New Orleans’ Mayor Fights for a Fair Share of Tourism Tax Dollars
By C.C. Campbell-Rock
Mayor LaToya Cantrell is continuing her fight to redistribute the wealth held by state-empowered and New Orleans based tourism and sports entities, whose taxes seem to benefit the state of Louisiana more than the city of New Orleans. These entities keep more than their fair share of New Orleans’ tourism generated tax dollars.
According to the Louisiana Office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, $1.8 billion total state and local tax revenue is generated by travel and tourism activities. The University of New Orleans estimated that 10.98 million people visited New Orleans in 2017 and spent $7.51 billion. The UNO’s numbers differ from D.K. Shiffler & Associates, a data firm, which reported 17.7 million visitors which spent $8.7 billion. Whichever estimate is most accurate, clearly Mayor Cantrell thinks the city is not getting a fair share of tourism tax dollars.
Mayor Cantrell’s Chief of Staff John Daniel Pourciau last week spent two days before the Louisiana Legislature’s Ways & Means Committee explaining why the mayor is seeking a fair share of the tourism tax dollars generated in the city of New Orleans. “It’s about allowing the city of New Orleans to take care of itself. New Orleans is tired of having to ask the state for help.”
Pourciau cited the city’s 110 year-old drainage systems, spontaneous boiled water advisories, crumbling streets, and flooding events that follow heavy rainfalls as issues that have reached emergency levels.
Several house bills containing Mayor Cantrell’s requests will be voted on by the state House of Representatives next week:
HB 521 authorizes the city of New Orleans, subject to voter approval, to levy and collect an additional hotel occupancy tax that would be deposited into the parish’s infrastructure fund. This would not be a tax on residents but on hotel rooms, the cost of which will be passed onto hotel visitors.
HB522: Restores the “lost penny;” the 1% sales tax the city gave up to fund construction of the Louisiana Superdome.
HB573: Requires the Morial Convention Center to consolidate laws pertaining to the state entity in one place and for the Convention Center to follow the law that stipulates that excess money reserves be given the city. There is also an amendment to HB573 that calls for the establishment of a Disadvantage Business Enterprise program.
Interestingly, the New Orleans & Co. (formerly the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau), the Morial Convention Center of New Orleans, the Louisiana Hotel Lobby Association, the Louisiana Restaurant Association, and others went on record opposing the sharing of the wealth. These are the entities that benefit the most from the tourism industry in New Orleans, yet they don’t seem to want to share in the cost of fixing the city’s deplorable infrastructure.
But several New Orleanians testified in favor of the bills. Ann Milling testified in support of the Mayor’s request. “We are fed up with boil water advisories, street flooding, flat tires and broken axles, and fed up that resources to address our pressing infrastructure needs are going elsewhere. Fourteen percent or $151 million goers to tourism and sports entities, while only three percent is going to our streets. This is indeed the tail wagging the dog.” Millings called for an end to the state’s outdated, lopsided, tax structure; regarding New Orleans-based state authorities.
Civil Engineer Iam Christian Tucker, a small business owner also testified. “New Orleans is the revenue driver of this state. It is the state’s flagship city. Our current situation is not sustainable. You can’t keep kicking the can down to road. What will it take for the state to finally tend to the most critical aspect of what sustains us?”
The atmosphere of the first day of hearings, conducted by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Representative Neil C. Abramson, was amicable and cordial, with proponents and opponent politely stating their positions.
But on the second day, sensing they were losing the fight to keep all the revenue generated by their entities, opponents lowered the boom on Mayor Cantrell.
“This is a very earnest attempt to take down and destroy the largest economic development corporation in Louisiana,” said Stephen Perry, the CEO of New Orleans and Company. “New Orleans and Company is the official sales and marketing company for the state. We represent the Superdome and the Convention Center.”
