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WHAT WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED

Councilmember Lesli Harris has shown over her first term that when leadership is rooted in communication, transparency, and accountability, real progress is possible. She brings no hidden political agenda—just a deep commitment to the people of this city. For the past four years, Councilmember Lesli has listened to the concerns and frustrations of our neighbors—and she’s followed through. From tackling violent crime to improving infrastructure, expanding affordable housing, and addressing energy issues, Lesli has delivered real results and is ready to keep building on that progress.

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01

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Councilmember Lesli Harris has turned bold ideas into real progress on affordable housing. Recognizing that safe, stable housing is the foundation of a thriving city, she’s led with a clear vision and a commitment to equity—authoring a historic City Charter amendment, securing major investments, and championing developments that expand access to safe, stable housing across New Orleans.

  • Authored and passed the Housing Trust Fund City Charter Amendment (2024), securing 75% voter support to dedicate 2% of the city’s general fund (~$17 million annually) to affordable and workforce housing, starting in 2026.

  • Secured the initial $17 million in 2023 for the Housing Trust Fund.

  • Approved over $53 million in housing investments citywide, including:

    • $10 million for Charity Hospital redevelopment

    • $3 million for The Pythian

    • $2 million for the Meridian development (73 units)

    • $3 million and $2 million for Desire and Habitat ARPA projects

    • $2 million for the Historic Home Repair Grant Program

  • Championed developments, including:

    • People’s Housing+ (192 affordable units with ground-floor commercial space)

    • H3C development (192 units including 92 for seniors, with a clinic and retail space; Louisiana’s first Fitwel-certified building)

    • Celeste Landing in the Lower Garden District

  • Required 450 affordable/workforce units in the River District through oversight legislation

  • Co-authored zoning changes to expand eligibility for affordable small multi-family units

  • Approved multiple affordable housing planned development projects across 2022–2024

02

HOMELESSNESS & HOME FOR GOOD INITIATIVE

Councilmember Lesli Harris is driving real progress on homelessness with a coordinated, compassionate approach. Through her Home For Good New Orleans initiative, over 1,000 residents have been housed in just one year—backed by millions in funding, strategic partnerships, and efforts to close major encampments across the city.

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  • Launched the Home For Good New Orleans initiative (2024), a coordinated rehousing system:

    • 1,029 individuals housed in 2024

    • 8 major encampments closed

    • Goal of 1,500 people housed by the end of 2025

  • Created and secured funding for the Home For Good Flex Fund to support transitional needs, such as deposits, furniture, pet fees, hygiene kits.

  • Partnered with UNITY, Tulane School of Medicine, LSUHSC, MHSD, Start Corp, and Crescent City Pharmacy to integrate services

  • Hired New Orleans’ first Director of Homeless Services and Strategy (2023)

  • Secured $10 million for OHSS in the 2025 budget and $5 million in 2023 for programmatic expansion

  • Partnered with national consultant Clutch Consulting to develop a long-term homelessness strategy

  • Passed legislation updating encampment cleanup procedures and launched an awareness campaign on effective giving

  • Rehoused residents from Calliope, Tchoupitoulas, and Treme encampments through coordinated city-led outreach

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03

PUBLIC SAFETY

Councilmember Lesli Harris has taken a bold, solutions-driven approach to tackling homelessness in New Orleans. Her leadership has brought together funding, services, and partners to deliver real results. Here's what that progress looks like:

  • Allocated $3 million in 2022 and $1.5 million in 2023 to clear the city’s sexual assault DNA backlog

  • Oversaw funding to reopen and staff New Orleans’ DNA Crime Lab

  • Passed ordinances to increase NOPD recruitment and retention pay 

  • Secured raises for DNA analysts and set national salary standards

  • Implemented safeguards and reporting requirements around NOPD’s use of facial recognition technology

  • Supported expansion of the LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) program in District B

  • Supported restorative justice and diversion programs, including INSTEAD

  • Created a gun safety expo in partnership with NOPD, ATF, and Children’s Hospital to distribute gun locks and promote safe storage

  • Advocated for enhanced protections for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors

  • Advocated for and installed 18 new crime cameras in District B

  • Passed ordinances to prohibit dangerous vehicular stunt activity

  • Designated new parking areas for Tulane University Police to strengthen campus and community safety

  • Supported police mental health resources and continuing education partnerships with local universities

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04

INFRASTRUCTURE & DRAINAGE

Councilmember Lesli Harris has worked relentlessly to hold city agencies accountable and push for smarter, faster infrastructure solutions. From drainage and road repairs to utility coordination and transparency, she’s taken action to get results where residents need them most. Key highlights of her work include:

  • Led Council efforts to escrow DPW and Safety & Permits funds until performance benchmarks were met

  • Co-authored legislation to consolidate city drainage functions under a single entity

  • Called on the Mayor to request an extension of FEMA's $2.4 billion JIRR infrastructure funds

  • Conducted regular site walkthroughs with city agencies to monitor stalled roadwork in Broadmoor, Central City, Mid-City, and Marlyville

  • Partnered with Entergy, AT&T, and Cox to pilot a utility pole reporting system via 311

  • Secured funding for a new SWBNO electrical substation to ensure drainage resilience during storms

  • Declared traffic signal damages a public emergency to expedite $9.1 million in contracts

  • Advocated for a public-facing "pizza tracker" system for infrastructure project transparency

05

QUALITY OF LIFE

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​​Councilmember Lesli Harris has been a dedicated advocate for improving the everyday quality of life for New Orleanians. As Chair of the Quality of Life Committee, she’s tackled a broad range of issues—from housing and homelessness to youth services, sustainability, and civil rights. Her leadership has driven visible change in neighborhoods across the city: from strengthening blight enforcement and removing dangerous properties, to advancing cultural projects and environmental initiatives. Lesli’s work reflects a deep commitment to equity, safety, and community pride.

  • Chaired 32 Quality of Life Committee meetings, covering housing, homelessness, youth services, solar energy, reproductive justice, SWB service cuts, and LGBTQ+ protections

  • Oversaw the creation of CROWN Park and supported its naming to honor protections against natural hair discrimination

  • Authored ordinance renaming Lee Circle to Harmony Circle

  • Passed blight law reforms in 2022 to expedite enforcement against repeat violators

  • Led efforts to demolish high-risk properties, like 2630 MLK Jr. Blvd

  • Supported the city’s first glass recycling drop-off at City Hall through a partnership with Glass Half Full

  • Participated in public art and beautification projects like Celebrate Canal and Windows on Canal
     

06

BUDGET & LEGISLATIVE ACTION

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Through smart legislation and targeted budget advocacy, Councilmember Lesli Harris has delivered meaningful investments in housing, public health, sustainability, and community programs. Her leadership at City Hall has been grounded in action, equity, and accountability.

  • Passed or co-authored:

    • 120+ ordinances

    • 60+ resolutions

    • 80+ motions across three years

  • Budget victories include:

    • $17 million for Housing Trust Fund

    • $10 million for OHSS

    • $1.35–$3 million for postpartum home visit program

    • $400,000 for INSTEAD

    • $400,000 for Keller Center and park activation

    • $200,000 for an EV charging plan

    • Full restoration of funding to the Children & Youth Planning Board

    • Funding to expand composting and solar accessibility through partnerships like Sprout NOLA

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Lesli Harris

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