New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has delivered his annual State of the City Address. The speech reflected achievements as well as challenges facing his administration.
Mayor Landrieu says city government has been streamlined since he took office in 2010. He credits the City Council for helping to cut waste.
“We have made tough decisions and balanced the budget three years in a row and gotten rid of our structural deficit. Here is the way that we do it: We cut, we reorganize and we invest savings in what really matters.”
Landrieu says his “Nola for Life” program is making progress in reducing crime, but police need more resources.
He also says the police department and jail need to follow constitutional policies — something he says can be achieved with good management.
“After all, this is what we do down here in New Orleans. We find a way, or we make one.”
The mayor also highlighted projects — like the University Medical Center and revamped Iberville housing — that he hopes will be running and successful when the city celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2018.