Perry, a perennial government operative, served as Chief of Staff for the late Governor Murphy J. Foster, Jr. While working for Foster, Perry was instrumental in putting financing together for Phase III and planning for Phase IV for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Perry threatened that hotel taxes garnered during the Bayou Classic and the Essence Festival “will go away,” and that the state will have to “figure out how to pay for a lot,” if the bills pass. Perry was referring to the voluntary, self-assessed 1.75% hotel occupancy tax member hotels pay, of which .25% goes to the city. Perry implied that the voluntary tax would go away if the bills pass.
As soon as she took her seat at the hearing table, Mayor LaToya Cantrell told Perry, “You cut me deep…Shrek. You cut me real deep.” After the laughter subsided over the mayor’s quote from Eddie Murphy’s character, Donkey, in the animated movie Shrek, Cantrell said, “Sewage, water, drainage, street repairs, and other infrastructure needs’ are her administration’s top priorities. Cantrell took time to attend the hearing, although she was supposed to be at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, co-chairing its Infrastructure Committee.
“I do see a light at the end of the tunnel. The New Orleans Tourism & Marketing budget, the New Orleans and Company budget, and the Convention Center have reserve funds. There are dollars there. We looked at our drinking water and got dinged by the state. We found out the same water that is cooling our turbines is the same water that comes out when we turn on our faucets. I’m advocating for dollars that will go into a dedicated infrastructure fund.”
Her administration is not sitting on its hands, though. “The city’s is spending $145 million in green infrastructure projects. And we have doubled sanitation fees. Our residents are doing their part but 400,000 can’t take care of (the needs of) 18 million visitors,” Cantrell explained.
The mayor also took issue with the fact that voters authorized dedicated taxes for the Convention Center, but the Center’s revenue is being used for other projects, thus denying voters input on how those tax dollars are used.
“When the legislation was passed it was for debt service, maintenance, and operations, with any surplus going to the city of New Orleans. And we haven’t seen that at all,” Cantrell said of the surpluses. The Convention Center has been around for 41 years. Currently, there is a $140 million surplus at the Convention Center.
However, Melvin J. Rodrigue, President of MCCNO, told legislators, “We don’t see it as excess.” He said the Center is still spending money and “We need to borrow another $400 million to make our plans happen. We can’t do that with your bills.”
Win, lose, or draw with the current legislation, Cantrell’s battle for a fair share of tourism dollars has exposed a greater problem.
Back in the day, an Iraqi War protester’s sign raised a pivotal question that is applicable to New Orleans’ fair share dilemma. “How did our oil get under Iraq’s sand?” is akin to “How did all these state entities get on New Orleans’ land, when the city and its voters see very few benefits from them nor exercise any control over how those tax dollars are spent?”
Here are a few of the state-owned businesses that rake in the dollars in New Orleans, while residents share a disproportionate of the tax burden for essential services; streets, sewerage & water, police protection, fire protection, etc., that allows them to continue to function:
- Ernest N. Morial New Orleans
Exhibition Hall Authority - Florida Parishes Human Services Authority (Algiers)
- French Quarter Management District
- City Park
- Regional Transit Authority
- Cabildo New Orleans
- Louisiana State Museum
- Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (Superdome, Smoothie King)
- The Flood Protection Authority
- Sewerage & Water Board
Clearly, as New Orleans goes, so does the state of Louisiana. Legislators should be wary of killing the goose that laid the golden egg. Everyone in power should protect the jewel of the South. They must be fair and do their share to keep the dollars flowing in a way that all can benefit; especially New Orleans residents.
Yes, if a disproportionate amount of money is being steered toward New Orleans and not used to maintain/repair infrastructure, then the process needs to be changed. New Orleans needs and deserves a bigger slice of the tourism revenue it so consistently generates. This truly is the most important and most financially productive city in the state of Louisiana. New Orleans needs to be maintained and given plenty of financial support from the state so that it can continue to be strong as the flagship.
Greetings Ms Campbell-Rock,
I am writing to get some clarity on a matter. In the above article, Is it accurate to state that the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board is a state-owned business?
