# 2027 - Proposed Budget Hearings (Day 5)

The New Orleans City Council held Day 5 of its proposed 2027 budget hearings on October 8, 2026. Economic Development reported an 8.5% cut to its operating expenses, $5 million in ARPA funds being spent down, and a $995,000 federal grant for a multimodal study around Union Passenger Terminal with the New Orleans Building Corporation and other partners. The office also described a $1.5 million ARPA investment in the New Orleans Regional Business Park. A proposed New Orleans East road project remains under exploratory review, with funding sources not yet settled. Community Development outlined roughly $130 million in largely restricted, non-general-fund resources and discussed affordable-housing allocations: the proposed 2027 Housing Trust Fund approach would prioritize projects and programs including housing preservation, repairs, fortified roofs, and homeownership support, while staff said they had not identified resources for a new multifamily housing Notice of Funding Availability. The Supplier Diversity Office reported that the city had awarded more than $133 million in contracts to small and disadvantaged businesses and was monitoring more than 400 contracts. No budget votes or procurement approvals were recorded in the transcript.

Other budget discussions highlighted funding changes with implications for city programs and contractors. Youth Force NOLA cited its current-year $500,000 city contract and warned that eliminating the proposed funding could further reduce internship placements. Health and Human Services described proposed personnel and operating cuts, including a potential $5 million reduction affecting the Low Barrier Shelter; speakers and council members urged restoration and discussed securing recurring outside contributions. The department also reported a $4 million federal HHS grant for a maternal-and-child-health service hub. EMS said it continues to use Acadian for four to six daily surge units, estimating about $9 million in annual costs, and aims to reduce reliance on that contract as staffing improves. Cultural Economy reported suspending several grant and cultural programs after state appropriations were vetoed and tourism-fund allocations fell. These were budget and funding discussions; the transcript did not record final awards, motions, or votes.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Healthcare
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Sources
- [2027 - Proposed Budget Hearings (Day 5)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va3siyMo0p0) - New Orleans City Council