Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Meeting

The New Orleans City Council's Climate Change and Sustainability Committee met on September 24, 2026, to discuss and approve a significant procurement and funding initiative for the Neighborhood Power Plan. This $29 million program includes $23.6 million in upfront incentives aimed at expanding distributed energy resources and battery energy storage systems across the city to improve grid resilience and reduce outages. The resolution sets specific incentive rates for low-income residential, non-low-income residential, and commercial customers, along with caps and administrative funding. The program emphasizes customer protections, measurable performance goals, and council oversight. Public comments highlighted the program's importance for vulnerable populations, community involvement, and local job creation. The committee unanimously approved the resolution to move forward to the full council. Additionally, the meeting covered a contract award for professional design and construction management services for the West End drainage modular tank system project, aimed at flood mitigation and community engagement. Discussions also included ongoing efforts to address rail line abandonment to support local infrastructure projects and updates on the Lefit Greenway development district, which is expected to generate funding for affordable housing, green infrastructure, and economic development in adjacent neighborhoods.