Kindly advise!
Leon A. Waters
Totally agree with “Fair Share”, but…- There’s a Drunken Sailor somewhere in City Hall!
LBRC- Who’s clueless? Get this!- “Your Local Government is Upside Down”!
1. Elections are very expensive! In 1991, Ballots on average run at least $500k in “Public Funds”, soon we’ll be talking real money! Your contributions go to Politicos whoprep resent who? You never asked for an “ENTERGY” Gas oven in NOE but got it anyway over your objections! Politicos average in “Genius Ranges”? Yeah right?
What do we know? a. Most have a “Gift of Gab”. b. Once elected and suddenly, they get sprinkled with Fairy Dust and grow with Clairvoyance. c. They’re always on TV, this alone makes them important? Honestly yes!
2. NOLA is again sponsoring a “Single Issue” on a single Ballot! Cost to Taxpayers? Anybody ask? Exclude the ‘Simps! Real Power in NOLA (Unelected) made this happen! Public Funds abuse easily! How does your Politicos justify expenditure of “Public Funds” for single issues on Ballots, your money? Wasn’t there another election only weeks ago? Is this how Politicos manage their personal family budgets? Probably yes! Is this frugal? NOLA has so many pressing needs- Infrastructure, projected Pension Shortfalls, S&WB…- How in the, never mind…
3. Who should be touring “Council Districts”/Your Neighborhoods and know better the pressing needs of Constituents? You give them income, insurance, retirement plans, free gas and chauffeurs? Ans. The Council People themselves! Do they tour at all?
a. Representatives have been elected in NOLA who do not live in Districts they represent! Won’t call names yet!
b. Councilpersons visit “Their” Districts with “Armed” Guards and NOPD? They “Stunt” but most are afraid to traverse certain areas of their own District alone! If they’re doing a “Good Job”, how come you dare not visit often during daytime let alone night? ‘Luv ‘Dat desk? You have responsibility for? Disclaimer: ‘Dimwits say- “Great, next mayor”?
4. Council Politicos are beginning to flood citizen email boxes with “Proclamations” aka propaganda about appointments to so- called “Prestigious” ruling class committees and outside boards. Why?
a. Always look important, “Always Walk Fast and Carry a Piece of Paper!
b. ‘Simps love following shinny “Glowing Bouncing Balls”! Remember “Sing Along With Mitch”! Probably not, We digress…
b. How easy is it taking candy from a baby? Ans. Easier than what it takes to dupe a Low Info Voter aka ‘Simp! Sorry?
5. Somebody said- It’s egregious taking advantage of stupidity and we agree! More egregious is “Learned Stupidity” aka “Lemming” aka “Never Question” aka “What Kissinger calls The Useless Eater”, yada…
6. Was it W.C. Fields who said during a Skit- “Why spend your money, when common schools are graduating Suckers on average every 7 Seconds”! Politicos get this!
7. The Good News! A growing number of young people are escaping “Old” Paradigms with respect to manipulation and propaganda. We applaud them! If most Contemporary Elders were responsible and frankly competent, young African- Americans especially, ADOS, would not be looking down the barrel of inherited poverty and perpetual “Inverted Yield Curves”! Apostate Preachers, Sell Out Gift of Gab Politicos, Abdicated Parental Authority and Free have devastated ambitions for lots! Mismanagement of Public Resources is just as grotesque as stealing, maybe worst!
Peace Out…
Was asked for more proof! City Hall or “Pity” Hall? WE ARE PRO “Fair Share” but hmmm…, ‘c’mon…
LBRC- Was asked for More Proof “There’s a Drunken Sailor Somewhere in City Hall”!
