The 2027 New Orleans budget hearings wrapped up Thursday.
Over the last month, city council has heard from countless city departments and offices about funding needs, and now they will work to finalize a spending package for 2027.
Many areas will see budget cuts in an effort to mitigate the city’s cash deficit.
The final hearing ended with a presentation from the New Orleans Recreation Department, or NORD.
NORD is one of the only departments not seeing funding cuts under Mayor Helena Moreno’s proposed budget.
“I think it’s important for our community, to fully fund NORD. We need to make sure that they have their facilities up and running,” Councilmember Lesli Harris said. “I know that there are some in my district that still need some love and maintenance, and so we need to fund those.”
The department is asking for a $19.3 million budget, which is $96,000 less than its 2026 budget.
The decrease is due to one employee changing departments.
NORD Interim CEO Natasha Robinson said most of that money will go toward personnel and the rest will fund operations and maintenance.
NORD will also be able to bring back its E-Sports and fitness programming.
The council will vote on a fina budget on November 19.
NORD recently named a new CEO, Patrice Bell. She will officially take over the role on December 1.
The leadership change comes after CEO Larry Barabino announced his resignation earlier this year to spend more time with family. He led NORD for nearly a decade.
READ MORE:New Orleans budget hearings end with NORD funding talks
