NEW ORLEANS – On May 15, the NOLA Coalition released an updated “platform of actions” it said will help create a safer and more prosperous New Orleans for all residents.
The group of over 530 business and nonprofit members, which formed last year in response to the city’s crime crisis, said it will “continue to support near-term actions to reduce violence, paired with social services to drive generational change.”
The updates to the platform reflect progress made over the past eight months and new areas of focus.
“The NOLA Coalition applauds passage of critical public safety tactics by the Mayor and City Council called for in the original platform,” said a coalition spokesperson. “The coalition now urges quick and effective implementation of these policies, so the city can significantly reduce violent crime.”
The alliance is calling for additional funding to enhance NOPD recruiting and retention, implementation of the district attorney’s “Special Prosecution Unit,” use of NOPD surveillance technology, increased civilianization of the force and more.
“The NOLA Coalition is a group of unprecedented diversity, but with a singular mission of supporting New Orleans,” said Michael Hecht of GNO Inc., one of the organizers of the coalition, in a press release. “We are proud of the progress we have made over the past six-plus months, but clearly, we need to redouble and refocus our efforts to continue improvement. This refresh of the NOLA Coalition platform represents our next iteration of critical priorities.”
The NOLA Coalition has a two-plank plan that focuses on public safety and investment in youth services. The group has pledged to raise and invest $15 million in youth services over the next five years.
“I applaud the work accomplished so far by the NOLA Coalition,” said Richard Cortizas, partner and chief diversity officer at Jones Walker. “By keeping a steady focus on public safety enhancement and continuing to be a strong platform for our citizens – we will undoubtedly win this fight, on behalf of our community for years to come.”
Click here to read the entire NOLA Coalition platform.
Individual donations to the initiative can be made directly online.
