Gov. Jeff Landry just finished his first regular legislative session—and New Orleans has questions.
Some see a pattern of overreach. Others see smart policy. But either way, the bills he signed tell a story.
Trash Politics in the Quarter
The French Quarter Management District can now take over trash pickup if the city fails. That may sound helpful, but it sets a precedent—state-backed agencies stepping in where the city once ruled. FQMD can now hire contractors directly. Their procurement procedures are unknown. This completely politicizes contracting in New Orleans’s most important neighborhood. And the City of New Orleans must foot the bill.
Who Controls the Port?
Landry vetoed a bill requiring Senate confirmation for his appointees to the Port of New Orleans board. That means the governor alone controls one of the most powerful and lucrative institutions in the city. That veto stripped away a basic check and balance.
A Little Love for the City
Not all was hostile. Lawmakers passed a short-term rental tax that will send more revenue to the city. They also expanded Louisiana’s film tax credits—great news for New Orleans’ booming film crews and support businesses. These are real wins.
Related: Is Jeff Landry Overreaching?
But Watch the Pattern
Landry’s administration seems to be operating on a dual track: fund economic development, but pull power back to Baton Rouge. The “green energy” law—which redefines fossil fuels like natural gas as renewable—could undermine local climate policy in New Orleans. It ties our hands before we even finish writing the rules.
So What’s the Strategy?
It’s not a full takeover. But it is a restructuring of power. Local voices are being replaced with boards, commissions, and statewide rules. You won’t see soldiers in the street—but you’ll feel the shift in who makes the decisions.
Landry isn’t just governing. He’s redrawing the lines between the state and the city. And New Orleans should pay close attention.
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu
Publisher — Black Source Media
Jeff Thomas
Publisher • Opinion Columnist • Licensed General Contractor • Real Estate Appraiser • New Orleans
Jeff Thomas is the publisher of Black Source Media and one of New Orleans’ most direct voices on civic affairs, economic justice, and Louisiana politics. He writes from the intersection of experience and accountability — as a licensed general contractor,a tech company founder and executive with over 30 years experience, and a businessman who has worked across the city’s civic, media, and construction ecosystems for decades.
His Sunday column covers Louisiana legislative politics, insurance discrimination, housing policy, and the forces shaping Black community life in New Orleans and across the state. Thomas writes in the tradition of Black journalists who hold power accountable without apology — building arguments from data, delivering verdicts from evidence, and speaking to Black New Orleans with the directness the moment demands.
He is also the principal of EA Inspection Services, LLC, a government inspection services company. Black Source Media is his platform for the civic conversation New Orleans has needed and too rarely had.
Selected Articles by Jeff Thomas
Black Neighborhoods Pay the Highest Insurance Rates in Louisiana. Here’s What They Don’t Want You to Know.
They Didn’t Yell the N-Word. They Went to Law School, Bided Their Time, and Rewrote the Constitution Instead.
Vappie vs. Morrell: Why Does Justice Look Different in New Orleans?
The State Has the Money. New Orleans East Just Needs Them to Use It.
The Failure of Mitch Landrieu