Why it matters
As New Orleans prepares for political shifts and continued recovery, leaders like Councilmember Lesli Harris are playing a key role in shaping how the city grows. From housing policy and economic development to neighborhood revitalization and safety, Harris is focused on a pragmatic but people-first approach.
The big picture
District B represents the heart of New Orleans outside the French Quarter, and Councilmember Harris believes it can set the tone for a thriving, inclusive city. In a recent visit to KW New Orleans, she unpacked her first term’s challenges and her forward-looking vision for the city’s future.
On momentum and leadership:
“District B is where everyone wants to live and do business. From the Convention Center to the Garden District, it’s diverse, it’s historic, and it’s where a lot of opportunity is taking shape,” Harris said. With no challengers yet in her re-election campaign, her continued leadership could bring much-needed consistency.
Top wins and what’s next:
- Housing Trust Fund: Harris championed the passage of a measure dedicating 2% of the city’s general fund to affordable and workforce housing by 2026—an estimated $17–20 million annually.
- Revitalizing Blighted Properties: Within District B, from Jefferson Avenue to Canal and S. Carrollton to Tchoupitoulas, Harris emphasized a new mechanism to return neglected properties to commerce through public-private partnerships
- Public Safety & Accountability: Harris led efforts to address recent building collapses, calling for a consultant to establish proactive safety standards rather than reactive policies.
Harris commented, “We want to retain the character of New Orleans, but we also need to protect people. That starts with responsible ownership and better tools for enforcement.”
Economic development priorities
Councilmember Harris remains bullish on investment in District B, including:
- The growing BioDistrict
- The River District and Omni Hotel project
- Two new Trader Joe’s locations
She’s committed to streamlining land use processes and removing red tape to attract more businesses.
On short-term rentals
Harris supports regulation that balances neighborhood preservation with homeowners’ rights. “We thought we were walking the line until Airbnb sued us,” she said, noting the city is awaiting further court developments.
Looking ahead
Councilmember Harris emphasized the need for a strong next mayoral administration, one committed to hiring dynamic leaders for critical departments like Safety & Permits and Code Enforcement.
Harris commented, “We need a mayor who can build a team, hire well, and manage the city like the complex organization it is.”
The bottom line
Councilmember Harris’s priorities for her next term reflect a positive, proactive agenda grounded in experience and execution. Her work in housing, infrastructure, and civic accountability is already reshaping parts of the city—and she’s just getting started.