern about looming costs in 2026 and beyond, as well as declining revenues,” said Stephen Stuart, Director of Research and Senior Vice President for the Bureau of Governmental Research, a local nonprofit focused on city policy and resources.

It uses data first published by the group in the spring, adding that “the 2025 budget is on pace for a $100 million deficit as revenues are coming in low and overtime costs have soared.”

The report attributes those overtime costs to the Bourbon Street terror attack and the January snowstorm.

Over the past few years, federal COVID-19 relief money has mad

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