1. Your Council Politicos have proposed “Numerous Tax Hikes and potentially more aka “A Gun Free French Quarter” (Additional Enforcement Cost?). What about “Wholistic Crime” Citywide? Hmmm.., Crickets?
a. What has these newbies or “Old Heads” ever proposed in terms of needed “Roll Backs” or innovative savings induced via technology ‘Dat “Really Deliver” minus glowing diatribes? Again “Roll Backs” simply because salaries have failed to keep pace with “New Taxes” or “Inflation”, if they comprehend basic economic fundamentals at all! When affordable housing is practically non existent- Except in NOE where Sect. 8 is still “The Dumping Ground” and the “Perennial ‘Okeedoke is “The Status Quo”! The Council Person other than The Dist. E Person appears to have more clout regarding a “Gas Over”/Hydrocarbon in Dist. E. Does B speak for E? Ans. Only when a “Diversion Tactic” is in order aka “Don’t blame E, blame B and conversely Don’t blame me B, blame E”! If you’re a Political Lemming and this sounds like a “Logic or High order Mathematical Process”, so what, right?
b. What is an independent thinker? What it isn’t is somebody who walks into a voting booth with an A, B or C aka Alphabet Soup Politico Ballot and functions like what they really are aka “Dependent Mindless Lemming”! Tax Proposal on a Ballot? Let’s see, who says yes?
c. Thought Experiment: Whose responsibility is it to explain any “Tax Proposal”? Ans. Anybody who proposed it! Otherwise, what is 1st Hand Data exposed to be “Verified or Not”? 2nd and 3rd Hand Date (Pseudo Science) is “So and so said it’s a Good ‘Thang, or ‘Dat A, B, C Politico Group told me to press ‘Dat Button! More egregious is, “I can’t explain it, but I just have a “Feeling”! Mary, Joseph and 3 in a Fiery Furnace…, aka WTF (Wholly Thinking Fool), oops and sorry?
c. Why would you vote yes for what you do not comprehend? A 45% Interest over 5 years Auto Loan, it matters not I do not comprehend how much, I need transportation for my “Several Kids”? Stupidity? btw- Pray The Most High Returns before ‘Simps are asked to vote Yea/Nea Ethnic Slavery as a “Single Item Proposition” at the expense of 1/2 Million Dollars of Public Funds to put it there! Mary, Joseph and Marta Caroli…
3. Your Politicos told you they need to spend and have spent “Billions” for outside Energy Advisors (ENTERGY is a MO- NOP- PULL IN OR MOP- PULLEY, as Johnny would’ve said at Public Hearings!
a. Who trained the Utility Advisors? Ans. a “University” somewhere coupled with experience!
b. Are there “Competent Local Universities” bearing “Contemporary Data, Research, Experiemce? Ans. Yes! Well… (You’ll get it on your drive or bicycle ride home or where night catches you as the ‘Temps would say…
Lots more unfortunately…, Politicos are all about “Withdrawals” from you know who, “Deposits and Maintenance to them is an “Irresponsible Abdication”!
Peace Out…
How about ‘Dis for a “Fair Share” issue?
LBRC- Hey NOLA- Been to The City Park Golfing Range Lately?
1. Whose going to pay for overrun expenses expanding debt plus updating the Range, or will The Millage Proposal take care of ‘Dat now? If I were a JFK HIgh Alumnus, in light of all the pesticides used over years ignoring “Best Practices” IPM/Integrated Pest Management (Also JFK is an Old Dump site, not a Landfill!) which exposed students for years to buried toxins ‘Dat are leaking somewhere, at the very least into “Ground H2O!
2. Didn’t you know ‘Dat when the money is approved to divided’Dat “All New Debts incurred will be used to settle them!
3. Watch for excuses of the dumbed down (Those trained to press levers or IT Screens)-
a. One probable Example- I voted in favor of it because OT said this one might be a “Good” one.
b. The Mayor said vote for it, so I did- “I believe anything she says”!
c. I wish I knew what I knew now before I voted in favor of it!
The Skinny?
‘Simps are Lemmings who never investigate or question. The are not independent thinkers but dependent Lemmings and Mendicants, who especially vote in favor of issues they clearly do not comprehend!
Peace Out…