Commentary

COMMENTARY: Coming together in Support for a Better New Orleans for All

NEW ORLEANS DATA NEWS WEEKLY — It is again springtime in New Orleans. Which means people across our City will be outside using the many amazing parks and other outdoor facilities enjoying the Big Easy and all it has to offer its citizens. On May 4, 2019 there is millage proposal renewal on the ballot and Data News Weekly believes it is good for our City and we encourage our readers and citizens across the City to get out and vote YES to PW Parks and Recreation – 6.31 Mills Tax.

Published

7 years ago

April 23, 2019

Oakland Post

By Edwin Buggage

Vote YES for the Future of New Orleans

It is again springtime in New Orleans. Which means people across our City will be outside using the many amazing parks and other outdoor facilities enjoying the Big Easy and all it has to offer its citizens.

On May 4, 2019 there is millage proposal renewal on the ballot and Data News Weekly believes it is good for our City and we encourage our readers and citizens across the City to get out and vote YES to PW Parks and Recreation – 6.31 Mills Tax.

Get Out and Vote

Early Voting is from April 20-27 and we are encouraging our citizens to get out and vote for this millage renewal because it is something that will benefit all our citizens in a positive way.

Data News Joins in Support of Millage to Improve Quality of Life of all New Orleanians

We are supporting this because we believe as many elected officials, civic groups and citizens from all walks of life who have endorsed it feel this millage renewal continues to move the city in a forward direction. Data News Weekly believes that having more places for our young people to experience the joy of being outdoors as well as the museums, programming and the many educational, sports and recreation and enrichment experiences that the Audubon Institute and the New Orleans Recreation Department offers is of the utmost importance in building the future of New Orleans and increasing the quality of life for everyone in our City.

We have outlined for our readers information about the millage and why they should vote YES:

Not a New Tax

• Not an increase in the tax rate, a renewal and reallocation (6.31 mils for parks and recreation more equitably distributed among Parks and Parkways, NORD, City Park and Audubon Commission)

• The 6.31-mill tax is a re-allocation of current millages that allows for a more equitable fair share of taxpayer dollars. The renewal supports four park partners: Audubon Commission, the Department of Parks and Parkways, The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission and City Park. This would be the first time that City Park would receive funding if the millage passes.

How it Benefits the Community

• Increase in funding for NORDC and Parks & Parkways—NORD will be able to increase programming and Parks & Parkways will be able to increase services to the community.

• If the millage passes, the 20-year agreement would be have an immediate impact that will provide more equitable access to parks and recreation and more equitable funding of Park Agencies.

• The partners will work together to implement storm water management practices to alleviate flooding.

Good Government and Accountability in Action

• Transparency and accountability for all 4 park partners with regard to how the funds are spent—regular interagency meetings and collaboration, as well as two community meetings a year to receive feedback from the community on parks and recreation in the City (this is set forth in the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement signed by all parties).

• This collaborative effort was developed in partnership with the Trust for Public Land, a national leader in parks and recreation advocacy. Better maintenance and improvements for green infrastructure, safer parks and positive recreational alternatives and improved quality of life for all.

Positive Impact on Quality of Life for All Citizens of New Orleans

• Collective impact to every neighborhood in the City—parks and opportunity for recreation improves our quality of life

• When the parks and recreation operators in this City work together to offer more access, more programming and improvements to our green space, the benefits can be seen City-wide

• Better maintenance and improvements for green infrastructure, safer parks and positive recreational alternatives and improved quality of life for all.

Early Voting Sites

City Hall

1300 Perdido Street, Room 1W24

New Orleans, LA 70112

Algiers Courthouse

225 Morgan Street, Room 105

New Orleans, LA 70114

Chef Menteur Voting Machine Warehouse Site

8870 Chef Menteur Highway

New Orleans, LA 70126

Lake Vista Community Center

6500 Spanish Fort Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 70124

This article originally appeared in the New Orleans Data News Weekly.

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Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

March 22, 2026

Oakland Post

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Advice

Financial Wellness and Mental Health: Managing Money Stress in College 

While everyone’s financial situation is unique, several common sources of stress have the potential to strain your financial health. These include financial and economic uncertainty, existing debts, unexpected expenses, and mental or physical health changes. Financial stress may differ from situation to situation, but understanding the factors contributing to yours may help you begin to craft a plan for your unique circumstances.

Published

2 weeks ago

March 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

As a college student, managing financial responsibilities can be stressful.

If you’ve found yourself staying up late thinking about your finances or just feeling anxious overall about your financial future, you’re not alone. In one survey, 78% of college students who reported financial stress had negative impacts on their mental health, and 59% considered dropping out. While finances can impact overall stress, taking steps to manage your finances can support your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

When it comes to money, the sources of stress may look different for each student, but identifying the underlying causes and setting goals accordingly may help you feel more confident about your financial future.

Consider these strategies to help improve your financial wellness and reduce stress.

Understand what causes financial stress

2. Determine your financial priorities

Start by reflecting on your financial priorities. For students this often includes paying for school or paying off student loans, studying abroad, saving for spring break, building an emergency fund, paying down credit card debt or buying a car. Name the milestones that are most important to you, and plan accordingly.

3. Create a plan and stick to it

While setting actionable goals starts you on the journey to better financial health, it’s essential to craft a plan to follow through. Identifying and committing to a savings plan may give you a greater sense of control over your finances, which may help reduce your stress. Creating and sticking to a budget allows you to better track where your money is going so you may spend less and save more.

4. Pay down debt

Many students have some form of debt and want to make progress toward reducing their debt obligations. One option is the debt avalanche method, which focuses on paying off your debt with the highest interest rate first, then moving on to the debt with the next-highest interest rate. Another is the debt snowball method, which builds momentum by paying off your smallest debt balance, and then working your way up to the largest amounts.

5. Build your financial resilience

Some financial stress may be inevitable, but building financial resilience may allow you to overcome obstacles more easily. The more you learn about managing your money, for instance, the more prepared you’ll feel if the unexpected happens. Growing your emergency savings also may increase resilience since you’ll be more financially prepared to cover unexpected expenses or pay your living expenses.

6. Seek help and support

Many colleges have resources to help students experiencing financial stress, like financial literacy courses or funds that provide some assistance for students in need. Talk to your admissions counselor or advisor about your concerns, and they can direct you to sources of support. Your school’s counseling center can also be a great resource for mental health assistance if you’re struggling with financial stress.

The bottom line

Financial stress can affect college students’ health and wellbeing, but it doesn’t have to derail your dreams. Setting smart financial goals and developing simple plans to achieve them may help ease your stress. Revisit and adjust your plan as needed to ensure it continues to work for you, and seek additional support on campus as needed to help keep you on track.

 JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC