NEW ORLEANS —

Mayor LaToya Cantrell presented her proposed 2026 executive budget on Wednesday, outlining a leaner plan that matches spending to a lower revenue forecast while the City Council pushes for outside oversight of New Orleans’ books.

The budget is built on a $725 million General Fund revenue forecast, about $250 million less than what city departments requested. To close the gap, the plan keeps a hiring freeze in place, trims 2.5% from personnel costs, cuts 15% from unclassified positions, and reduces agency operating budgets by 30%. Advertisement

The proposal still budgets $24 million for overtime, mostly for police and public safety during Mardi Gras and other major events. Administration officials say new fees and stronger collections could generate as much as $73 million

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