Bureau of Governmental Research

Home
United States
New Orleans, LA
Bureau of Governmental Research

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

BGR is an independent, nonprofit research organization dedicated to improving local government in Greater New Orleans.

10/23/2026

We don't have a city without flood protection. Swipe to meet the panel for our November 5 Breakfast Briefing on the future of east bank flood protection. It's free, with coffee and a light breakfast thanks to First Horizon Bank!

Link to register: https://go.bgr.org/nov-2026-breakfast

Ft. Flood Protection Authority, Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans

10/22/2026

NOLA.com columnist Will Sutton wrote about Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt after his keynote at our Annual Luncheon. The column traces OKC's long history and Holt's own Osage roots before turning to his case for leadership continuity. Read Will's column. 👇

https://www.nola.com/opinions/will_sutton/oklahoma-city-mayor-david-holt-new-orleans-bgr/article_9c24d3d2-ed75-4b5a-965b-c8ed70da4e88.html

10/20/2026

Biz New Orleans covered Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt's keynote at our Annual Luncheon. Kelly Hite's story covers how OKC built voter trust and won support from across the political spectrum, in part by keeping its plans going across mayors. It also connects Holt's message on accountability to BGR's recent report on New Orleans' sanitation program. Read it below! 👇

https://bizneworleans.com/holt-shares-roadmap-for-new-orleans-modern-renaissance/

10/20/2026

In case you missed it: NOLA.com covered Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt's keynote at our Annual Luncheon. Grace Mayer's story covers how OKC spent three decades investing in its downtown and quality of life, and why Mayor Holt thinks New Orleans is starting from a strong place. Read it here. 👇

https://www.nola.com/news/business/oklahoma-city-mayor-revitalize-downtown-new-orleans-lessons/article_f5bb020d-1a4f-466e-9389-c79d8174d5c4.html

10/19/2026

“I think New Orleans is poised for your own modern renaissance.”

That was Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt’s message at BGR’s Annual Luncheon today. He shared how voter-approved investments turned OKC into what The Economist calls a “Big League City,” and closed with 9 takeaways for New Orleans.

What would a New Orleans renaissance look like? Tell us below!

Thank you to Mayor David Holt, Mayor Helena Moreno and everyone who joined us.

We're grateful to our presenting sponsors Hancock Whitney and Ochsner Health, and supporting sponsors IMTT and Delta Utilities for making today possible.

10/17/2026

Your trash fee just went up. Here's why.

On October 1, New Orleans' sanitation fee rose from $24 to $32.25 a month. Starting in 2028, it will change every year to match costs. That should end a budget gap projected to top $80 million since 2021. The City is already cleaning up trash collection lists, which could save money, and regular oversight can make sure residents don't pay more than they should.

BGR Research Analyst Natanael Pabon-Trinidad 😎 breaks it down. Our new report, More Cash for Trash, recommends:
> Regular checks of the City's trash collection lists
> A required cost review at least every five years
> An annual public report on service and costs
> A public look at options like twice-weekly pickup and recycling

The City Council takes up the Sanitation budget Monday, October 19.

Read the summary or full report here: https://go.bgr.org/more-cash-for-trash

10/08/2026

Last call: Ticket and table sales for BGR's Annual Luncheon close this Friday, October 9, at 11:59 p.m.

This year, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt joins us. A generation ago, OKC wasn't on many lists of cities to watch. Today, it's one of the most-cited examples of a mid-sized American city that made big, long-term bets on its future and saw them pay off.

On Monday, October 19, he'll talk about what it took and what New Orleans might learn as we make our own decisions about the years ahead.

https://go.bgr.org/2026luncheon

10/07/2026

We don't have a region without flood protection.

After Katrina, New Orleanians fought for a levee board run by experts and focused on one job: keeping us safe from flooding. Twenty years later, that promise is being tested. The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority - East has a new board, has lost key engineers, has sharply expanded its police force, and faces scrutiny from the public, the Legislature and the state attorney general.

Join us for "Keeping Levees First: Who's Running Our Flood Protection?" to hear from the people at the center of the debate.

• Blair duQuesnay, President, Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans
• Sen. Kirk Talbot, Louisiana State Senate, District 10
• Jeff Williams, Regional Director, Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority - East
• Moderated by BGR President & CEO Rebecca Mowbray

BGR Breakfast Briefing
Thursday, Nov. 5 | 8–9 a.m. (doors open at 7:30)
First Horizon Bank Atrium, 601 Poydras Street, 20th Floor

FREE, thanks to First Horizon Bank

Reserve your seat at the link: https://go.bgr.org/nov-2026-breakfast

09/30/2026

In our latest BGR Perspectives video, President & CEO Becky Mowbray reflects on our recent Breakfast Briefing with Sheriff Michelle Woodfork and what it will take to fix the Orleans Parish Jail.

The short answer: a shared plan among the City, the sheriff and the courts. That's the central idea of BGR's 2022 "Keys to the Jail" report, which Sheriff Woodfork called a "guide to success."

> Watch the full Breakfast Briefing with Sheriff Woodfork: https://www.bgr.org/watch-breakfast-briefing-with-orleans-parish-sheriff-michelle-woodfork
> Read Keys to the Jail: https://www.bgr.org/report-index/better-governance-can-improve-new-orleans-jail-and-sustain-reforms

09/24/2026

As New Orleans looks ahead, Oklahoma City's story offers plenty to think about.

That's why BGR invited Mayor David Holt for this year's Annual Luncheon.

While many cities have struggled to retain residents and build confidence in local government, OKC has continued to grow and invest in itself. Mayor Holt has been at the center of that story, helping lead an approach that has earned broad public support.

On Monday, October 19, he'll share what other cities can take away from City of Oklahoma City - Government's experience.

If you're interested in where New Orleans goes from here, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Tickets are selling quickly, and the deadline to purchase is Friday, October 9: https://go.bgr.org/2026luncheon

Address

400 Poydras Street, Suite 2950
New Orleans, LA
70130

Telephone

+15045254152

Website

https://www.bgr.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Bureau of Governmental Research posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.