Councilmember Joe Giarruso Issues Statement on Bayou Boogaloo Permit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 9, 2025

NEW ORLEANS - No decision with Bayou Boogaloo happened overnight or in a vacuum. We have met and talked with the festival and neighbors for years. After months of discussions with festival organizers and neighborhood leadership that intensified over the last several weeks, we will release the hold on Bayou Boogaloo’s 2025 special event permit. Leadership from both the festival and the neighborhood met last night to come to an understanding of what success looks like for both the festival and its surrounding neighbors. Bayou Boogaloo has adjusted its footprint and configuration this year, and City departments have thoughtfully addressed safety concerns and neighborhood needs. All of that work is appreciated.

While it is unfortunate that taking something to the brink brings all parties to the table meaningfully, this process has shown that constructive dialogue usually works. Given the ongoing conversations, there will be a meeting for anyone interested in discussing the festival this summer. I’m encouraged by the most recent meetings and remain optimistic that reasonable people can make reasonable accommodations for the enjoyment of all on the bayou.

###

Contact:

Claire Byun

Office of City Council District A Joseph I. Giarrusso, III

claire.byun@nola.gov

504.883.1724

New Orleans City Council

The New Orleans City Council is the legislative branch of the New Orleans city government. The Council considers and enacts all local laws that govern the City of New Orleans. The Council also approves the operating and capital budgets for the City, as recommended by the mayor, and continually monitors revenues and expenditures for local government operations. The City Council is also the regulatory body for public utilities. It also reviews and has the final say on many land use and zoning matters, as well as considers major economic development projects for the City. As a Board of Review for Orleans Parish, the Council examines appeals of property tax assessments for real estate taxes and certifies tax rolls to the Louisiana Tax Commission. Other responsibilities of the Council include overseeing the operation of the public access television in Orleans Parish. Streaming video and video archives of the City Council's Regular and Committee meetings can be found on the City Council website.

The City Council is comprised of five districts and Councilmembers-at-large: Council President and Councilmember-at-Large JP Morrell; Council Vice President and Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno; District "A" Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso, III; District "B" Councilmember Lesli D. Harris; District "C" Councilmember Freddie King III; District "D" Councilmember Eugene J. Green, Jr.; and District "E" Councilmember Oliver M. Thomas, Jr.