Homestead Exemption

What should be done about the homestead exemption in the New Orleans area?  Read the BGR report.

Louisiana Municipal Association

Mayors and council members from cities, towns, and villages in South Central Louisiana  will meet with their state legislators at the Gonzales Civic Center here on Wednesday, March 25, for the fourth of six Louisiana Municipal Association regional meetings conducted this month. The first three meetings were held in Monroe, Minden, and Pineville.

                “This meeting provides an outstanding opportunity for our Association’s members in this part of the state to network with their state senators and representatives,” said LMA President Bill H. Robertson, mayor of Minden. “We are conducting these meetings as part of a sustained effort to promote the ‘power of membership’ in our Association and provide a vehicle for our members and federal and state leaders to develop a stronger partnership that builds a stronger Louisiana by strengthening its communities.”

                The Gonzales gathering begins with registration at 3:00 p.m. At the first of two sessions at3:30 p.m., LMA leaders and staff members will equip attendees with the knowledge and skills they need to master the legislative process and become more involved in legislative advocacy. In the second session at 5:00 p.m., the LMA legislative team will offer a briefing on the Association’s 2009 legislative priorities and issues expected to be considered during the regular session of the Legislature which begins on April 27. Area legislators will be invited to address LMA members about issues pertinent to local governments in the legislative session.

                The briefing will include information on the new federal economic stimulus law known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and key provisions in the stimulus package that affect municipal governments. The LMA, in addition to the National League of Cities, is providing information to help state and local leaders effectively leverage funds with other resources to effect positive outcomes for public jurisdictions in these challenging economic times.

                Following the information sessions are a networking reception and a dinner for participants, including LMA members and state legislators, and others attending. Governor Bobby Jindal and members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation also have been invited to this meeting.

                “This series of regional meetings  allows the LMA to proactively reach out to our legislative partners in every part of the state. The LMA is committed to working with all of its partners at the state and federal levels to build a stronger Louisiana by strengthening its villages, towns, and cities,” Mayor Robertson noted.

Obama,healthcare:    

Fundraising

Roundtable Discussion, “Fundraising in a Recession: Stresses and Successes” to be held              Friday, March 27, 2009, Noon – 2:00 pm at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside where a roundtable discussion will focus on the impact of the economy on fundraising and discuss effective strategies for nonprofits in economically challenging times.

Angel Investing

"Angel Investing - What it is and how to get it"

Date:  Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Location:  1215 Prytania St., 2nd Floor Meeting Room, New Orleans LA 70130

Cost:  Free for LTC Members and $10 for Non-Members

Register at: www.ltc-la.org/en/cev/309

Mayoral Fellowship

Students and recent college graduates who want to work for city government and develop their skills to become leaders in our New Orleans community still have time to apply to the 10th annual Mayoral Fellows Program.
 
"This is an excellent opportunity for young people interested in having a real impact on public policy," said Mayor C. Ray Nagin. "Graduates of the program have gone on to hold critical positions in both city government and elsewhere."
 
Each Fellow will be placed in one of the major divisions, agencies or branches of city government for the first half of the year and then transferred to a second to ensure a more varied experience. Senior Fellows, who are well advanced in their graduate/professional programs, will have the option of remaining in a placement appropriate to their fields. As Fellows, they then apply their knowledge and skills to help departments reach specific project and policy goals.
 
The 10-month program begins August 10, 2009, and ends June 4, 2010. Fellows are paid a salary of $25,500 for the 10 months, in addition to pension and health benefits.
 
Students are asked to present their most innovative ideas during this competitive application process. Any post-baccalaureate student interested in pursuing a career in city government is encouraged to apply, regardless of major or previous field of training.

Applicants must meet the following requirements by August 10,2009 to be eligible:

• U.S. Citizen
• Resident of Orleans Parish OR graduate of a high school or college in Orleans Parish  Note: Chosen Fellows are encouraged but not required to establish domicile in the City of New Orleans during the period of employment
• Bachelor's degree AND admission to or enrollment in an accredited graduate program
• Prepared to participate in the program on a full-time basis from August 10 to June 4

 
The City of New Orleans does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, creed, culture, or ancestry. City employees are ineligible.
 
The application deadline is Monday, April 6, 2009. Selected finalists will be invited to interviews sometime during the last two weeks of April. Final selections will be announced by May 15, 2009. For an application or more information, visit the City's website at www.cityofno.com. Interested students can also contact Julie Schwam Harris at Julie.Harris@mayorofno.com or at (504) 658-4961.