|
Mission: Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans is a non-partisan, non-sectarian grassroots initiative formed to be a voice for reform and renewal for Greater New Orleans and a better Louisiana. The community group provides a venue and resources for citizens to voice their opinions and concerns and to take action for rebuilding Greater New Orleans.Organization: The group was formed in November 2005, when a group of 120 citizens gathered for the first meeting in New Orleans. They came together after the state legislature failed to pass levee board reform legislation. The Times Picayune reported, "These citizens want a safe city behind sound levees so that no generation would endure what we have endured, and more than that they want honest and efficient city government, one free of old habits of cronyism and patronage that stifled progress and made us all unsafe."Levee Board Reform: Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans led the movement for levee board consolidation and reform which will provide for greater flood protection for all residents of the state’s largest metro area. Through community, media and legislative outreach and public education programs the group advocated creating a unified levee board comprised of experts guided by principles, transparent to the people without a hint of political patronage. The grassroots initiative collected over 53,000 signatures on a petition calling for levee board reform. Media and political observers have noted the grassroots effort and public outcry were major factors in the Governor’s decision to move forward with a special session in February 2006. The grassroots coalition held a rally on the opening day of the February special legislative session in Baton Rouge. Over a thousand concerned citizens flooded the steps of the state capital. Citizen for 1 Greater New Orleans’ volunteers had a strong presence in the State Capitol during the special legislative session at committee meetings and on the floor of the House and Senate.Results: In March 2006, the Louisiana Legislature approved historic legislation which dissolved local levee commissions and created the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority. In September 2006, Louisiana voters approved Constitutional Amendment #3, approving consolidation and reform of levee management in Southeast Louisiana.Tax Assessor Consolidation and Reform: Citizen for 1 Greater New Orleans’ advocates supported the consolidation of the offices of property assessment in Orleans Parish. The antiquated system of property assessment in Orleans Parish had long been criticized as being a system of unfair assessments rife with government waste and patronage. The legislation would consolidate the offices from seven to one and provide a more efficient, fair and accountable process of property assessment. Over 1,650,000 email communiqués were sent to lawmaker from concerned citizens.Results: The Louisiana Legislature passed legislation that would require consolidation of the assessor offices in New Orleans. In November 2006, voters across Louisiana overwhelmingly approved Constitutional Amendment #7 reducing the number of assessors from 7 to 1 in Orleans Parish.
Reform Legislation Critical to Improving the State’s Image The landmark legislation advocated by Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans has been cited by many as pivotal to improving the state’s image. The fundamental changes signal that Louisiana will support bold reform measures as it recovers and rebuilds from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The Times Picayune noted, "The leaders of the movement slayed two sacred cows of Louisiana politics and fomented civic activism during Southeast Louisiana’s darkest hour." Gambit, the independent weekly newspaper, ranked the stunning consolidations of the levee boards and assessor system as the number one story of 2006.
Continued Pressure for Reform Urgent for New Orleans Recovery… Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans is engaged in a number of areas critical to the recovery of New Orleans and the renewal of Louisiana.Crime Coalition: In February 2007, Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans, along with a diverse group of civic and business organizations, united for the first time to fight violent crime in New Orleans. They announced an anti-crime package which urged city leaders to focus the resources of the police, prosecution and judicial system on convicting career criminals. The NO Crime Coalition is comprised of Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans, The Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region, The Metropolitan Crime Commission, The Police and Justice Foundation, Common Good, The Urban League, The Black Chamber of Commerce, The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, The Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Jefferson Business Council, The Young Leadership Council, Crime Stoppers and Bridge House.Results: The Coalition is focused on the following initiatives: - A Violent Offenders Unit within the District Attorney’s Office was established -More boots on the ground adding 40 additional police to the NOPD -Implementation of the Information and Integrated Justice Information System (OPSIS) -Enhanced funding for the state Indigent Defender Program -Development of Court Watch NOLA Education Reform :During the 2007 legislative session, the organization, in collaboration with its partners, successfully advocated to continue the systemic reforms in the educational system in Orleans Parish. Results: The legislature gave strong support to the Recovery School District and rejected various restrictions which would have hampered the progress of the Recovery School District. For the first time there is optimism that New Orleans can become a national model for urban public school reform. Ethics Reform -Supported Ethics Reform legislation in the 2007 state legislative session. -Supported the establishment of the Ethics Review Board and the office of Inspector General in the City of New Orleans The Power of the Citizen Voice: Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans has brought residents from across the Greater New Orleans region together and provided a venue for citizens to be heard. This effort is an example of how frustration, fear and action can lead to hope and positive change. The organization is committed to helping rebuild New Orleans with hope, self-reliance and optimism for the future while preserving the rich, diverse and gracious heritage of our city and state.Leadership of Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans is provided by a group of volunteer community activists led by an Executive Committee of 11, the group has over 20,000 supporters."We cannot sacrifice citizen safety and well-being to politics. We will continue to be daily advocates for reform of our government and renewal of our beloved city. Citizen involvement is essential in the rebuilding of Greater New Orleans," said Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans’ Chairman Ruthie Frierson. |
|
|
Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans: 2005-2008 | Register | Contact Us |
