Governor Jeff Landry has stepped up his influence in New Orleans. As a conservative Republican governor acting unilaterally within the boundaries of a predominantly Democratic city, his approach raises questions. Does Landry respect the city’s autonomy and citizens’ rights? Let’s examine how his decisions affect New Orleans and deepen the state-city divide.

New Orleans: The State’s Economic Powerhouse

New Orleans is Louisiana’s largest economic driver. The city generates substantial tax revenue. Tourism, hospitality, and port services, contribute more state tax dollars than the city receives back in services. For example, Louisiana’s state budget in recent years has heavily relied on the nearly $10 billion in economic activity New Orleans produces annually. However, state support for city services has lagged, fueling frustration among city officials and the people who live in New Orleans.

Limited Power, High Stakes 

While Louisiana created New Orleans, the governor’s control over the city remains limited by constitutional protections and New Orleans’ own city charter. But Landry’s recent moves show the tension between providing support and asserting control. This delicate balance raises questions: Is Landry trying to assist, or is he using his role to overstep? For example, the Sewerage and Water Board(SWB) continues to struggle financially.  Make no mistake. The SWB is a state agency that the state does not properly fund.  Early in his administration, Landry sent a team to investigate the agency.  They made some recommendations, but ultimately not much changed. The result leaves New Orleans with an unstable flooding infrastructure at a time in history when flooding storms are more intense and more frequent. Thankfully the city was not directly hit by any big storms this year.

Troop NOLA: Crime Support or Power Play?

Even though Landry is from Cajun country, he completely understands that the state financially depends on New Orleans. He intends to make sure it’s a safe and inviting space for tourists. Having a reputation of being crime ridden is bad for tourism. So, in response to New Orleans’ police shortage, Landry deployed Troop NOLA, a state-backed unit intended to curb rising crime. However, Troop NOLA operates under state, not local, standards, creating immediate concerns from many New Orleanians. While the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) must comply with a federal consent decree mandating constitutional policing, Troop NOLA has less restriction.

The state police’s handling of the Ronald Greene case remains a troubling reminder of aggressive policing tactics, causing apprehension about Troop NOLA’s approach.  But since Troop NOLA’s deployment, crime has dropped precipitously.  Observers say the troop is only a part of the crime reduction story.  They cite city support programs, a national crime drop, more and better paying jobs, and other factors that also contribute to the sudden drop.

Traffic Policing vs. Community Policing

In fact, community activists suggest the state troopers also cause problems. State troopers are primarily traffic officers, accustomed to handling highways and high-speed pursuits. However, these methods are dangerous in urban neighborhoods, often resulting in crashes, property damage, and civilian injuries. For instance, recent Troop NOLA interventions in crime-heavy areas led to a high-speed chase, which ended with a multi-car crash. New Orleans residents feel these tactics are at odds with their community’s needs and question whether Troop NOLA truly enhances safety or exacerbates risks.

Clearing Homeless Encampments: Swift Action, Unwanted Results

And Governor Landry’s intervention in New Orleans is unpredictable.  Ahead of Taylor Swift’s weekend  concerts, Landry ordered the removal of a large homeless encampment under the Pontchartrain Expressway near the Superdome. This move, done without consulting city officials, involved state police and wildlife officers forcibly clearing people out and discarding their belongings. New Orleans has worked on long-term plans for homeless support, which Landry’s sudden intervention ignored, sparking tensions between state and city agencies.

City leaders, including Nathaniel Fields from Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s Office of Homeless Services and Strategy, publicly objected, emphasizing that such actions lacked local input. Landry’s approach left city officials frustrated, undermining long-standing homeless policies for a quick fix during a high-profile event.

Comparing Taylor Swift and Essence Fest

Landry’s actions before Taylor Swift’s concerts stand in stark contrast to his approach during Essence Fest. The Essence Festival brings over 500,000 visitors, primarily African American, and generates over $100 million more of economic impact than the Taylor Swift concert weekend. Yet, no similar homeless clearance occurred before Essence Fest, raising questions of bias. Is the governor’s action based on attendee demographics? This disparity reinforces existing racial concerns, especially when Landry acts for a predominantly white audience while sidestepping the same response for a Black event. A recent barbershop conversation concluded that Landry only cares when white people visit the city.

Strategies for Blue Cities in Red States

An Overstep or Necessary Intervention?

Landry’s actions reflect a power dynamic that risks alienating New Orleans residents. His unilateral decisions seem to disregard city priorities and protocols, and Judge Lori Jupiter’s recent injunction against homeless encampment sweeps highlights the legal tension. These actions suggest that Landry’s strategy lacks the local insight necessary for effective support.

A Path Forward: Respectful Cooperation

If Landry truly wants to help New Orleans, he must prioritize collaboration over control. By respecting the city’s leaders, laws, and unique culture, Landry can foster real progress and avoid setting harmful precedents. Cooperation, not overreach, will win public support and strengthen New Orleans’ role as Louisiana’s economic powerhouse.