NEW ORLEANS — The NOLA Coalition has released its first progress report. The diverse collection of over 430 local nonprofits, civic organizations and businesses formed in July of 2022 to provide community support for NOPD and a $15M commitment to youth social services.
“Over the past 60 days, there has been a marked increase in the focus on and actions towards public safety in our community,” said a spokesperson in a press release announcing the new report. “Crime and quality of life are now the dominant topics of our elected leaders, the media and the public. Moreover, this focus has been followed by action. In alignment with the Coalition’s platform, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has called for major support for NOPD. The City Council has taken a range of actions, from funding for recruiting, to a revised technology ordinance, to raises for officers. And the community has responded, with nearly $3.5 million donated for support of youth services, to be provided by community-based organizations from within the City’s Youth Master Plan.
“That said, New Orleans is still in a very serious situation, with homicides on track to be at their highest level since the 1990s. There is no immediate fix for the challenges facing the City today. It will take the collective, coordinated and sustained action of our elected officials, civic and business groups, and the public for New Orleans to stabilize and improve.”
